Countries Running Out of People: The Baby Crisis Nobody Talks About

Japan’s Population Nosedive

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Japan’s population is shrinking at a record pace. As of 2024, government data shows births in Japan fell below 800,000 for the first time ever, while deaths exceeded 1.5 million.

The number of Japanese aged 15-64—considered the working age—dropped to just 59% of the total population. The country’s overall population has declined for 14 straight years, and the government predicts it will fall below 100 million by 2050, down from over 125 million in the early 2000s.

The number of children under 15 hit a historic low of 10.5%. Prime Minister Kishida called the crisis “unprecedented,” warning that “Japan may not be able to function as a society” if trends continue.

South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

South Korea’s fertility rate hit a shocking new low in 2024—just 0.72 children per woman, the world’s lowest according to official statistics. That’s far below the 2.1 needed for a stable population.

The number of newborns fell to under 230,000, while deaths soared past 340,000. The government’s attempts to boost births, including cash payments and childcare subsidies, have failed to turn things around.

By 2070, projections estimate South Korea’s population could shrink by nearly half. Experts warn the country faces a “demographic time bomb” with a rapidly graying population and not enough young people to support the elderly.

China’s Sudden Population Decline

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

China’s population started to fall in 2023 for the first time in more than 60 years. The National Bureau of Statistics reported just over 9 million births but 10.4 million deaths in 2023.

The population shrank by about 2 million in 2024, with births dropping to their lowest since the 1940s. The working-age population is shrinking while the over-60 group is growing fast, making up nearly 20% of all Chinese.

Despite relaxing the decades-old one-child policy to allow three children, birth rates keep dropping. Economists warn this “population crisis” could slow China’s economic growth and strain social services.

Italy’s Vanishing Generations

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Italy now has one of Europe’s oldest and fastest-shrinking populations. In 2024, Italy’s birth rate dropped to 1.19 children per woman, and only 379,000 babies were born—the lowest ever recorded.

The number of deaths surpassed births by more than 100,000. The population has fallen by nearly 2 million since 2014.

The Italian government declared a “national emergency” and is offering financial incentives for families, but so far, these measures haven’t reversed the trend. By 2050, forecasts suggest Italy’s population could drop below 50 million, down from 59 million in 2020.

Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Germany’s population is aging rapidly, with the birth rate stuck at about 1.4 children per woman as of 2024. The country saw just 690,000 births in 2023, while deaths topped 1 million for the third year in a row.

The share of over-65s reached nearly 23%, the highest in German history. While immigration helped slow the population decline, experts warn that without more births, the workforce will shrink, putting huge pressure on pensions and healthcare.

The government’s efforts, like more parental leave and childcare funding, have not significantly boosted births.

Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Spain’s fertility rate hit a record low of 1.15 children per woman in 2024, with just 322,000 babies born—a 25% drop since 2010. The number of deaths outpaces births by nearly 100,000 every year.

Rural areas are especially hard hit, with entire villages facing extinction. The share of people over 65 is now nearly 22%.

Despite new policies offering cash for babies and parental leave, experts say social and economic pressures—like high youth unemployment and soaring housing costs—are keeping young families small or childless.

Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary are losing people faster than almost anywhere else. Bulgaria’s population fell below 6.5 million in 2024, down from nearly 9 million in 1989.

Romania lost over 3 million people since 1990. Birth rates are around 1.4 children per woman, with more deaths and high emigration making things worse.

Many towns are emptying out, with abandoned schools and closed hospitals. Governments are trying to lure back emigrants and encourage bigger families, but results have been limited.

Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Singapore posted its lowest-ever fertility rate in 2024—just 0.97 children per woman. The government has warned that if trends continue, the population could start declining within a decade.

Despite generous “baby bonuses,” paid parental leave, and subsidized childcare, young couples cite high costs and work stress as barriers to having more children. The median age is now over 43, and almost one in five Singaporeans is over 65.

The government is encouraging more immigration, but many worry about the loss of national identity.

Taiwan’s Shrinking Families

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

Taiwan’s birth rate dropped again in 2023 to 0.87 children per woman, one of the world’s lowest. Only about 135,000 babies were born, while deaths topped 210,000.

The population has been shrinking since 2020, and the number of people over 65 is set to double by 2040. The government offers free IVF treatments and cash for babies, but young people say high housing prices and work pressures make starting families difficult.

Policy makers warn the declining workforce will hurt the economy and strain social welfare.

United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet

Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

In the United States, the birth rate hit a record low of 1.62 children per woman in 2024, according to the CDC. Total births in 2024 were about 3.5 million, down from 4.1 million in 2007.

While the U.S. population is still growing thanks to immigration, the aging trend is clear: by 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65.

Experts warn that if birth rates continue falling and immigration slows, the U.S. could eventually face the same population challenges as Europe and Asia.

The Social Security Administration has flagged declining births as a major risk for future funding.

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Japan’s Population Nosedive, South Korea: The World’s Lowest Birthrate, China’s Sudden Population Decline, Italy’s Vanishing Generations, Germany’s Falling Births, Growing Worries, Spain’s Baby Bust Steepens, Eastern Europe’s Disappearing Towns, Singapore’s Record-Low Fertility Rate, Taiwan’s Shrinking Families, United States: Slowing, Not Shrinking Yet, Get more from Travelbucketlist!

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