birth rate

India's Fertility Rate Drops Below Replacement Level, Signaling Major Societal Shift

India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, according to the SRS Statistical Report 2024. This demographic shift, driven by increased education, career aspirations, and later marriages for women, marks a transition from concerns about overpopulation to managing a declining birth rate and an aging population.

Germany's population shrinks, fuel prices fall, Merz gifts Trump a jersey

Germany's population declined by 110,000 in 2025 due to low birth rates. Fuel prices dropped near pre-war levels amid potential US-Iran peace talks. Chancellor Merz presented Donald Trump with a German World Cup jersey at the G7 summit.

Germany's population shrinks by 110,000 in 2025, birth rate hits record low

Germany's population decreased by approximately 110,000 people in 2025, marking the first calendar-year reduction since 2020. The decline is attributed to a lower birth rate and reduced net migration, with the aging population and a shrinking primary tax-paying demographic highlighted.

France's Demographic Shift: Aging Population and Declining Birth Rate

France faces a significant demographic shift with an aging population and declining birth rate projected by 2070. New data from Insee and COR highlight the urgent need to address these changes, which will impact the economy and society.

Hong Kong Newborn Baby Bonus Set to Expire, Future Uncertain

Hong Kong's HK$20,000 newborn baby bonus, launched in 2023, is set to expire in October. The government will consult the public on whether to continue the incentive, which has benefited over 65,000 babies and cost HK$1.3 billion.

Smartphones May Be a Factor in Declining Birth Rates, Research Suggests

Research by economist Caitlin Myers suggests smartphones, introduced in 2007, may explain 1/3 to 1/2 of the 22% decline in U.S. birth rates since 2007, citing reduced in-person interaction and increased access to contraceptive information and pornography.

Taiwan's birth rate hits historic low, lawmaker criticizes government inaction

Taiwan's total population decreased by over 100,000 year-on-year to 23.25 million by May, with only 6,832 births in May, a near historic low. Legislator Chen Ching-hui criticized the Ministry of Health and Welfare for unpreparedness and evasion of legislative responsibility regarding the "Taiwan Future Account" bill, essential for addressing the declining birth rate.

Japan's Child Population Hits Historic Low Amid Declining Birth Rates

Japan's child population (under 15) has fallen to a historic low of 13.29 million, down 350,000 from last year. This decline, linked to falling birth rates and fewer marriages, now represents only 10.8% of the total population, a stark contrast to 35.1% in 1950.

Spain Faces Demographic Glaciation: Low Birth Rate, High Life Expectancy, and Stagnant Economy

Spain's demographic outlook is grim, with a record-low birth rate, high life expectancy, and delayed emancipation. Projections for 2062 show a large centenarian population, straining pension systems and economic productivity.

India's Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level, SRS Data Reveals Uneven Trends

India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, below replacement level, according to new SRS data. While national averages show a decline, significant regional disparities persist, with states like Bihar still having high fertility rates. The data also highlights shifts in birth order, reduced infant mortality but persistent dangers in the first week of life, and a concerning gap in medical attention at the time of death.

TFC Founder: High Housing Prices Key to Taiwan's Low Birth Rate

TFC Taipei Fertility Center founder Tseng Chi-jui argues high housing prices are the main reason for Taiwan's low birth rate. He proposes a "housing for all" policy, inspired by "land to the tiller," to ensure young people can afford homes, save, start families, and raise children.

China Allocates 99.9 Billion Yuan for 2026 Childcare Subsidies Amid Falling Birth Rates

China's Ministry of Finance has allocated 99.9 billion yuan for 2026 childcare subsidies, a 10.6% increase, to encourage births amid a record low birth rate of 5.63 per thousand in 2025. The subsidies, part of a national scheme, support children under three.

England's declining birth rate leads to school closures, disproportionately affecting SEN pupils

Declining birth rates in England are causing school closures, with nearly 30% of pupils in closed schools having special educational needs (SEN), compared to 20% nationally. This trend disproportionately impacts SEN students, raising concerns about future provision and support.

Estonia Faces Demographic Crisis: Declining Birth Rates and Immigration Concerns

Estonia's population is projected to halve by 2100 due to declining birth rates and balanced migration. Researchers warn that a significant influx of immigrants to maintain population levels could make native Estonians a minority, particularly among the youth.

India's Birth Rate Falls Below Replacement Level, SRS Report Shows

India's total fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, with most states now having fewer than 2.1 children per woman. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remain above the mark, while Delhi has the lowest rate. The working-age population is growing, but the elderly population is also increasing.

Paris Families Seek Quality of Life Amidst Declining Birth Rates

Paris is experiencing a decline in families due to high housing costs, leading to a low fertility rate of 1.25 children per woman. Le Figaro interviews families about their reasons for living in the city and their hopes for change.

SpaceX IPO, Data Centers, and Declining Birth Rates

SpaceX filed for a historic IPO, despite significant losses, aiming to revolutionize mobile communications. Meanwhile, resistance to data centers grows, and a theory suggests smartphones and 5G may be linked to declining birth rates.

Italy's Birth Rate Plummets: 6.6 Million People Forego Desired Children

In Italy, where birth rates are at historic lows, 6.6 million people aged 18-49 have given up on having desired children, primarily due to economic and work-related issues, according to Istat.

Nearly 60% of Australian Parents Experience Psychological Distress, Survey Finds

A survey of 10,000 Australian parents reveals nearly 60% are experiencing psychological distress, impacting their children. Experts link this to the record-low birth rate and call for societal and governmental support beyond community programs.

Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Increased Birth Rate

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged Iranians to increase birth rates for the country's future strategic advancements. Iran, with 92 million people, faces a declining fertility rate, dropping from 6.5 in 1979 to 1.7 in 2024.

Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Increased Birth Rate Amid Regional Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei urged Iranians to increase birth rates, shifting focus from war rhetoric. This comes as Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to make concessions in negotiations with the US to end the regional war and halt its nuclear program.

Expert: Smartphones Not Sole Cause of Declining Global Birth Rates

An expert argues that blaming smartphones for declining global birth rates is an oversimplification, citing urbanization, economic instability, and changing women's roles as more significant factors. While smartphone use and falling birth rates coincide, they are not causally linked.

Smartphones and weaker relationships linked to falling global birth rates

Global birth rates are declining at a record pace, with researchers linking heavy smartphone and social media use, alongside weaker face-to-face relationships, to the trend. The Financial Times reported that birth rates dropped sharply in multiple countries after widespread smartphone adoption.

Andhra plans cash incentives to boost birth rates