Introduction to the Policy

China's one child policy is probably the most famous example of government intervention to affect fertility. The policy was introduced in 1979 by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in an attempt to curb rapid population growth. Although originally designed to be a temporary measure the policy is still in affect 30 years on.



China faces the difficult task of feeding 22% of the world's population on only 7% of the planet's arable land. The country has a history of disastrous famines so one is able to see why a plan to control the population was necessary.