China Census Data: Population Trends by Administrative Division (1912–2020)
Tracking the demographic shifts of one of the world's most populous nations provides critical insight into urbanization, migration, and regional development. Census data from 1912 through 2020 reveals a trajectory of massive growth and significant redistribution across various administrative divisions—the geographic areas used for government administration.
From the early 20th century to the modern era, the population has expanded from hundreds of millions to over 1.4 billion, with specific provinces emerging as primary hubs of human activity.
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Key Facts
- Peak Population: The People's Republic of China reached 1,419,993,000 people by 2020.
- Most Populous Province: Guangdong is the most populous province, growing from 28,011,000 in 1912 to 126,012,510 in 2020.
- Rapid Growth Hubs: Zhejiang showed significant growth, increasing from 21,440,000 in 1912 to 64,567,588 in 2020.
- Historical Shifts: The Republic of China's recorded population peaked around 469,203,000 in the mid-20th century data provided.
- Urban Centers: Beijing grew from 1,722,000 in 1947 to 21,893,095 in 2020.
Regional Population Analysis
The Powerhouses of the East and South
Provinces such as Guangdong, Shandong, and Henan consistently rank among the most populous. Guangdong, in particular, has seen a steady climb, surpassing 100 million residents by 2010 and reaching over 126 million by 2020. Similarly, Shandong and Henan have maintained populations near or above the 100 million mark in recent decades.
Central and Western Dynamics
Sichuan remains a critical demographic center in the west. While it saw a peak of 107,218,173 in 1990, its population adjusted to 83,674,866 by 2020. In contrast, regions like Xinjiang and Yunnan have experienced consistent growth, reflecting expansion in the frontier provinces.
Municipalities and Special Administrative Regions
The growth of major cities is stark. Shanghai grew from 4,630,000 in 1947 to 24,870,895 in 2020. Special Administrative Regions (SARs) like Hong Kong and Macau also show growth, with Hong Kong reaching 7,474,200 by 2020.
Population Summary Table (Selected Years)
| Administrative Division | 1912 Population | 1947 Population | 2020 Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangdong | 28,011,000 | 27,210,000 | 126,012,510 |
| Shandong | 30,989,000 | 38,865,000 | 101,527,453 |
| Henan | 28,518,000 | 29,654,000 | 99,365,519 |
| Sichuan | 48,130,000 | 47,437,000 | 83,674,866 |
| Beijing | * | 1,722,000 | 21,893,095 |
| Shanghai | * | 4,630,000 | 24,870,895 |
Historical Administrative Changes
The data includes several divisions that no longer exist in the same form or have been absorbed into other provinces. These include Rehe, Xikang, Qahar, and Suiyuan. For example, Rehe's population was recorded at 6,593,000 in 1936–37 before the administrative restructuring of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which province has the highest population as of 2020?
Guangdong is the most populous province with 126,012,510 people.
How has Beijing's population changed since 1947?
Beijing's population grew from 1,722,000 in 1947 to 21,893,095 in 2020.
What was the total population of the People's Republic of China in 2020?
The total population was 1,419,993,000.
Which region showed a population decrease between 1990 and 2020?
Sichuan showed a decrease, moving from 107,218,173 in 1990 to 83,674,866 in 2020.
What is the population of Taiwan according to the provided data?
The population of Taiwan is listed as 7,591,298.