demographics2 hours ago
South Korea's Fertility Rebound Masks Deepening Regional Imbalances
South Korea has reversed its historic fertility decline, with the total fertility rate rising to approximately 0.9 in 2026 after hitting a low of 0.78 in 2022. This recovery, driven by cash incentives and expanded childcare, is concentrated heavily in the capital region, which now accounts for over half of all national births. While the national trend is positive, rural areas face a shrinking youth population, prompting new government strategies to improve regional settlement conditions.