Study on the Spatial-temporal Pattern and Influencing Factors of Population Shrinkage of Counties in Heilongjiang Province

Based on the data of the 5th, the 6th and the 7th censuses, this paper measures the population shrinkage of 121 counties in Heilongjiang province from 2000 to 2020, and analyzes the spatial characteristics on population shrinkage, explores the influencing factors of population shrinkage. The results show that: (1) population shrinkage of counties in Heilongjiang province are significant during the study period, particularly from 2010 to 2020. Population shrinkage of counties in Qiqihar, Yichun, Jixi accounts for a higher proportion in Heilongjiang province from 2000 to 2010.Population shrinkage of counties in Qitaihe, Suihua and Daxing’anling is very serious from 2010 to 2020.(2) During the study period, the counties which transfer growth type to shrinkage type are most in all counties, accounting for 47.11%. They locate in the middle of Heilongjiang province; the continuous shrinkage type of counties account for 44.63%, which locate in the north and in the southeast of Heilongjiang province; A few counties aren’t shrinkage type and several counties change from shrinkage to growth. (3) The population shrinkage counties form four agglomeration patterns, the scope of "high-high" agglomeration area reduced, and the scope of "low-low" agglomeration area expanded from 2000 to 2020. (4) Population shrinkage in Heilongjiang province is affected by the economic development level.