China’s marriage uptick raises hopes for higher birthrate
China’s marriage registry offices were busier than usual this year, with nearly 3.54 million couples tying the knot in the first half of 2025, a notable increase of 109,000 compared…
More Chinese provinces extend marriage leave in family support push
China is rolling out extended marriage leave in at least 27 provincial-level regions as part of ongoing efforts to foster a more family-friendly society. The government of Sichuan Province, one…
Pakistan projected to become third most populous country by 2050
Country’s fertility rate dropped from six live births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024, according to a UN report Pakistan’s fertility rate has dropped from six live births…
When less means more — why China’s demographic changes won’t derail its economy
Declining and aging populations often evoke concerns over economic growth. But in China, these challenges are met with accelerated economic restructuring and a holistic response, showing that less can indeed…
China unveils new policy measures to boost birth support
China on Monday introduced a series of new birth support policies aimed at building a society more conducive to raising children, as the nation confronts profound demographic challenges posed by…
Pakistan: Problems posed by rapid demographic change
Movements of people have mattered in Pakistan from the time of its birth almost eight decades ago as a predominantly Muslim state. As I estimated in my earlier writings, the…