China’s population likely started shrinking last year for the first time in decades, experts say, a significant milestone that will have long-term repercussions for the economy.

Birth rate to decline first time in 60 years in China

World population crosses 8 billion Cash for kids: Japan to pay people extra to improve birth rate Experts: China's ageing population is a major threat to its future India: Can demographic dividend turn into liability? Watch Population Boom: Boon or Bane?

WION Wideangle | Population boom: boon or bane?

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan&nbsp;is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family. Japan has been attempting to boost its low and decreasing birth rate for some time.

A 420,000 yen Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is now given to new parents in Japan following the birth of their child. Katsunobu Kato, the minister of health, labour, and welfare, wants to increase that amount to 500,000 yen. He met with the prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, last week to discuss the proposal, which is anticipated to be approved and implemented for the 2023 fiscal year, which begins in the spring, as reported by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-orion-capsule-returns-to-earth-following-a-record-voyage-around-the-moon-542120">Japan</a> Today.&nbsp;

Although a grant amount increase of this scale is unlikely to deter anyone from wanting children, it could not be a very strong incentive either. Despite the name "Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant," there is very little, if any, of it left over after the "Childbirth" portion. Child birth fees must be covered out of pocket even if the award is supported by Japan's public medical insurance system; according to Mainichi Shimbun, the national average for delivery costs is around 473,000 yen.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-ispace-launches-worlds-first-commercial-moon-lander-542125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thus, even if the grant were increased, parents would still only have, on average, 30,000 yen left over when they returned home from the hospital, which is less than the amount Asahi Breweries is giving its employees to spend on holiday meals. That won't go very far toward the overall costs of raising a child to self-sufficient adulthood, and it's unlikely that an extra 80,000 yen would push anyone over their "have a baby or not" threshold.

All things considered, new parents would be grateful for a little additional money as their family grows, and the 80,000 yen increase would be the highest ever for the Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant and its first since 2009.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family.

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan is hoping that the promise of some more money in the bank would encourage more people to add a kid to their family. Japan has been attempting to boost its low and decreasing birth rate for some time. A 420,000 yen Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant is now given to new parents in Japan following the birth of their child. Katsunobu Kato, the minister of health, labour, and welfare, wants to increase that amount to 500,000 yen. He met with the prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, last week to discuss the proposal, which is anticipated to be approved and implemented for the 2023 fiscal year, which begins in the spring, as reported by Japan Today. Although a grant amount increase of this scale is unlikely to deter anyone from wanting children, it could not be a very strong incentive either. Despite the name "Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant," there is very little, if any, of it left over after the "Childbirth" portion. Child birth fees must be covered out of pocket even if the award is supported by Japan's public medical insurance system; according to Mainichi Shimbun, the national average for delivery costs is around 473,000 yen. Also Watch | Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander Thus, even if the grant were increased, parents would still only have, on average, 30,000 yen left over when they returned home from the hospital, which is less than the amount Asahi Breweries is giving its employees to spend on holiday meals. That won't go very far toward the overall costs of raising a child to self-sufficient adulthood, and it's unlikely that an extra 80,000 yen would push anyone over their "have a baby or not" threshold. All things considered, new parents would be grateful for a little additional money as their family grows, and the 80,000 yen increase would be the highest ever for the Childbirth and Childcare Lump-Sum Grant and its first since 2009. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan to pay people to have babies in an attempt to boost declining birth rate

A number of Japanese men and women say they do not want to marry, a trend that experts fear may weaken attempts to address the country's population crisis.

Japan's birthrate has been affected by the decrease in marriages as a result of the country's potential for rapid population loss, a declining workforce, and a shrinking economy.

The National Institute of Population and Social Security, a government-affiliated organisation in Tokyo, anticipates that as per the 2021 survey result, there will be increased worries about the low birth rate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-moves-towards-low-and-non-alcoholic-drinks-amidst-massive-demand-515329">Also read |&nbsp;Japan moves towards low- and non-alcoholic drinks amidst massive demand</a>

The survey revealed that 17.3 per cent of males and 14.6 per cent of women aged between 18 and 34 said that they do not intend to get married in the future, the highest per cent since a 1982 survey, in which only 2.3 per men and 4.1 per cent women stated that they would not get married, The Guardian reported.

