Taiwan is witnessing a continuous drop in its number of births as young adults on the island become increasingly reluctant to marry.
According to official statistics released by authorities, the number of live births in Taiwan hit an all-time low in 2023, with only 135,571 babies born last year.
In February 2024, the island nation recorded 9,663 births and 17,462 deaths which was the 38th consecutive month that saw the it recording more deaths than births.
The reports noted drop in birth numbers was attributed to young adults’ reluctance to commit to marriage. The island’s official statistics revealed that from 2013 to 2023, the ratio of married women aged 25 to 29 had dropped from 23.76 percent to 17.72 percent, while that of married women aged 30 to 34 had decreased from 52.63 percent to 41.41 percent.
This reluctance to marry stems from a number of factors, including concerns about salaries, housing prices and the cost of raising children.
Currently, regional authorities on the island are offering parents subsidies for raising children. In Taipei, couples having their first baby will be awarded 40,000 new Taiwan dollars (1,263.52 U.S. dollars), while those having a second or third child will be given subsidies of 45,000 and 50,000 new Taiwan dollars, respectively.
