Geography in the News: South Korea records world's lowest fertility rate again

South Korea has again recorded the world's lowest fertility rate with the number sinking to a new low - at just 0.81 children per woman. The figure has been declining for the past 6 years - dropping to below one child per woman in 2018. The average rate for HICs is 1.6 children.

Countries need at least two children per couple - a 2.1 rate - to keep their population at the same size, without migration. South Korea has seen family sizes reduce in the span of a few generations - at the start of the 1970s women had four children on average.

A declining population puts immense strain on a country. Apart from increased pressure on public spending as demand for healthcare systems and pensions rise, a declining youth population also leads to labour shortages that have a direct impact on the economy. If South Korea's population continues to shrink, there won't be enough people to grow its economy, look after its aging population, and conscript into its army.

Earlier this year the South Korean government brought in cash incentives to try to encourage people to have more children - every child born will receive a cash bonus of 2 million won (£1,350) to help cover prenatal expenses, on top of a monthly pay out of 300,000 won handed out until the baby turns one. The incentive will increase to 500,000 won every month from 2025.

However many young couples argue that this is not enough to encourage them to have children - it is very hard to balance a career with a family, as the job market is hyper-competitive, and with rapidly rising property prices getting your own home has become unachievable for many young Koreans.

Gender pay gap

Women in South Korea are highly educated but do not have equality in the work place. The country has the highest gender pay gap of any advanced economy, and women are expected to do most of the housework and childcare so it is common for women to stop work after having children or for their careers to stagnate.

Essentially, many women here are still forced to choose between having a career and having a family. Increasingly they are deciding they don't want to sacrifice their careers and are going on a 'baby-making strike'!

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