A county in China is providing newlywed {couples} a "reward" of 1,000 yuan (£109) if the bride is aged 25 and beneath, because the nation battles a declining start charge and searches for methods to get younger folks to marry.  

Changshan county stated the reward was to advertise "age-appropriate marriage and childbearing" for first marriages.

It additionally introduced a collection of childcare, fertility and schooling subsidies for {couples} who've youngsters.

Marriage charges in China hit a report low in 2022 at 6.8 million, the bottom since 1986 - and down 800,000 from the earlier yr.

The drop in marriages has driven down birth rates, with official insurance policies making it arduous for single girls to have youngsters.

China's fertility charge, already one of many world's lowest, dropped to a report low of 1.09 in 2022, in response to estimates reported by state media.

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Many girls are postpone having extra youngsters - or any in any respect - due to excessive childcare prices and the impacts on their careers.

Gender discrimination and conventional stereotypes of girls caring for youngsters are nonetheless widespread in China.

Low client confidence and rising issues over the well being of China's economic system are additionally key components cited by younger Chinese for not desirous to get married and have youngsters.