Data shows slowest population growth in decades

China's population grew at its slowest pace in decades, according to government data released on Tuesday. 

The average annual growth rate was 0.53% over the past 10 years, down from a rate of 0.57% between 2000 and 2010 – bringing the population to 1.41bn.

The results add pressure on Beijing to boost measures for couples to have more babies and avert a population decline. 

The results were announced in a once-a-decade census, which was originally expected to be released in April. 

The census was conducted in late 2020 where some seven million census takers had gone door-to-door to collect information from Chinese households.

Given the sheer number of people surveyed, it is considered the most comprehensive resource on China's population, which is important for future planning.