In this article, we will be taking a look at the 6 countries with the lowest fertility rates. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 25 Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rates.
6. Italy
Children Born per Woman: 1.24
Italy stands sixth among the countries countries with the lowest fertility rates, with a fertility rate of 1.25 babies per woman, below the replacement level, leading to negative population growth. Despite a low infant mortality rate of 3.3 deaths per thousand live births in 2020, disparities exist based on geography and ethnicity, with foreign-born and Southern Italian children facing higher risks. Economic challenges, including an average monthly income of €2,475 and high housing costs, make it hard for couples to afford families, worsened by declining savings post-lockdowns.
5. Macau
Children Born per Woman: 1.23
Macao stands among the countries with the lowest fertility rates, with a slight increase to 1.313 births per woman in 2024. Despite this, the country maintains a remarkably low infant mortality rate of 2.259 deaths per 1000 live births, showcasing a consistent decline. Research in Macao suggests that women undergoing IVF treatment do not face increased clinical pregnancy loss compared to natural conception, though biochemical loss rates post-IVF are higher. IVF doesn’t inherently alter pregnancy loss risk compared to natural conception.
4. Hong Kong
Children Born per Woman: 1.23
Hong Kong, despite its bustling nature, has the lowest fertility rates and related challenges like infant mortality, miscarriages, abortions, and infertility. Fertility rates have declined over the years, prompting reliance on assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF), regulated by the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance. Environmental toxins, like PCBs and pesticides, contribute to infertility by disrupting endocrine functions.
3. Singapore
Children Born per Woman: 1.17
Singapore grapples with low fertility rates despite implementing pronatalist incentives like paid maternity leave, childcare subsidies, and tax relief. Efforts to boost fertility have seen limited success, with rates declining from 1.41 in 2001 to 1.16 in 2018. Singapore actively supports assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, subsidizing up to 75% of treatment costs for eligible individuals. However, high IVF usage hasn’t translated into improved fertility rates, highlighting the complexity of addressing fertility challenges.
2. South Korea
Children Born per Woman: 1.11
South Korea is a country with the lowest global fertility rate at 0.78, stemming from rising living costs, delayed marriages, and work prioritization over starting families. Maternal and perinatal mortality rates have improved, with the maternal mortality ratio dropping to 7.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. Multiple pregnancies from IVF procedures pose health risks, with a high rate of 51.2% in 2006. Infertility rates have risen significantly, with approximately 6% of total births estimated to be IVF babies in 2017.
1. Taiwan
Children Born per Woman: 1.09
Taiwan stands first among the countries with the lowest fertility rates dropping to around 1 child per woman, akin to China’s decline despite no one-child policy. Taiwan’s infant mortality rate is 3.163 deaths per 1000 live births, declining over the years. Assisted Hatching (AH) and techniques like ICSI + PGS aim to enhance IVF success.
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