birth rates

The number of centenarians in England and Wales increased by 20% over the past decade, while birth rates have dropped to their lowest level in nearly 50 years.

The article highlights the 15 countries with the highest and lowest birth rates in 2024, noting that African nations dominate the highest rates while European and Asian countries have the lowest. Somalia ranked third globally with 42.3 births per 1,000 people, and the US ranked 135th with 10.6 births per 1,000. The global birth rate has declined since the 1960s, with factors like economic challenges and contraceptive access influencing trends.

Vietnam has joined Southeast Asia's efforts to increase birth rates through incentives, but experts argue the primary challenge is adapting economies and welfare systems to an aging population.

France has introduced additional parental leave as part of efforts to increase birth rates. A nurse at a Paris hospital recently held a newborn in the maternity ward, illustrating the context of the policy.

Hungary's pronatalist policies initially increased birth rates, but the effect later declined. The article explores why this occurred and what lessons other countries seeking to raise fertility can learn.

A new working paper investigates whether smartphones are linked to the decline in birth rates since the iPhone's introduction 20 years ago.

Researchers suggest smartphones may be a significant factor in declining birth rates. The article highlights a potential link between smartphone usage and reduced birth rates.

Researchers suggest smartphones may be a significant factor in declining birth rates. The article highlights a potential link between smartphone usage and reduced birth rates.

Researchers suggest smartphones may be a significant factor in declining birth rates. The article highlights a potential link between smartphone use and reduced fertility rates.

Birth rates in the UK have fallen to a 50-year low, with 40% of births now attributed to foreign-born parents, according to official data. The decline highlights demographic shifts and growing contributions from immigrant populations to population growth.

Official days off, such as bank holidays, are associated with an increase in births nine months later, according to figures showing a correlation between extended weekends and higher birth rates.