In addition to this, an increasing desire among young working women to benefit from the freedoms that come with their being unmarried has contributed to the trend to a number of other causes. However, men claim to enjoy being single as well, but they also expressed their worries about their employment and ability to support their families.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-voters-re-elect-okinawas-governor-who-wants-smaller-us-military-footprint-on-chain-of-islands-515178">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese voters re-elect Okinawa's governor who wants smaller US military footprint on chain of islands</a>

Experts have urged Japan to urgently address Japan's infamously long working hours to make it simpler for working women after having kids.

When asked about an "ideal" lifestyle, nearly 40 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women said being able to balance work and children. Additionally, less than 7 per cent of men stated that they would want their spouse to take care of the family while staying at home, which implies a changing attitude regarding gender roles.

The health ministry June reported that the birth rate in Japan in 2021 had decreased by 29,231 from the previous year to a record low of 811,604.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A number of Japanese men and women say they do not want to marry, a trend that experts fear may weaken attempts to address the country's population crisis. Japan's birthrate has been affected by the decrease in marriages as a result of the country's potential for rapid population loss, a declining workforce, and a shrinking economy.

A number of Japanese men and women say they do not want to marry, a trend that experts fear may weaken attempts to address the country's population crisis. Japan's birthrate has been affected by the decrease in marriages as a result of the country's potential for rapid population loss, a declining workforce, and a shrinking economy. The National Institute of Population and Social Security, a government-affiliated organisation in Tokyo, anticipates that as per the 2021 survey result, there will be increased worries about the low birth rate. Also read | Japan moves towards low- and non-alcoholic drinks amidst massive demand The survey revealed that 17.3 per cent of males and 14.6 per cent of women aged between 18 and 34 said that they do not intend to get married in the future, the highest per cent since a 1982 survey, in which only 2.3 per men and 4.1 per cent women stated that they would not get married, The Guardian reported. In addition to this, an increasing desire among young working women to benefit from the freedoms that come with their being unmarried has contributed to the trend to a number of other causes. However, men claim to enjoy being single as well, but they also expressed their worries about their employment and ability to support their families. Also read | Japanese voters re-elect Okinawa's governor who wants smaller US military footprint on chain of islands Experts have urged Japan to urgently address Japan's infamously long working hours to make it simpler for working women after having kids. When asked about an "ideal" lifestyle, nearly 40 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women said being able to balance work and children. Additionally, less than 7 per cent of men stated that they would want their spouse to take care of the family while staying at home, which implies a changing attitude regarding gender roles. The health ministry June reported that the birth rate in Japan in 2021 had decreased by 29,231 from the previous year to a record low of 811,604. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Young Japanese men and women do not intend to get married, says survey 

The National Health Authority of China has said that the nation will be discouraging abortions in order to boost its birth rate. China currently has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and the authorities are looking to remedy the situation by implementing new measures like tax reliefs and making fertility treatment more accessible. According to the NHA website, the authorities are also working towards creating a number of “infant care services and family friendly workplaces”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-nuclear-war-could-kill-2-billion-people-study-507435" hreflang="en">India-Pakistan nuclear war could kill 2 billion people: Study</a>

According to official figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), China currently has a fertility rate of 1.16 – much below the 2.1 OECD standard for a stable population.

As a result, the Chinese authorities have decided to create public awareness in order to "prevent unintended pregnancy and reducing abortions that are not medically necessary." They have also decided to invest in medical technology and make IVF more accessible and financially viable.

China had a strict one-child policy between the years 1980 and 2015 resulting in a massive demographic issue. While the policy was changed to two-child in 2016 and three children for married couples in 2021, the situation has not changed much when it comes to the birth rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dodge-to-discontinue-its-challenger-and-charger-muscle-cars-in-2023-507438" hreflang="en">Dodge to discontinue its challenger and charger muscle cars in 2023</a>

The WHO data further said that around 9.5 million abortions were carried out in China between 2015 and 2019. On the other hand, the number of new births has dropped over the last ten years.

As a result, China is looking to boost the birth rate by "promoting the long-term balanced development of the population” and various financial and social benefits.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The National Health Authority of China has said that the nation will be discouraging abortions in order to boost its birth rate. China currently has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and the authorities are looking to remedy the situation by implementing new measures like tax reliefs and making fertility treatment more accessible.

