Plus of 72 percent

“Year of the Dragon” brings baby boom in China

A baby boom is expected in China in the "Year of the Dragon" that has just begun. A hospital in the north-western province of Shaanxi even reported a 72 percent increase in the number of newborns. In mythology, the Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon stands for intelligence and wealth.

However, 72 percent more newborns are likely to be the exception. For example, a hospital in Wuxi in eastern China reported an increase of "only" 20 percent compared to the same period last year. The Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon is considered particularly auspicious.

However, demographers assume that the boom will only be short-lived. In terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, childcare in China is significantly more expensive than in Australia, France or the USA, for example.

Xi: "Cultivate a new culture of childbearing"
 Last year, the average woman in China had one child. The population has fallen for the second year in a row. India has now overtaken the People's Republic as the most populous country in the world.

Chinese politicians are concerned about the decline in the birth rate, as the population is currently ageing rapidly. President Xi Jinping said last year that it was necessary to "actively cultivate a new culture of marriage and childbearing." Many young people in China choose to remain single or at least postpone marriage. Reasons include poor job prospects and record youth unemployment.