Singapore's baby drought deepens, with 2023 seeing the lowest number of births in at least 50 years. Meanwhile, deaths remain high, exacerbating the country's demographic challenges.
By the numbers:
33,541 babies born in 2023, down 5.8% from 2022 and 13.3% from 2021
Total fertility rate hit a record low of 0.97
26,888 deaths in 2023, virtually unchanged from 2022 but 10.7% higher than in 2021
Why it matters: The falling birth rate and aging population strain resources and threaten economic dynamism. Fewer working adults will need to support a growing elderly population.
Driving the news: On July 11, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority released its annual report on births and deaths.
Between the lines:
Cost of living concerns and changing social norms contribute to the declining birth rate
Women disproportionately bear the costs of childrearing, affecting career prospects
High expectations for children's academic performance add pressure on potential parents
What's new: For the first time, the report includes data on babies registered with double-barrelled race, reflecting growing inter-ethnic marriages.
28.4% of babies born to parents of different races had double-barrelled race in 2023, up from 12.9% in 2014
The bottom line: Without increased immigration, Singapore's population could shrink if current trends continue, posing significant challenges for the nation's future.