This article looks at the 5 countries with declining birth rates in 2024. If you wish to check out our detailed discussion on the birth rate trends globally, you may go to 15 countries with declining birth rates in 2024.
5. Azerbaijan
Change in Birth Rate: -15.4%
Azerbaijan witnessed a concerning decline in the crude birth rate in 2021, dropping by 1.4 live births per 1,000 inhabitants, marking an 11.2% decrease compared to 2020. This reduction led to the lowest recorded value in recent years. It is crucial to note that this trend of dwindling birth rates has been persistent over the past few years, demanding immediate attention to understand and address the implications of this demographic shift.
4. Belize
Change in Birth Rate: -15.4%
Belize is currently experiencing a fertility rate of 1.9639 births per woman in 2024, indicating a -0.82% decline from the rate in 2023, which stood at 1.9801 births per woman. Disturbingly, projections suggest that by the year 2100, Belize’s fertility rate is anticipated to plummet to 1.6816 children born per woman, marking a dramatic decrease of -14.37% compared to the current rate. This rapid decline in fertility rate poses critical implications for Belize’s demographic landscape, demanding immediate attention and strategic interventions to address this concerning trend.
3. Moldova
Change in Birth Rate: -15.6%
Moldova witnessed a historic and alarming decline in its population during 2021-2022, marking the most significant reduction in the country’s history. This decline was attributed to both the negative population growth trend and the substantial emigration of Moldovans. Approximately 88,000 individuals departed the country during this period. In 2021, the number of births surpassed deaths by 16,000, setting an unprecedented record in the history of the Republic of Moldova. However, in 2022, this trend reversed, with a devastating difference of 9,200 more deaths than births. The rapid and substantial population decrease over the past three years underscores the critical need for immediate action to address this demographic crisis.
2. Costa Rica
Change in Birth Rate: -25.1%
The demographic shift in Costa Rica is concerning as the population aged 65 or older has surged to 13.63%, totaling 710,417 individuals. Shockingly, this figure surpasses INEC’s estimates for the same year by over 200,000. The decline in birth rates, plummeting from 7.4 in 1950 to a record low of 1.3 in 2023, is identified as a leading factor driving this trend. Notably, the study underscores the diminishing number of individuals under 15 years old, further highlighting the impact of declining birth rates. Costa Rica’s impressive longevity and minimal mortality rates contribute to this evolving demographic landscape.
1. Ukraine
Change in Birth Rate: -35.6%
Ukraine faces critical demographic challenges with alarmingly low birth rates exacerbated by the ongoing war with Russia. The conflict has intensified the situation, with only 93,500 infants born in the first half of 2023, a 28% decrease from 2021. The exodus of females and security risks have worsened the already declining fertility rate, dropping to 1.16 in 2021 and further by 25% in the subsequent year. Immediate action is imperative to address Ukraine’s severe population decline.
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