Chinese Demography

The Economist has an intriguing article about China's demographic problems over the next roughly 40 years. Here is the most telling quote:

In the traditional Chinese family, children, especially sons, look after their parents. (snip) But rapid ageing also means China faces what is called the “4-2-1 phenomenon”: each only child is responsible for two parents and four grandparents. Even with high savings rates, it seems unlikely that the younger generation will be able or willing to afford such a burden.

See the chart comparing demographic features for China and the U.S. - amazing stuff.