Why Birth Rates are Falling in East Asia?
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Abstract East Asia is experiencing one of the most dramatic demographic shifts in modern history. Countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan are witnessing rapidly declining birth rates, raising alarms about aging populations, labor shortages, and long-term economic stagnation. This article explores the underlying causes, regional patterns, socio-economic impacts, and policy responses to this critical issue. Understanding why birth rates are falling in East Asia so rapidly and what it means for the region is critical for future planning. 1. Introduction The fertility rate across East Asia has plummeted to historic lows. South Korea reported a total fertility rate (TFR) of just 0.72 in 2023, the lowest in the world. Japan’s TFR stands at around 1.3, and China has seen its population decline for the first time in six decades. These trends signify a profound transformation in societal be...