The National Health Authority of China has said that the nation will be discouraging abortions in order to boost its birth rate. China currently has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and the authorities are looking to remedy the situation by implementing new measures like tax reliefs and making fertility treatment more accessible. According to the NHA website, the authorities are also working towards creating a number of “infant care services and family friendly workplaces”. Also read | India-Pakistan nuclear war could kill 2 billion people: Study According to official figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), China currently has a fertility rate of 1.16 – much below the 2.1 OECD standard for a stable population. As a result, the Chinese authorities have decided to create public awareness in order to "prevent unintended pregnancy and reducing abortions that are not medically necessary." They have also decided to invest in medical technology and make IVF more accessible and financially viable. China had a strict one-child policy between the years 1980 and 2015 resulting in a massive demographic issue. While the policy was changed to two-child in 2016 and three children for married couples in 2021, the situation has not changed much when it comes to the birth rate. Also read | Dodge to discontinue its challenger and charger muscle cars in 2023 The WHO data further said that around 9.5 million abortions were carried out in China between 2015 and 2019. On the other hand, the number of new births has dropped over the last ten years. As a result, China is looking to boost the birth rate by "promoting the long-term balanced development of the population” and various financial and social benefits. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

China to discourage abortions, offer benefits in bid to improve birth rate

Elon Musk said Thursday that he was helping combat falling birth rates after it was reported that he had twins last year with an executive at one of his companies. "Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis," tweeted the billionaire tech entrepreneur, who has fathered 10 children, as reported by AFP.

"A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far," Musk added.

He posted another tweet that read: "I hope you have big families and congrats to those who already do!"

The comments came a day after online outlet Insider reported that Musk had twins with 36-year-old Canadian Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, Musk's brain-implant maker.

She has also worked at other Musk companies including OpenAI and electric car manufacturer Tesla, Insider said.

In April, Zilis and Musk filed a petition with a Texas court for the children to "have their father's last name and contain their mother's last name as part of their middle name," Insider reported, referring to court documents obtained by the publication. The petition was granted in May, the site said.&nbsp;

The babies, which Insider says were born in November, arrived just weeks before Musk, 51, and music artist Grimes had their second child via surrogate. They welcomed a baby girl named Exa Dark Sideræl Musk -- although the parents will mostly call her Y. In total, the chief of Tesla and SpaceX has fathered 10 children, one of whom died shortly after birth.

In May, Musk tweeted a graphic from the Wall Street Journal showing that the average number of babies a US woman has in her lifetime fell from more than 3.5 in 1960 to a little over 1.5 in 2021. He noted that it was below the 2.1 level that is needed for a generation to replace itself. "USA birth rate has been below min sustainable levels for ~50 years," Musk wrote alongside.

(with inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk said Thursday that he was helping combat falling birth rates after it was reported that he had twins last year with an executive at one of his companies.

Elon Musk said Thursday that he was helping combat falling birth rates after it was reported that he had twins last year with an executive at one of his companies. "Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis," tweeted the billionaire tech entrepreneur, who has fathered 10 children, as reported by AFP. "A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far," Musk added. He posted another tweet that read: "I hope you have big families and congrats to those who already do!" The comments came a day after online outlet Insider reported that Musk had twins with 36-year-old Canadian Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, Musk's brain-implant maker. She has also worked at other Musk companies including OpenAI and electric car manufacturer Tesla, Insider said. In April, Zilis and Musk filed a petition with a Texas court for the children to "have their father's last name and contain their mother's last name as part of their middle name," Insider reported, referring to court documents obtained by the publication. The petition was granted in May, the site said. The babies, which Insider says were born in November, arrived just weeks before Musk, 51, and music artist Grimes had their second child via surrogate. They welcomed a baby girl named Exa Dark Sideræl Musk -- although the parents will mostly call her Y. In total, the chief of Tesla and SpaceX has fathered 10 children, one of whom died shortly after birth. In May, Musk tweeted a graphic from the Wall Street Journal showing that the average number of babies a US woman has in her lifetime fell from more than 3.5 in 1960 to a little over 1.5 in 2021. He noted that it was below the 2.1 level that is needed for a generation to replace itself. "USA birth rate has been below min sustainable levels for ~50 years," Musk wrote alongside. (with inputs from agencies)

Musk says doing 'best' to boost birth rates, after fathering twins last November

For the sixth&nbsp;year in a row, Japan has witnessed a further fall in its number of births. In 2021 the nation saw a 3.5 per cent fall from the previous year (2020).&nbsp;Last year, the nation&nbsp;just had 811,604 births which is the lowest level on record, as per data by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.&nbsp;This is the lowest number of births in the country's 123-year history; the country began keeping records in 1899, and the year 2021 saw the lowest numbers ever.

