People are having fewer babies: Is it the end of the world?
4 days ago
- #population
- #demographics
- #fertility
- Global fertility rates are declining rapidly, with Mexico's average dropping from 7 children per woman in 1970 to 1.6 in 2023.
- By 2050, over three-quarters of countries are expected to have fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.
- Declining fertility rates pose challenges such as reduced innovation, productivity, and support for aging populations.
- South Korea's fertility rate fell dramatically from 4.5 in 1970 to 0.75 in 2024, leading to population decline.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is an exception, with high fertility rates and projected population growth, especially in Nigeria.
- Factors driving fertility decline include access to contraception, education, shifting social norms, and economic pressures.
- Rising costs, such as housing, and intense parenting cultures contribute to ultra-low fertility rates in some countries.
- Countries are implementing strategies like financial incentives to counter fertility declines, but full recovery is unlikely.
- Aging populations and urban-rural divides are significant challenges arising from declining fertility rates.