Floating people are those who left their native city to find a job or to study elsewhere. (Photo : China Daily)
In the next five years, the floating populace of China is predicted to increase 6 million per year, reaching 291 million by 2020, according to a government report released on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Floating people are those who have left their native places to seek education or employment elsewhere.
The report released by the National Health and Family Planning Commission also showed that as of the end of last year, the statistic has already reached 253 million. This number is tantamount to one-sixth of China's total population.
The commission's report, however, pointed out that the rate of increase of the floating populace will be lower compared with the previous five years. The past five years saw the figure grow by 8 million per year, the report added.
Data also revealed the more than half of the said population expressed their intent and interest to settle down.
Additionally, 55 percent said they have already spent at least three years in the places where they are currently living.
Looking beyond the individual level, the report also provided a glimpse about the floating populace on a family level.
The health and family planning group's report remarked that close to 90 percent of the married floating people who were at least 35 years of age are living with their spouses.
Furthermore, more and more senior citizens and children have also started living and have been integrated into their respective floating families.
