Global birth rates plummet as no country escapes the decline
Birth rates are falling worldwide, with no country immune to the trend. From Sweden to South Korea, fewer children are being born, and no government policy has managed to reverse the decline. The consequences stretch across economies, family life, and the future stability of nations. South Korea's fertility rate tells a stark story. It dropped from 1.13 in 2006 to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, despite the government spending around $210 billion over 17 years. A slight recovery to 0.75 in 2024 and roughly 0.8 in 2025 has done little to ease concerns. The root causes—extreme competition in education, soaring housing costs, gender pay gaps, and gruelling work hours—remain unaddressed, making parenthood financially out of reach for many.
Austria faces similar struggles. Its fertility rate fell to 1.29 children per woman in 2021, the lowest on record, with no rebound in sight. By 2040, the country's overall population is expected to shrink, while its working-age group is already declining. A smaller workforce threatens higher public debt and pressure on systems like pensions, which rely on younger generations supporting older ones.
Economic pressures weigh heavily on family planning. Household income, childcare expenses, and housing costs all shape decisions about having children. At the same time, shifting social attitudes play a role, with more people choosing to remain child-free. The average age of mothers in OECD countries has also risen, from 28.5 in 2000 to 30.9 in 2021, reflecting delayed parenthood.
The global picture is equally concerning. The average birth rate now stands at about 2.2 children per woman—nearly one fewer than a generation ago. Even countries with vastly different cultures, like egalitarian Sweden or traditionally gendered Japan, are experiencing the same downward trend. The decline in birth rates brings wide-ranging challenges, from economic strain to changing family structures. Without effective solutions, nations will continue to grapple with ageing populations, shrinking workforces, and the long-term impact on public services. So far, no strategy has proven capable of turning the tide.
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