Plummeting Birth Rates in Taiwan Reach an Unprecedented Low
Low birth rates lead to a decrease in population, marking an all-time low.
Taiwan is grappling with a steep fall in birth rates, registering a record-breaking low of 8,684 births in April last month, as revealed by the Ministry of the Interior. This is the lowest monthly figure ever, leaving one to wonder about the future of a nation with a rapidly aging population [1][2].
The sheer magnitude of the decreased birth rate calls attention to a slew of underlying issues affecting the Taiwanese society – economic pressures, low fertility rates, and social and cultural trends [3].
Economic Pressures and Housing Woes
The wave of rising housing prices and stagnant wages that don't match inflation pose as significant barriers for young couples starting families [3]. With these barriers looming large, fewer couples are ready to embrace the financial responsibilities that come with raising a child.
Taiwan's Plummeting Fertility Rate
The ongoing decline in the fertility rate in Taiwan paints a grim picture, with the total fertility rate hovering around 0.8 children per woman – one of the lowest rates globally [5]. Sadly, this number remains far below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman, suggesting a sustained downward trend in the birth rate.
Modern Times and Changing Priorities
The shift towards modern lifestyles and the waning desire for children is another factor that contributes to the diminishing birth rate [3]. As Singapore is to its southern neighbor, the traditional practice of valuing children in Taiwan is being challenged by the overarching priorities of financial stability, career, and personal growth in today's fast-paced world.
Aging Population and a Shrinking Workforce
Taiwan's aging population has surpassed the 20% threshold, marking its status as a "super-aged society." This demographic shift adds enormous pressure on the workforce and social security systems [3]. Worse still, with the continuous fall in the number of newborns, the old-age dependency ratio is on the rise [3].
As the number of working-age individuals decreases and the elderly population grows, it is anticipated that the ratio of one working-age person to each elderly person may soon tip to one-to-one.
The dwindling population does not bode well for Taiwan's economy either. The strain on healthcare, pension systems, and the economy as a whole is becoming increasingly apparent, as the workforce progressively becomes smaller in comparison to the growing older population [3][4].
In an attempt to stem the tide, the government is brainstorming strategies to support young families and ease their path to parenthood, including aiding single women in childbirth [3]. However, the challenges ahead demand sustained, comprehensive action to treat the root causes of the declining birth rate head-on.
The low birthrate in Taoyuan, reaching 8,684 in April last year, is causing concern due to the nation's aging population. The economic pressures and housing woes, including rising prices and stagnant wages, are deterring young couples from starting families, exacerbating the decreased birth rate. Moreover, the shift towards modern lifestyles and changing priorities, such as the emphasis on financial stability, career, and personal growth, contribute to the declining birthrate. These factors highlight the need for scientific and health-and-wellness policies to help support young families and encourage a more balanced approach to work-life balance in Taiwan.
