According to data released on February 8, 2024, the number of marriage registrations in China was 6.106 million pairs, showing a decrease in the number of people getting married compared to 2023. This news became a hot topic on February 10.
The data released by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs on February 8 showed that in 2024, there were 6.106 million marriage registrations and 2.621 million divorce registrations in China. In 2023, the total number of marriage registrations was 7.680 million pairs, with 2.593 million divorce registrations.
A comparison of the data reveals that the number of marriage registrations in China decreased by 1.574 million pairs in 2024 compared to 2023, a decrease of about 20.5%. On the other hand, the number of divorce registrations increased by 28,000 pairs, an increase of around 1.1%.
Prior to 2023, the number of marriage registrations in China had been declining for several years. According to a report by The Paper on February 9, in 2013, there were 13.469 million marriage registrations in China, which started decreasing yearly from 2014. In 2019, it fell below the 10 million mark, dropping below 8 million in 2021, reaching 6.835 million in 2022, and dropping below the 7 million mark. In 2023, it rebounded to 7.68 million. In 2024, after experiencing a rebound in 2023, the number of marriage registrations in China once again declined.
The news of the decline in the number of people getting married has sparked significant attention and discussion among netizens. On Tencent alone, over 11,000 netizens have commented on this issue. Many people lament that the pressures of life are too great, the bride price is too high, or raising children is too difficult, so they dare not get married.
“Jia” said, “First solve the issue of survival, then consider living in a relaxed environment, and then get married and have children! Otherwise, the child born will suffer just like you, and will blame you for why you gave birth to them in the first place.”
“Jiange Treading the World” said, “Perhaps the number of marriages will increase this year due to the double spring year, but it’s difficult to talk about marrying a wife with such high bride prices. Additionally, the pressure of getting married and having children is too great. Many young people do not have the ability to support a family, it’s not that they don’t want to marry, but they can’t afford it. In an era with such a high divorce rate, a simple mistake could leave both parties empty-handed!”
“Happy and Joyful Every Day” also mentioned, “The fast pace of life and economic pressure are the main reasons for the decline in childbirth.”
“★Axing☆” said, “If you can’t afford the bride price, it’s better for each person to live well on their own.”