All articles tagged with #birth rate
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.
The US fertility rate hit a historic low in 2024 at less than 1.6 children per woman, aligning with rates in Western Europe, due to delayed childbearing and economic concerns, though overall population growth continues. Despite government efforts to boost birth rates, experts suggest these measures are symbolic and that demographic shifts are part of a longer-term trend of fertility delay.
Tokyo City Hall is developing a dating app called "Tokyo Futari Story" to encourage marriage and childbirth amid declining marriage and birth rates in Japan. The app, expected to launch later this year, may require identity verification and other personal details. The initiative is part of broader efforts to address labor shortages and support families, including cash payments and child-care facilities.