A county in China is providing newlywed {couples} a "reward" of 1,000 yuan (£109) if the bride is aged 25 and below, because the nation battles a declining beginning charge and searches for methods to get younger folks to marry.  

Changshan county mentioned the reward was to advertise "age-appropriate marriage and childbearing" for first marriages.

It additionally introduced a sequence of childcare, fertility and training subsidies for {couples} who've kids.

Marriage charges in China hit a report low in 2022 at 6.8 million, the bottom since 1986 - and down 800,000 from the earlier 12 months.

The drop in marriages has pushed down beginning charges, with official insurance policies making it exhausting for single ladies to have kids.

China's fertility charge, already one of many world's lowest, dropped to a report low of 1.09 in 2022, in line with estimates reported by state media.

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Many ladies are postpone having extra kids - or any in any respect - due to excessive childcare prices and the impacts on their careers.

Gender discrimination and conventional stereotypes of girls caring for kids are nonetheless widespread in China.

Low client confidence and rising issues over the well being of China's financial system are additionally key components cited by younger Chinese for not desirous to get married and have kids.

Content Source: information.sky.com