Countries with the world’s lowest birth rates

Nov 12, 2024

By: BI India Bureau

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Total fertility rate

The total fertility rate represents the number of children a woman would bear if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years. The data used here is sourced from the World Bank Group’s total fertility rate statistics.

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Hong Kong SAR, China (0.7)

Hong Kong has the lowest birth rate in the world and the reasons for this are high living costs, limited space, intense work culture and delayed marriage and childbearing among the younger population.

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Republic of Korea (South Korea) (0.8)

South Korea's low birth rate is driven by high housing and education costs, long work hours, gender inequality and delayed marriages, leading to fewer children per family.

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Palau (0.8)

Palau has a low birth rate due to a small population, high emigration for better opportunities and a growing trend toward urbanisation and lifestyle changes, leading to delayed childbearing.

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Puerto Rico (0.9)

Puerto Rico’s low birth rate is influenced by economic challenges, high cost of living, limited access to affordable childcare and migration to the mainland U.S. for better opportunities.

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British Virgin Islands (1.0)

The British Virgin Islands has a low birth rate due to a small, ageing population, high cost of living, limited job opportunities for young families, and emigration for work.

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Singapore (1.0)

Singapore's low birth rate is attributed to high living costs, long work hours, delayed marriage, and the prioritisation of careers over family life, alongside limited space for raising children.

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Macao SAR, China (1.1)

Macao’s low birth rate is driven by high living costs, small living spaces, long work hours, and a trend of delayed marriage and childbearing, especially among younger generations.

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Malta (1.1)

Malta's low birth rate is influenced by high living costs, limited affordable housing, career prioritisation, delayed marriages and a trend toward smaller families as economic pressures increase.

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Spain (1.2)

Spain's low birth rate is due to economic uncertainty, high youth unemployment, expensive housing, delayed marriages and a cultural shift toward smaller families, with many opting for careers over having children.

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China (1.2)

China's low birth rate is a direct influence of the one-child policy, economic pressures, high living costs, urbanisation and changing social norms, with many prioritising careers and personal freedom.

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