Incidentally, if you were to look at news items for the nation's birth rates for the past few years, every year this record gets broken. Last year (2020) it was 840,832 births and this year a further 3.5 per cent fall to 811,604 is seen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-meet-labour-crunch-aid-an-aging-population-japan-develops-bex-a-goat-robot-484520">To meet labour crunch, aid an aging population Japan develops 'BEX' a goat-robot</a>

The country's total fertility rate, which is the number of children a Japanese woman will have in her lifetime also fell by 0.30 points. This rate stands at 1.30 per woman.

Japan's&nbsp;fertility rate&nbsp;has witnessed a steady decline since 1975 when it first fell below 2.0.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The world's fertility rate is falling. Here's why

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-worlds-fertility-rate-is-falling-heres-why-432417/embed" width="560"></iframe>

In 2005 it reached its nadir - the lowest of 1.26. However, the next few years saw a gradual rise, with it reaching 1.45 in 2015. Since then, for six years now it has slid lower and lower.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-says-japan-would-eventually-cease-to-exist-heres-what-he-meant-by-it-477573">Elon Musk says Japan would 'eventually cease to exist'. Here's what he meant by it</a>

In recent years, the Coronavirus pandemic and a larger number of people choosing to stay single, get married later or not have offspring have meant that this downward trend has continued. 
&nbsp; 
A few weeks back, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had also voiced concerns about Japan's falling birth rate, warning that Japan may soon "cease to exist" adding that it would be a great loss for the world.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At risk of stating the obvious, unless something changes to cause the birth rate to exceed the death rate, Japan will eventually cease to exist. This would be a great loss for the world.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1523045544536723456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

For the sixth year in a row, Japan has witnessed a further fall in its number of births. In 2021 the nation saw a 3.5 per cent fall from the previous year (2020).

For the sixth year in a row, Japan has witnessed a further fall in its number of births. In 2021 the nation saw a 3.5 per cent fall from the previous year (2020). Last year, the nation just had 811,604 births which is the lowest level on record, as per data by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This is the lowest number of births in the country's 123-year history; the country began keeping records in 1899, and the year 2021 saw the lowest numbers ever. Incidentally, if you were to look at news items for the nation's birth rates for the past few years, every year this record gets broken. Last year (2020) it was 840,832 births and this year a further 3.5 per cent fall to 811,604 is seen. Also read | To meet labour crunch, aid an aging population Japan develops 'BEX' a goat-robot The country's total fertility rate, which is the number of children a Japanese woman will have in her lifetime also fell by 0.30 points. This rate stands at 1.30 per woman. Japan's fertility rate has witnessed a steady decline since 1975 when it first fell below 2.0. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The world's fertility rate is falling. Here's why In 2005 it reached its nadir - the lowest of 1.26. However, the next few years saw a gradual rise, with it reaching 1.45 in 2015. Since then, for six years now it has slid lower and lower. Also read | Elon Musk says Japan would 'eventually cease to exist'. Here's what he meant by it In recent years, the Coronavirus pandemic and a larger number of people choosing to stay single, get married later or not have offspring have meant that this downward trend has continued. A few weeks back, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had also voiced concerns about Japan's falling birth rate, warning that Japan may soon "cease to exist" adding that it would be a great loss for the world. At risk of stating the obvious, unless something changes to cause the birth rate to exceed the death rate, Japan will eventually cease to exist. This would be a great loss for the world. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 7, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan sees record-breaking fall in birth rate. Was Elon Musk right, will the country 'cease to exist'?

Pope Francis lamented&nbsp;Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future."

In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. &nbsp;

Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-fold-increase-observed-in-hospitalisation-of-new-yorks-children-amid-omicron-spread-440255">Also read |&nbsp;Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread</a>

January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861.

The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4.

Not only Italy but&nbsp;including&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St.

