According to the 2024 United Nations World Fertility Report, Macao ranks first with the world's lowest birth rate at 0.68 children per woman. This figure, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population, highlights a significant demographic challenge. Several social, economic, and cultural factors contribute to Macao's low fertility rate. Let’s explore these in detail.
Top 10 Countries with Lowest
Birth Rates (2024)
|
Rank |
Country |
Birth
Rate (Children per Woman) |
|
1 |
Macao |
0.68 |
|
2 |
Hong Kong |
0.73 |
|
3 |
South Korea |
0.73 |
|
4 |
Taiwan |
0.86 |
|
5 |
Singapore |
0.95 |
|
6 |
Ukraine |
0.99 |
|
7 |
China |
1.01 |
|
8 |
Malta |
1.11 |
|
9 |
Thailand |
1.20 |
|
10 |
Italy |
1.21 |
Source:
United Nations World Fertility Report 2024
High Cost of Living and Housing Issues
Macao’s economy has boomed due to its renowned casinos and tourism industry, but this has led to a high cost of living and housing shortages. Apartment prices are among the highest globally, making it difficult for young couples to secure stable housing for raising children. Limited living space and exorbitant rents deter family formation, a key driver of the low birth rate.
Career-Focused Sociocultural Environment
Macao’s economy relies heavily on service and tourism sectors, fostering a society that prioritizes career development, especially for women. Many young women pursue higher education and professional careers, perceiving childbirth and parenting as obstacles to their ambitions. This has delayed marriage ages and postponed childbearing.
High Education and Upbringing Costs
In Macao, expectations for children’s education are high. International schools and private tutoring are expensive, placing significant financial pressure on parents to provide the best opportunities. These high costs discourage having children and contribute to smaller family sizes.
Population Density and Urbanization
Macao is one of the most densely populated regions globally, with over 700,000 people in a 7.6 km² area. This crowded environment reduces personal space and increases stress, making it less conducive to raising children. As urbanization progresses, natural family formation trends decline.
Limited Government Policies
While the Macao government offers incentives like birth allowances or tax breaks, these are considered insufficient to offset the high cost of living. Compared to other nations, the lack of robust family-friendly policies is often criticized, limiting their impact on boosting fertility rates.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Macao’s birth rate of 0.68 signals serious concerns about population decline and aging. The combination of high living costs, a career-focused culture, expensive education, population density, and inadequate government support has led to this trend. More proactive family support policies and housing solutions are needed. Without action, Macao’s demographic imbalance is likely to worsen.
Source: United Nations World Fertility Report 2024
