China (one-child policy)

China's one-child policy was a population control measure implemented in 1979 to curb rapid population growth. It restricted urban families to having only one child, although there were some exceptions for ethnic minorities and rural families. This policy aimed to alleviate social, economic, and environmental issues. While it successfully reduced population growth, it also led to unintended consequences, such as an aging population and gender imbalances due to a cultural preference for boys. The policy was officially relaxed in 2015, allowing families to have two children, and later adjusted to permit three children in 2021 in response to demographic challenges.