How does the One Child Policy work?

The policy encourages fewer and healthier children, delayed marriage and child bearing. Parents are only limited to one child in urban areas such as Beijing or Shanghai. In rural areas two children are permitted and in regions of ethnic minorities there are no restrictions.

Parents are encouraged to obey the policy by the significant benefits available to a "One-Child Certificate" holder. These benefits include income bonuses, better healthcare, a better pension and priority for housing. The child also recieves priority for daycare, education and jobs in the future.

Refusal to obey the policy results in a 10% tax increase and in urban areas can bring heavy fines of up to 50% of a families annual income.