1 month ago
56
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a world grappling with diverse demographic challenges, some countries and territories are experiencing low fertility rates, raising growing concerns.
As of 2024, European and Asian nations have led the global data of countries with the lowest fertility rate by Visual Capitalist. With a global average of 2.3, several countries even record rates of fewer than 1.4 children per woman.
The Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition identifies some factors that contribute to the low fertility rates, including the rise in contraceptive use, shifting attitudes of women toward employment, increasing child-raising costs, and urbanization.
List of Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rate in 2024
Here is the list of 10 countries with the lowest fertility rate in 2024, ranked from highest to lowest.
1. Spain
Historically, Spain has always been one of the countries with the lowest fertility rates. This year, however, the nation’s record is broken, falling to 1.3 children per woman.
Reuters attributes the decline to a combination of economic instability, poor-quality job opportunities, unemployment, and rising housing costs. Regardless, the Spanish government has not implemented sufficient supportive policies to address this concern.
2. Italy
When talking about the lowest fertility rate among the EU countries, Italy never loses a spot in the top three. With a decline to 1.3 children per woman, most Italians find it is more convenient not to give birth due to soaring child-raising costs, fear of losing their jobs, and working women’s shift to more secular values.
The Italian government continues to deal with the issue by implementing policies such as exemption from social security contributions, parental leave, and kindergarten bonuses, as outlined in the 2024 Budget Law.
3. Puerto Rico (US)
Affected by systematic social and economic challenges, the low fertility rate in Puerto Rico has long been a cause for alarm. As of 2024, the state also has a fertility rate of 1.3, also influenced by the poor healthcare infrastructure and reproductive rights.
The government hasn't come up with a proper policy to deal with the issue, as there are other more pressing concerns.
4. Moldova
A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Moldova reveals the factors behind the country's low fertility rate of 1.3. Economic challenges, the lack of flexible work arrangements, unequal division of household labor, and limited access to affordable childcare have all played a significant role in this decline.
With efforts such as improving daycare facilities, enhancing the social security system, and providing financial help, the government is indeed on a mission to alleviate the issue.
5. Macau (SAR)
Macau, a special administrative region of China, also has a low fertility rate of just 1.2. The decline, which started in 2019, is mainly due to the pandemic and the economic environment.
Although the government has been encouraging young people to marry and have children, citizens have pushed back, citing a lack of recognition of the realities of raising children in the country today.
6. Hong Kong (SAR)
Similarly, Hong Kong's fertility rate stands at 1.2 children per woman. Beyond economic factors, its citizens cited limited childcare facilities, a highly competitive education system and short parental leave as reasons for their decision not to have children.
The Hong Kong government has been taking steps to address the decline in fertility rates by implementing policies aimed at encouraging childbearing. Notable efforts include a $20,000 cash bonus for newborns and an increase in the home loan interest deduction ceiling to US$120,000.
7. Ukraine
Ukraine's low fertility rate, which has dropped to 1.2, is largely attributed to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, a factor considered more influential than the ongoing war.
As many families have chosen to postpone having children, the government has made efforts to address the issue by tackling unemployment and improving access to education.
8. Singapore
Third on the list, Singapore is consistently ranked as having one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. With a figure of 1.2 children per woman, the city-state’s concerning situation is driven by major factors like delayed childbearing, high cost of living, and work-life balance.
To address this issue, Singapore introduced the Baby Bonus Scheme in 2001 to encourage childbearing. In addition to this, the country offers a "cash gift" of SG$ 11,000 for each of the first two children. Parents can also set up Child Development Accounts (CDAs), to which the government contributes SG$5,000, to help cover expenses such as healthcare and education.
9. South Korea
With a fertility rate of 1.1, South Korea is seeing a continuous decline due to the high cost of living and education, a gendered division of labor, a family-unfriendly work culture, and pervasive economic uncertainty.
The government has implemented various policies, such as the "Framework Act on Low Birth Rate in an Aging Society" and a five-year plan launched in 2006, with an ongoing fourth phase (2021–2025). However, there have been repeated reports of a decline as policies have not yet been able to address deeper structural problems.
10. Taiwan
Taking the high position, Taiwan has always been recognized as the country with the lowest fertility rate. This year, the country’s rate fell to 1.1, which was attributed to two major challenges, including the difficulty of finding a spouse and the burden of caring for aging parents.
Despite government initiatives such as childcare and school subsidies and parental leave policies, the challenges remain.
Editor’s Choice: 20 Most Relaxing Holiday Destinations in the World: Peaceful and Quiet Countries
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
