By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Taiwan’s population continued its decline for the 23rd consecutive month, with November births hitting a new record low. The island saw 7,946 births in November, marking the third record low this year and contributing to a negative natural population change. The aging population reached nearly super-aged status, with the 65+ age group comprising 19.99% of the population. While deaths decreased, the birth rate remained low, further solidifying the trend.
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Taiwan’s population drops for 23rd-straight month as November births plummet 36.72%, and it’s a stark reminder of the demographic challenges facing the island nation. This isn’t just a blip on the radar; it’s a continuing trend that paints a concerning picture of the future. The sheer magnitude of the November decline, with births plummeting over a third compared to the previous year, underscores the urgency of the situation. It’s hard not to notice that this is part of a global phenomenon.
This isn’t unique to Taiwan, mind you; it’s a story playing out in many developed countries around the world. The reasons behind this decline are complex and multifaceted. The escalating cost of living, particularly for young people, is a significant factor. Raising children is an expensive proposition, and as the economic burden grows, fewer people are choosing to have them. The financial strain is palpable, and the support systems, when they exist, often feel insufficient.
The economic anxieties are intensified when you consider other contributing factors. The very real threat of war and the potential for geopolitical instability undoubtedly cast a shadow over long-term planning, and having kids certainly qualifies as long-term planning. There are also many other things people can do to have fun or earn money rather than care for a child. This is a very different world.
The role of social media and the distractions of modern life cannot be ignored. The dopamine rush of constant entertainment can shift priorities, and the perceived “downsides” of parenting become more pronounced. This isn’t necessarily a criticism, but a simple observation about the shift in values and the impact of technology on life choices.
Another crucial point is the long working hours that are part and parcel of so many lives in Taiwan. Coupled with the already high cost of living, it becomes hard for young couples to imagine bringing children into the world. If you’re working excessively and struggling to make ends meet, the idea of adding a child to the equation is daunting.
One interesting point to consider is whether there could be potential positives to this trend, or what some might view as the ‘silver lining’. If we have been worried about overpopulation, then perhaps the drop in birth rates offers a solution of sorts, albeit one that comes at a cost, particularly for the people alive at present. The reduction in the population could lead to more individual bargaining power.
The government’s response, or rather the lack thereof, is also a cause for concern. The Taiwanese government has, as yet, not provided any announcements about the predicted 20% annual birth decline in 2025. Considering that South Korea declared a national emergency when they reached a similar fertility rate, this lack of action is striking.
There are varying perspectives on how this is all going to play out. Some suggest that with falling populations, we’ll see more bargaining power for those who remain. Others believe this points to a larger problem of constant economic growth. But it’s clear that without more people to work and pay taxes, social services might collapse.
There are those who believe that there might be a rise in those in favor of policies that are considered to be extreme, such as the normalization of euthanasia, for example. In addition, there is a chance that emigration will also be curbed.
While the cost of living is a major factor, it isn’t the sole driver of the decline. Other considerations come into play, such as the proliferation of new, entertaining, and perhaps addictive, ways to spend time and make money. We also can’t rule out the cultural and societal shifts that have led to delayed marriage and childbearing.
If we look at the bigger picture, it’s evident that the world is already at replacement-level fertility. Interestingly, it is the developed countries in East Asia that are facing the brunt of the problem. Some might argue that those countries with higher birth rates also have lower life expectancies.
It’s vital to acknowledge that most developed nations are facing this crisis. The two exceptions, those with birth rates above replacement level, are Israel and Saudi Arabia. In Israel’s case, it is driven by Orthodox Jews, while in Saudi Arabia, it may be due to the oppression of women.
The implications for the future are substantial. The decline in birth rates could exacerbate economic problems and impact social services. The aging population might struggle to maintain itself. This, however, is a very complex phenomenon, and it can be hard to determine what the long-term impact on the Taiwanese economy and society will be.