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future." In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. Also read | Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. Not only Italy but including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy'

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The deadly coronavirus has had a major impact all across the globe, one of them being the decreasing birth rate in Italy. In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also read | Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. While Italy's birth rate has hit a new low, Germany's birth rate soared amid the pandemic. The country recorded 65,903 births in March which was 5,900 more compared to 2020. The birth rate in Germany was lower in 2020 compared to the previous year. European nations including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. However, Germany showed 182,000 more children born in the same period which was a total of ten months after the lockdown was first imposed in the country due to the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid pandemic, Italy's birth rate hits 160-year low

Since 1978, China’s birth rate has plunged to its lowest levels, according to the latest data released by the country’s national bureau of statistics. Only 8.5 births per 1,000 people were reported in 2020, highlighting that it was the first time in decades that the figure has fallen below 10.

China's birth rate plummets to its lowest level since 1978

In what is being termed as the lowest rate of childbirth in 43 years, China's birth rate has fallen below one per cent in 2020, reports Global Times. In 2020, the number of newborns in the country dropped by 15 per cent.

In what is being termed as the lowest rate of childbirth in 43 years, China's birth rate has fallen below one per cent in 2020, reports Global Times. In 2020, the number of newborns in the country dropped by 15 per cent. Highlighting one of the major impacts of coronavirus, China saw 10.03 million births in 2020, compared to 11.79 million in 2019. The latest population data indicates China’s demographic problems. It highlights fewer births and an ageing population. The country’s birth rate has been falling for years now. These issues could pose a serious threat to the world's second-largest economy when the current working-age population reaches retirement. Also read | After Taiwan opens office, China reduces relations with Lithuania As per experts, if the trend continues, or the population begins to shrink, China may get old before it gets rich. The new findings have caused the government to think about easing the one-child policy. As a consequence of this policy, the fertility rate fell dramatically and at the same time, the number of people over the age of 65 increased from 3.36 per cent in 1965 to almost 10 per cent in 2015. In May, China announced to lift its family planning policy by allowing married couples to have up to three children. This came after a downward trend was seen in the number of the country's newborns for a period of 4 years. This has also contributed to the issue of gender balance.

China's birth rate fell below 1% in 2020; lowest in 43 years

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children.&nbsp;

The number of expected babies per South Korean woman fell to 0.84 in 2020, dropping further from the country's previous record low of 0.92 a year earlier, the official annual reading from the Statistics Korea showed.&nbsp;

That is the lowest among over 180 member countries of the World Bank, and far below 1.73 in the United States and 1.42 in Japan.&nbsp;

The grim milestone comes after the population fell for the first time ever last year.&nbsp;

Asia's fourth-largest economy is the fastest aging country in the OECD. The government has failed to reverse the falling birth rate despite spending billions of dollars each year on childcare subsidies and maternity leave support.&nbsp;

The nation's capital Seoul logged the lowest birth rate of 0.64.&nbsp;

In some recent reports, the number of newborns in China also plummeted by 15 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family.&nbsp;

China saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019. Of those born last year, 52.7% were boys and 47.3% girls.&nbsp;

Posts on Chinese social media with the hashtag 'How to get China out of a low fertility trap' were viewed 120 million times recently, with some comments linking low fertility rates to high living costs, while others said social norms were changing.&nbsp;

“The declining fertility rate actually reflects the progress in the thinking of Chinese people - women are no longer a fertility tool,” wrote a user of Weibo, a Twitter-like microblog popular in China.&nbsp;

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children.

South Korea's fertility rate fell to the lowest in the world last year, data showed on Wednesday, as uncertainty over the coronavirus discouraged couples from marrying and having children. The number of expected babies per South Korean woman fell to 0.84 in 2020, dropping further from the country's previous record low of 0.92 a year earlier, the official annual reading from the Statistics Korea showed. That is the lowest among over 180 member countries of the World Bank, and far below 1.73 in the United States and 1.42 in Japan. The grim milestone comes after the population fell for the first time ever last year. Asia's fourth-largest economy is the fastest aging country in the OECD. The government has failed to reverse the falling birth rate despite spending billions of dollars each year on childcare subsidies and maternity leave support. The nation's capital Seoul logged the lowest birth rate of 0.64. In some recent reports, the number of newborns in China also plummeted by 15 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Public Security, with the onset of the novel coronavirus disrupting the economy and weighing on decisions to have a family. China saw 10.035 million births last year, the ministry said on Monday, compared with 11.79 million in 2019. Of those born last year, 52.7% were boys and 47.3% girls. Posts on Chinese social media with the hashtag 'How to get China out of a low fertility trap' were viewed 120 million times recently, with some comments linking low fertility rates to high living costs, while others said social norms were changing. “The declining fertility rate actually reflects the progress in the thinking of Chinese people - women are no longer a fertility tool,” wrote a user of Weibo, a Twitter-like microblog popular in China.

