Chongqing- Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Statistics recently briefed on the population development of Chongqing in 2021, touching on topics such as more frequent population movement, an aging population, and improved quality of life. 

In 2021, the urbanization rate of Chongqing exceeded 70% for the first time, reaching 70.32%. (iChongqing/Zheng Ran)

The urban-rural gap will narrow

China's urbanization progress will continue, with the urbanization ratio reaching 70% by 2035, according to a report published by the National Academy of Economic Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. As the urbanization rate grows, the speed of urbanization will remain steady and then slowly decline.

In 2021, the urbanization rate of Chongqing exceeded 70% for the first time, reaching 70.32%, compared to a national urbanization rate of 64.72%, 5.60 percentage points higher than the national average.

"Experience from home and abroad shows that when the urbanization rate reaches 70%, steady development will replace rapid development, and the urban-rural gap will narrow. Population growth in urban areas will gradually slow down," said Mi Qingkui, Director of the Population and Employment Statistics Division of Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Statistics.

The scenery of the Chongqing urban area. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

The permanent population is likely to shrink

According to the data, Chongqing's permanent population was 32.12 million in 2021, an increase of 35,000 over the previous year. 

Based on the prediction for Chongqing's age structure and socio-economic development, the city's population development will have predictable features in the next five years. For example, the birth rate will remain low under multiple factors, such as a decreasing number of women of childbearing age year after year and a lack of willingness to have babies. The permanent resident population is likely to shrink.

It is projected that Chongqing's elderly population will continue to expand in the next few years. The size of the working-age population will remain essentially unchanged, but the proportion of the working-age in the total population will gradually fall.

"Chongqing's permanent population was expanding, but it also sent a slow pace signal, caused by the declining fertility rate, the climbing death rate, and negative natural population growth," said Mi. 

Although the natural population growth will fall gradually, the growing net population outflow has secured a steady growth for the total population. Chongqing's population will see long-term balanced and sustainable development. 

Attracting migrants to come

The number of migrants to Chongqing will grow, reaching 2.23 million, adding 34,100 over 2020. According to Mi, population movement is a natural result of Chongqing's economic development.

In recent years, Chongqing's socio-economic development has maintained a sound trend due to improved city image, promoted industrialization and urbanization, convenient transportation, and more job opportunities. In particular, the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle has further boosted personnel exchanges between Chongqing and Sichuan.

At the same time, Chongqing has formulated policies to introduce talent and help returned migrant workers start their businesses. Those outside Chongqing have developed an enormous interest in the city, causing Chongqing's urbanization level will continue to take the lead in Southwest China.