All articles tagged with #birth rate
Japan now has a record 107,677 centenarians — about 88% of them women — highlighting a longevity boom even as births hit a historic low. The country’s aging population is shrinking the workforce and increasing pension, healthcare and elderly-care costs, with population projected to fall to about 87 million by 2070 and immigration debates ongoing to offset labor shortages.
Singapore faces one of the world’s lowest fertility rates and an aging population as the government unveils nearly SG$70,000 in direct per‑child support through age 17, plus grants for medical and education expenses, cheaper preschool and longer parental leave. While the measures aim to boost births, a YouGov survey showed about a quarter of Singaporeans don’t plan to have children, and even with incentives, high living costs, intense work culture, and education pressures keep many couples hesitant to start a family.
A National Bureau of Economic Research study finds the iPhone’s 2007–2011 spread could explain about 33% to 52% of the U.S. fertility decline, with the strongest effects among those under 24. The analysis shows births fell 4.5–8% among teens 15–19 and 3.2–6.6% among 20–24, but researchers caution smartphones are just one factor among costs, delayed marriage and broader demographic trends that shape family formation.
A Middlebury College study exploiting AT&T’s early iPhone exclusivity (2007–2011) finds birth rates fell faster in counties with more AT&T coverage, suggesting smartphones may influence social behavior and reduce fertility, though causation isn’t established and other factors could contribute; the finding adds to broader policy discussions on aging populations and impacts of technology on society.
Two studies link smartphone diffusion, starting with the iPhone in 2007, to notable drops in births in the U.S. (4.5–8.0% for ages 15–19; 3.2–6.6% for ages 20–24) and across 128 countries, suggesting a global 'technology shock' that reduced in-person dating and sexual activity; however, causality is not proven and declines began before smartphones for some groups.
South Korea’s births rose 6.8% in 2025 to 254,500—the largest yearly increase in 18 years—lifting the total fertility rate to 0.80. The rebound, helped by the early- to mid-1990s cohort entering peak childbearing age (the so-called second echo-boom) and continued government incentives for marriage and childbirth, follows two years of gains and comes as firstborns rose 8.6% and the average maternal age reached 33.8. While the trend signals a demographic upswing, the fertility rate remains the OECD’s lowest.
Four years of Russia's invasion have driven Ukraine’s fertility rate to about 1.00 births per woman in 2025, with some estimates as low as 0.8–0.9. Russia’s fertility rate has fallen to around 1.37 in 2025 despite incentives to boost births, and the combined demographic squeeze—due to war, displacement and insecurity—could depress future labor supply and growth for both countries, even after peace, with migration likely to continue.
Armenia’s opposition Strong Armenia party floated creating a dedicated Ministry of Sex to ensure there are “no unsatisfied women” and to address Armenia’s falling birth rate. The idea, proposed by Sargis Karapetyan after a podcast discussion and linked to activism among certain voters, drew swift backlash as critics called it sexist. Karapetyan suggested the department could also address population decline, though policy details were not outlined. The plan comes as Strong Armenia eyes a formal prime minister candidate by Feb. 12, with polls placing it second behind the ruling Civil Contract party; potential candidate Narek Karapetyan (nephew of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan) has been mentioned by local media.
China’s population declined for the fourth straight year to about 1.404 billion in 2025, with births at 7.92 million and a birth rate of 5.63 per 1,000—the lowest since 1949—despite subsidies and policy tweaks intended to boost births; analysts say aging demographics and high costs are weighing on family formation, and reforms to pension systems and tax bases may be needed to sustain growth as the economy shifts away from labor-intensive industries.
China’s birth rate fell to a record 5.63 per 1,000 in 2025, while the death rate rose to 8.04 per 1,000 and the population shrank by 3.39 million to 1.4 billion, despite incentives such as a three-child policy and baby bonuses; experts warn that aging and a slowing economy threaten the labor force and pension system.
Despite high-profile pledges from Trump and allies to boost U.S. birthrates, the administration has moved slowly: attempts to expand tax credits or create a universal baby bonus failed, IVF cost reductions were narrow, and a planned White House family summit fizzled, leaving conservatives frustrated as the birthrate hit a new low and policy remains largely unprioritized beyond immigration focus.
Finland's birth rate remains historically low despite generous family support policies, driven by factors like economic uncertainty, relationship challenges, and changing life priorities among young people, raising concerns about future demographic shifts and policy effectiveness.
Some conservatives are urging President Trump to prioritize family policies to address the declining U.S. birth rate, advocating for measures like expanding child tax credits, reducing childcare costs, and supporting reproductive health initiatives, amid concerns that the issue is not being sufficiently addressed by the administration.
Chile is experiencing a significant decline in birth rates, driven by personal choices among young women who are concerned about how motherhood might limit their freedom and opportunities, reflecting a broader trend of declining fertility in Latin America.
Japan experienced its steepest population decline since 1968 last year, with nearly a million more deaths than births, driven by low fertility rates, an aging population, and limited impact of government policies. Despite record foreign residents, the country faces significant demographic challenges affecting its economy and social systems, with cultural and economic barriers hindering efforts to boost birth rates.