South Korea's fertility rate drops to lowest in world

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of&nbsp;extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-relaxes-two-child-limit-policy-over-concerns-of-aging-population-and-decline-in-birth-rate-338773"> births</a> in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/technically-perfect-japan-to-fund-ai-matchmaker-to-increase-birth-rate-348313">Also Read:&nbsp;Technically perfect: Japan to fund AI matchmaker to increase birth rate</a>

According to South Korea's interior ministry&nbsp;“the number of newborn babies failed to make up for the number of deaths”.

"In regions with poor economic, medical and educational infrastructure, the crisis of the extinction of such towns is escalating," it added.

The interior ministry informed the country's population had reached 51,829,023 in 2020 which was down 20,838 from 2019. South Korea has the lowest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xinjiang-govt-confirms-birth-rate-drop-but-denies-forced-sterilisation-of-women-329108">fertility</a> rate in the world which reached a low of 0.84 last year.

The annual death of South Korea had alarmingly exceeded deaths for the first time from 275,815 to 307,764.

The government informed that the birth rate was down 10.65 per cent year-on-year. The country recorded 275,815<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-childbirth-rate-hits-lowest-level-since-records-began-in-1899-270445"> births </a>in 2020 with the death rate going up to 307,764 - an increase of 3.1 per cent.

The population crisis has taken place despite the government spending $166 billion since 2006 to boost birth rates. The government projected that the birth rate in South Korea between 2020-25 is expected to be 297,000 even as birth rate came up short by over 20,000.

The South Korean government had earlier released data which showed that women who believe they need to marry their numbers&nbsp;fell&nbsp;to 44 per cent in 2018 from 62 per cent in 2008.

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than births in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster.

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than births in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster. Also Read: Technically perfect: Japan to fund AI matchmaker to increase birth rate According to South Korea's interior ministry “the number of newborn babies failed to make up for the number of deaths”. "In regions with poor economic, medical and educational infrastructure, the crisis of the extinction of such towns is escalating," it added. The interior ministry informed the country's population had reached 51,829,023 in 2020 which was down 20,838 from 2019. South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world which reached a low of 0.84 last year. The annual death of South Korea had alarmingly exceeded deaths for the first time from 275,815 to 307,764. The government informed that the birth rate was down 10.65 per cent year-on-year. The country recorded 275,815 births in 2020 with the death rate going up to 307,764 - an increase of 3.1 per cent. The population crisis has taken place despite the government spending $166 billion since 2006 to boost birth rates. The government projected that the birth rate in South Korea between 2020-25 is expected to be 297,000 even as birth rate came up short by over 20,000. The South Korean government had earlier released data which showed that women who believe they need to marry their numbers fell to 44 per cent in 2018 from 62 per cent in 2008.

'Crisis of extinction': South Korea's population falls for first time in 2020

Japan is already struggling to control the increasing suicide rate, COVID-19 cases and a decrease in the economy post-pandemic, and now another problem has cropped up for the country — lowering birth rate.

For the first time ever, Japan's birth rate fell down to an alarming number of&nbsp;865,000, which is also one of the lowest number in the world. This has raised concerns for the Japanese government.'

With the new numbers, the Japanese government has decided to rectify this problem and turn the wave around with the help of artificial intelligence.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-died-by-suicide-in-october-than-from-covid-19-in-2020-in-japan-346347">More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan</a>

Japan has decided to start funding AI projects that will act as matchmakers and help people meet their 'soulmates' which will then help couples conceive and increase the staggering birth rate of the country.&nbsp;

The government will be investing&nbsp;2bn yen ($19m, £14m) in such AI-run projects&nbsp;to boost the birth rate. While man-made and human-run matchmaking websites and organisations are quite famous in Japan, this will be the first time the government will be supporting an AI-run matchmaking programme.

These projects will use the help of AI which will bring in more sophisticated analysis of the standardised forms in which the recipients will fill out details such as names, birth date, requirements and more. These forms will then be statistically studied by the AI technology and on the basis of compatibility, partners will be found for the form-fillers.

The government hopes this will also bring in as the current systems match up people only if there is an exact match, which is usually hindered due to income, location and other such factors. This system, however, will also look at smaller but important aspects such as hobbies, likes and dislikes.

