Why is it that in one of the wealthiest and safest countries in the world, people struggle to have children? Singapore has raised this question intensely. In 2000, the fertility rate in this country reached 1.6 children per woman, but it is projected to drop to 0.87 by 2025, which is nearly half the rate of the United States. Singapore's leaders, concerned about the risk of population collapse, have turned to their pockets, and each child, including those born to unmarried parents, will receive $55,000 in government support until the age of 17.
Why are young people choosing not to have children?
However, one-quarter of Singaporeans have stated that they do not intend to have children. This reality clearly shows that wealth and security alone cannot be the basis for increasing birth rates. United Nations data indicates that the global fertility rate has decreased from 5.3 births per woman in 1963 to 2.2 in 2023. But this statistic hides a growing gap; in some poor sub-Saharan countries, an average of six births per woman is recorded.
Global Differences in Fertility
In comparison, in England and Wales, this figure is only 1.39. More than half of the world's population, including one billion women in India and China, have fertility rates below 2.1, which is recognized as the 'replacement' level needed to maintain the population without immigration. Even in poorer countries with high mortality rates, which consequently have higher replacement rates, births still outpace deaths. For example, in Nigeria, the fertility rate of 4.4 exceeds the replacement rate of 2.6 children per woman.
Ultimately, the question that needs to be asked is whether simply providing money and financial support can address the fundamental and social issues that prevent family formation. It seems that today's youth are seeking emotional and social security more than ever, which means that other factors must also be considered.
