Experts disagree over China's population size, but not over thoroughness of its FP program.

Since the People's Republic of China has not had a census since 1953 (although population counts were taken in 1964 and 1972) official vital rates are a matter of conjecture. However, China watchers agree that birth planning programs plus improvements in public health have resulted in substantial reductions in birth, death, and population growth rates. At the 1977 meeting of the Population Association of America estimated population figures ranged from 922 million with an annual growth rate of 1.75% to 876 million with a population growth rate of .8%. John S. Aird of the Foreign Demographic Analysis Division of the U.S. Department of Commerce has a high estimate of 977.9 million and a low of 889.0 million. A table summarized these estimates. All agree, however, that an extremely effective family planning program is in effect which has lowered birthrates even though the population of the country is relatively young. Marriages occur late. Divorce rate is probably very low. Infant mortality is low. Fertility is undoubtedly declining and is certainly lower than in the majority of developing countries.