"We are especially planning to offer subsidies to local governments operating or starting up matchmaking projects that use AI," a cabinet official told AFP. "We hope this support will help reverse the decline in the nation's birthrate."

The government is hoping this will solve the issue of the falling population of the country and bring in more happiness.

Japan is already struggling to control the increasing suicide rate, COVID-19 cases and a decrease in the economy post-pandemic, and now another problem has cropped up for the country — lowering birth rate.

Japan is already struggling to control the increasing suicide rate, COVID-19 cases and a decrease in the economy post-pandemic, and now another problem has cropped up for the country — lowering birth rate. For the first time ever, Japan's birth rate fell down to an alarming number of 865,000, which is also one of the lowest number in the world. This has raised concerns for the Japanese government.' With the new numbers, the Japanese government has decided to rectify this problem and turn the wave around with the help of artificial intelligence. Also read| More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan Japan has decided to start funding AI projects that will act as matchmakers and help people meet their 'soulmates' which will then help couples conceive and increase the staggering birth rate of the country. The government will be investing 2bn yen ($19m, £14m) in such AI-run projects to boost the birth rate. While man-made and human-run matchmaking websites and organisations are quite famous in Japan, this will be the first time the government will be supporting an AI-run matchmaking programme. These projects will use the help of AI which will bring in more sophisticated analysis of the standardised forms in which the recipients will fill out details such as names, birth date, requirements and more. These forms will then be statistically studied by the AI technology and on the basis of compatibility, partners will be found for the form-fillers. The government hopes this will also bring in as the current systems match up people only if there is an exact match, which is usually hindered due to income, location and other such factors. This system, however, will also look at smaller but important aspects such as hobbies, likes and dislikes. "We are especially planning to offer subsidies to local governments operating or starting up matchmaking projects that use AI," a cabinet official told AFP. "We hope this support will help reverse the decline in the nation's birthrate." The government is hoping this will solve the issue of the falling population of the country and bring in more happiness.

Technically perfect: Japan to fund AI matchmaker to increase birth rate

Setting a new benchmark repeatedly Finland's women-led government is now fielding and fighting for equal paid leave for both parents in a family.

Reform To Boost Birth Rates In Finland

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-on-sensitive-trip-to-orthodox-bulgaria-and-north-macedonia-215678">Pope Francis</a> urged European leaders on Sunday to address wealth inequality and low birth rates which he said had created an "ice curtain" between Europe's richer and poorer states and was fuelling emigration.

Francis made the comments during a speech at the presidential palace in Sofia during a two-day visit to Bulgaria, his first and the first by a Pope in 17 years.

Using a play on Winston Churchill's famous phrase about an "iron curtain" falling over a divided Europe after World War Two, Francis said new divisions were lacerating the face of the continent 30 years after the fall of communism.

Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in 2007, remains its poorest member state. More than two million Bulgarians have left the country since the fall of communism for better jobs and living standards in western Europe, leaving a current population of about seven million.

Francis also met with leaders of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He moves to North Macedonia on Tuesday.

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to address wealth inequality and low birth rates which he said had created an "ice curtain" between Europe's richer and poorer states and was fuelling emigration.

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to address wealth inequality and low birth rates which he said had created an "ice curtain" between Europe's richer and poorer states and was fuelling emigration. Francis made the comments during a speech at the presidential palace in Sofia during a two-day visit to Bulgaria, his first and the first by a Pope in 17 years. Using a play on Winston Churchill's famous phrase about an "iron curtain" falling over a divided Europe after World War Two, Francis said new divisions were lacerating the face of the continent 30 years after the fall of communism. Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in 2007, remains its poorest member state. More than two million Bulgarians have left the country since the fall of communism for better jobs and living standards in western Europe, leaving a current population of about seven million. Francis also met with leaders of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He moves to North Macedonia on Tuesday.

Pope says emigration, low birth rates have brought 'ice curtain' on Europe

China's birth rate in several regions, including the capital Beijing, fell again in 2018, the official China Daily said on Friday, despite government efforts to encourage couples to have more children.

Alarmed by the rapid ageing of its population, China relaxed its controversial "one-child policy" in 2016, allowing all couples to have two children instead of just one.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-china-chemical-plant-blast-rises-to-12-204752">Also read:&nbsp;Death toll from east China factory blast jumps to 47, over 600 injured</a>

The change has failed to reverse what demographers say is a long-term trend of falling birth rates fuelled by growing prosperity and concerns about the high cost of raising children.

