Population environment and sustainable development in Guangdong.

This article discusses the effectiveness of family planning (FP) in Guangdong province, China, based on population growth, educational status, and population aging. Population size in Guangdong province increased despite an active FP program. The population numbered 70.5 million in December 1997, which represents an addition of 9.0 million since 1990. The birth rate was 16.9/000 in 1997. The rate of natural increase was 11.5/1000 in 1997. The birth rate and the rate of natural increase in Guangdong, were both higher than the national average of 16.9/1000 and 10.1/1000, respectively. Only 77.0% of births, compared to 92.2% of births nationally, were planned. The increases are attributed to high parity births and uncertain birth intervals, especially in rural areas. Educational levels increased from 73.8% to 81.4% during 1990-97. However, there is still a lack of well-trained and well-educated workers and a high rate of illiteracy, especially among women. In 1997, the population distribution reflected 28.6% of the population aged under 14 years and 7.3% aged over 65 years. The population distribution will result in greater pressure on employment and a heavy burden of old age support among the middle aged population. The provincial government aims to limit population size to under 73.7 million by the year 2000 and to limit high parity births in rural areas. Funding needs to be increased for education in order to increase enrollment. Employment in the service sector increased from 17.3% to 26.0% in the shift to a modern economic structure.