Population Crisis in China

The problem of uncontrolled population growth prompted the government of China in 1955 to begin a program that restricts families to have only one child. China is one of the most densely populated nations of the world. It has the largest population, estimated at more than 1.1 billion people. China’s 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million square miles) gives it a population density of about 119 people per square kilometer (309 people per square mile). But because the land is not all habitable, the density in inhabited places is much higher. By comparison, the United States, whose 250 million people live on a land area approximately equivalent to that of China has a population density of only 27 people per square kilometers (70 people per square mile). China is attempting family planning by only permitting 1 child per couples in urban countries. If that couple were to separate, they are allowed to have another child with their second spouse, if any couple should have twins the...