Beijing's birth rate fell to 8.24 per 1,000 people in 2018 compared to 9.06 in the previous year, China Daily said, citing figures from local authorities.

In the financial capital Shanghai, the birth rate dropped to 7.2 per 1,000, from 8.1 in 2017.

Beijing's total population fell for a second straight year in 2018, dropping 170,000 to 21.54 million people, though the decline could also be due to new policies aimed at shifting "non-capital functions" out of the city, China Daily said.

The birth rate in Liaoning, a rustbelt province where the population has dropped in recent years due to an exodus of young people, fell to 6.39 per 1,000, from 6.49 in 2017.

China recorded 15.23 million births last year, down 2 million from 2017 and the second consecutive annual decline, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Marriage rates are also falling throughout China, with the ratio of newly-registered marriages in the total population down to 0.72 per cent last year from 0.99 per cent in 2013, NBS data showed.

China's ageing problem was on the minds of delegates to the annual session of parliament this month, where some called for radical new measures to encourage new births.

Think tanks expect China's population to peak at 1.4 billion in 2029 and then begin an "unstoppable" decline that could reduce the workforce by as many as 200 million people by the middle of the century.

By 2050, China's dwindling number of workers will be under pressure to support more than 400 million people aged 60 or over, putting the country's pension, health and social service provisions under immense strain, experts say.

China's birth rate in several regions, including the capital Beijing, fell again in 2018, the official China Daily said on Friday, despite government efforts to encourage couples to have more children.

China's birth rate in several regions, including the capital Beijing, fell again in 2018, the official China Daily said on Friday, despite government efforts to encourage couples to have more children. Alarmed by the rapid ageing of its population, China relaxed its controversial "one-child policy" in 2016, allowing all couples to have two children instead of just one. Also read: Death toll from east China factory blast jumps to 47, over 600 injured The change has failed to reverse what demographers say is a long-term trend of falling birth rates fuelled by growing prosperity and concerns about the high cost of raising children. Beijing's birth rate fell to 8.24 per 1,000 people in 2018 compared to 9.06 in the previous year, China Daily said, citing figures from local authorities. In the financial capital Shanghai, the birth rate dropped to 7.2 per 1,000, from 8.1 in 2017. Beijing's total population fell for a second straight year in 2018, dropping 170,000 to 21.54 million people, though the decline could also be due to new policies aimed at shifting "non-capital functions" out of the city, China Daily said. The birth rate in Liaoning, a rustbelt province where the population has dropped in recent years due to an exodus of young people, fell to 6.39 per 1,000, from 6.49 in 2017. China recorded 15.23 million births last year, down 2 million from 2017 and the second consecutive annual decline, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Marriage rates are also falling throughout China, with the ratio of newly-registered marriages in the total population down to 0.72 per cent last year from 0.99 per cent in 2013, NBS data showed. China's ageing problem was on the minds of delegates to the annual session of parliament this month, where some called for radical new measures to encourage new births. Think tanks expect China's population to peak at 1.4 billion in 2029 and then begin an "unstoppable" decline that could reduce the workforce by as many as 200 million people by the middle of the century. By 2050, China's dwindling number of workers will be under pressure to support more than 400 million people aged 60 or over, putting the country's pension, health and social service provisions under immense strain, experts say.

China birth rates fall in several regions in 2018: Report

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples.

"Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population.

Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people.

According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050.

Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates.

President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks.

The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs".

The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role.

"It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP.

In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition.

Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said.

A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support.

That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers.

The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months.

"What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule).

According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women.

"These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura.

The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017.

Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura.

The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month.

Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three.

Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life.

"Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said.

On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries.

That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home.

Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner.

"We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said.

"We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births. Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population. Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people. According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050. Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates. President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks. The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs". The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role. "It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP. In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition. Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said. A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support. That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers. The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months. "What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule). According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women. "These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura. The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017. Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura. The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month. Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three. Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life. "Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said. On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries. That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home. Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner. "We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said. "We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

Serbia encourages childbirth, couples show unwillingness

birth-rate

Birth Rate, News on Birth Rate, stories on Birth Rate, articles on Birth Rate, Birth Rate stories at Wion, Birth Rate news, Birth Rate latest news