Ancient Population Policy: Baby Boom Prosperity

On May 31, China announced a further relaxation in its family planning policy, allowing couples to have up to three children. Supportive measures will be formulated to encourage couples to have more children. The announcement came right after the release of the seventh national population census which shows the population is aging and the birth rate is falling.  Ancient Chinese dynasties used different ways to boost the fertility rate to ensure they had enough taxes and soldiers. Families also believed that more children would bring wealth and power. The Qin’s system of household registration and taxation was passed down to nearly all dynasties in the following 2,000 years. Having children at a young age and large families was encouraged, especially in the aftermath of a long period of social unrest and changes in dynasties. In late 18th century, China's population reached more than 300 million during the Golden Age of the last dynasty Qing. But people were struggling in povery. History proves that the quality and well-being of the population matter more than its size.