A preliminary analysis of mortality in China]

An analysis of mortality trends in China, based on data from the 1982 census, is presented. It shows that the mortality rate has gradually declined since 1949, but has recently leveled off and is now on the rise again. The main reasons for this decline were fewer deaths from disease and the changing age structure of the population. It is noted that the mortality rate varies from region to region, with infant mortality in border areas accounting for a large portion of total deaths. An increase in life expectancy has occurred as a result of declining mortality.