Population of China

As of October 07, 2026, China’s population is estimated at 1,412,077,860, based on linear interpolation between the most recent official reference dates in the United Nations population projections.

As of July 1, 2026, China's population is projected at 1,412,914,089 (1.413 billion), down from 1,416,096,094 (1.416 billion) on July 1, 2025. In 1982, China became the first country to surpass 1 billion people. China's population peaked at around 1.43 billion in 2021 and is projected to fall to 1.26 billion by 2050 and 633 million by 2100.

China is the second-most populous country in the world, trailing top-ranked India by 63.71 million people and leading third-ranked the United States by 1.06 billion. It was the world's most populous country until India surpassed China in 2022.

China accounts for 17.02% of the world population. Its share of the global population peaked at 22.53% in 1974 and is projected to decline further to 6.22% by 2100. China accounts for around 29.1% of Asia's total population.

China's population growth rate is projected at -0.22% in 2026, ranking 190th among 237 countries and dependent territories. The population growth rate peaked at 3.29% in 1963.

China is projected to lose 3.09 million people in 2026, roughly equivalent to the population of 138th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its annual population increase peaked in 1963, at approximately 22.51 million people.

• Population
• Growth rate
• Net change

China population projections

China population estimates