Comparison of Total Fertility Rates in South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, 1950-2024
This chart compares the total fertility rates (TFR) of South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong from 1950 to 2024. TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. The chart visually displays the changes in fertility rates for these countries and regions over the specified period.
South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong share deep historical, economic, and cultural ties. These relationships have influenced the fertility rates of these countries. Here is a detailed look at each country.
Japan
Japan was one of the first countries in Asia to modernize, experiencing rapid industrialization in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was a baby boom, leading to a sharp increase in the fertility rate. However, since the 1960s, the fertility rate has steadily declined due to economic growth, increased female workforce participation, and higher educational attainment. As of now, Japan's fertility rate is about 1.34, one of the lowest globally, contributing to severe issues of low birth rates and an aging population. Despite various pro-natalist policies, the country's structural and cultural issues make it difficult to significantly increase the fertility rate.
China
China, the most populous country in the world, implemented the 'One-Child Policy' in the late 1970s to address overpopulation. This policy significantly reduced the fertility rate throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Although China shifted to a 'Two-Child Policy' in 2016, the fertility rate has seen minimal recovery. By 2020, the fertility rate was approximately 1.3. Economic development, urbanization, and rising educational levels have all contributed to this decline, exacerbating the problem of an aging population.
South Korea
South Korea experienced rapid economic growth following the Korean War in the 1950s. During the 1960s and 1970s, industrialization and urbanization significantly increased, leading to high fertility rates, with families often having more than six or seven children. However, since the 1980s, the fertility rate has sharply declined due to economic development and the increasing participation of women in the workforce. By 2020, the fertility rate had dropped to 0.84, one of the lowest in the world. This decline is attributed to the rising costs of housing and education and the growing burden of marriage and childbirth on the younger generation. Despite various government policies aimed at encouraging childbirth, the recovery of the fertility rate remains challenging.
Taiwan
Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth in the latter half of the 20th century. The fertility rate was high in the 1950s and 1960s but began to decline in the 1970s. Economic growth, along with increased female workforce participation, led to a continued decline in the fertility rate. Currently, Taiwan's fertility rate is around 1.1, one of the lowest. High housing and education costs, along with the burdens of marriage and childbirth, are significant factors. Despite the government's efforts to encourage childbirth, these measures have had limited success.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, has a unique historical and economic structure. Following rapid economic development in the mid-20th century, the fertility rate was relatively high in the 1960s but has since gradually declined. By 2020, Hong Kong's fertility rate was about 0.87, one of the lowest globally. High living costs, expensive education, and significant financial burdens are the main factors. Despite pro-natalist policies, social and economic factors make it difficult to increase the fertility rate substantially.
In conclusion, South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong all exhibit a common trend of declining fertility rates driven by economic development and social changes. The decreasing fertility rates pose demographic challenges and social issues, necessitating diverse policy efforts to address them.
Total fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children that a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, and it is a crucial indicator in demographic studies.
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