South Korea’s military has shrunk by 20% in six years as the male population drops, and it’s a significant shift with far-reaching implications. The defense forces have been steadily declining since the early 2000s, and this trend has been accelerating in recent years. The primary driver is the shrinking pool of young men eligible for conscription, a consequence of the country’s plummeting birth rate.
Between 2019 and 2025, the population of 20-year-old males, the prime age for military service, has taken a dramatic dip. Government data reveals a staggering 30% decline in this age group. This stark demographic reality is forcing the military to adapt, especially as the mandatory service period has been reduced to 18 months.… Continue reading
Japan’s population experienced a significant decline in 2024, with almost a million more deaths than births, marking the steepest annual drop since 1968. Births reached a record low of 686,061, while the overall population decreased by 0.44%, primarily impacting the pension and healthcare systems. Despite government efforts to boost birth rates through various incentives and embracing foreign labor, deep-seated cultural and economic challenges, such as high living costs and stagnant wages, continue to hinder progress. With a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce, Japan faces a demographic crisis that will require long-term solutions.
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Facing a demographic crisis, China is implementing measures to boost its declining birth rate. The government is offering parents across the country an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($500) per child under three, totaling up to 10,800 yuan per child. This initiative follows local government efforts, such as payouts in Hohhot and Shenyang, and addresses the high cost of raising children in China, where expenses can reach $75,700 up to age 17. These efforts come in response to a falling population and an aging demographic, with the country recording just 9.54 million births in 2024.
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Korean fathers increasingly take paternity leave amid demographic crisis is a trend that’s gaining momentum, and it’s tied to a complex set of circumstances. This isn’t just about a societal shift; it’s intertwined with the urgent reality of a declining birth rate, often referred to as a demographic crisis. It’s a challenge South Korea faces head-on, with its fertility rate among the lowest globally. The response? Increased availability and acceptance of paternity leave.
One of the key takeaways is that paternity leave isn’t just beneficial for fathers. It’s linked to positive outcomes, from better marriages to more involved fathers and even potentially lower crime rates in the long run.… Continue reading
Russia is facing a significant demographic crisis with a declining birthrate and increasing deaths, posing a long-term economic threat. To address this, President Vladimir Putin has prioritized boosting birth rates, implementing financial incentives like cash payouts and tax breaks. Labor shortages have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, leading to a shrinking workforce and businesses struggling to fill positions. Ultimately, the country’s shrinking population could lead to economic strain and even a potential recession.
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Japan’s 2024 birthrate plummeted to a record low of 686,061, the lowest since record-keeping began in 1899, resulting in a record-low fertility rate of 1.15. This represents a 5.7% decrease from the previous year and falls significantly short of the 2.1 rate needed for population stability. The decline, occurring despite a slight rise in marriages, underscores the urgency of the nation’s demographic crisis, with projections showing a drastic population decrease by 2070. Government initiatives to incentivize childbirth have thus far proven insufficient to counteract the trend.
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A Gapjil 119 survey reveals that a significant portion of Korean workers, nearly 40 percent, cannot freely utilize maternity or parental leave. Non-regular workers face even greater challenges, with over 50 percent unable to take parental leave. This disparity is also evident across company sizes, with smaller companies showing significantly lower leave utilization rates. The survey, along with 58 reported cases of related workplace abuse, highlights systemic issues in Korea’s approach to parental rights.
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A new independent study estimates Cuba’s population to be around 8 million, a 24% decline in four years, significantly lower than official figures. This dramatic decrease, attributed largely to mass emigration exceeding 500,000 in 2024 alone, is described as a “demographic emptying” stemming from a systemic crisis. The study contrasts sharply with official data, which underestimates the scale of the exodus and the severity of the population crisis. This depopulation acts as a key indicator of the broader societal collapse affecting Cuba.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker