Demography

Japan's centenarians increase to new record of over 99,000, up 4,600

Japan's centenarians increase to new record of over 99,000, up 4,600

09:12, 12 September 2025

Over 8,000 ethnic Kazakhs return to Kazakhstan since beginning of year

Over 8,000 ethnic Kazakhs return to Kazakhstan since beginning of year

11:05, 25 August 2025

Plunging fertility rates present significant global challenges: Report

Plunging fertility rates present significant global challenges: Report

10:40, 20 August 2025

Population of Türkiye reaches 85.82M as of July 1

Around the World

Population of Türkiye reaches 85.82M as of July 1

22:12, 13 August 2025

6 kg giant baby girl born in E Kazakhstan

6 kg giant baby girl born in E Kazakhstan

20:49, 12 August 2025

baby

Birth rates still lower than deaths in N Kazakhstan

16:35, 12 August 2025

Spain's population hits 49.3M, driven by immigration

Spain's population hits 49.3M, driven by immigration

07:39, 8 August 2025

Number of economically active seniors hits record high in S. Korea in 2025: data

Number of economically active seniors hits record high in S. Korea in 2025: data

10:14, 6 August 2025

Kazakhstan reports decline in maternal and infant mortality

Kazakhstan reports decline in maternal and infant mortality

11:51, 5 August 2025

Kazakhstan’s population increased by 104,000 since early 2025

Kazakhstan’s population increased by 104,000 since early 2025

14:05, 1 August 2025

Italy to face 22% population decline by 2080: ISTAT

Italy to face 22% population decline by 2080: ISTAT

19:23, 29 July 2025

Over 40% of Tuvalu citizens apply for relocation to Australia

Around the World

Over 40% of Tuvalu citizens apply for relocation to Australia

10:39, 2 July 2025

Abu Dhabi population in 2024 grows 7.5% to reach 4.14 million

Abu Dhabi population in 2024 grows 7.5% to reach 4.14 million

09:41, 1 July 2025

Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA UNFPA representative Mariam Khan urges governments to shift focus from growth to people's real-life choices, support systems Beyza Binnur Donmez | 26.06.2025 - Update : 26.06.2025 INTERVIEW - Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA GENEVA The global population may be growing more slowly than before, but it’s still growing. In fact, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that by 2050, the world population will be 20%-30% larger than it was in 2020 -- nearing 10 billion people -- and will only begin to level off around 2100. But beneath these numbers lies a more complex and urgent story. "Population is impacted by three factors: fertility, mortality and migration," UNFPA representative Mariam Khan told Anadolu. "And these three are constantly in flux." While people across the globe are living longer, fertility rates are falling. According to UNFPA, average global fertility has dropped from five children per woman in the 1950s to just 2.3 today. By 2050, it is projected to reach 2.1 -- the so-called “replacement level.” "Two-thirds of the world now lives in low-fertility contexts," Khan said. "People are living longer, but many are choosing to have fewer children." Declining fertility, rising concerns Despite the slowdown, many governments remain locked in outdated frameworks focused solely on growth. Khan warned that this model is no longer sustainable or reflective of how people live and decide today. "We're moving into a world where population is growing more slowly, is going to be older, and might need to, also for purposes of the environment, consume less," she said. "It’s not about whether the number is high or low. It's about adapting to these changes.” In many countries, there is now a consistent gap between how many children people would like to have and how many they actually do. "Almost in every country," the number of children that couples actually have is lower than they desire to have, Khan noted, explaining that such a gap is due to economic and social barriers. From high housing and education costs to unequal care responsibilities and limited access to reproductive health services, many factors prevent people from reaching their desired family size. Unpaid care work, still largely done by women, further limits options. "Care work consumes a lot of time, mental space, and actual time," said Khan. "Sharing in that frees up both the man and the woman to have opportunities...including the number of children they want to have." Why short-term fixes don't work Some governments have turned to cash bonuses and tax breaks to raise fertility rates. But according to UNFPA, these policies often fall short -- especially if they fail to address the deeper, structural issues. "History tells us that attempts to reverse fertility decline through short-term incentives or coercive measures often fail and can even backfire," said Khan. "They narrowly focus on influencing women to have more children, without addressing deeper structural issues." Instead, UNFPA advocates for long-term, women- and family-friendly policies that address economic insecurity, ensure reproductive rights and promote gender equality. "The goal is to support individuals who wish to have children," Khan emphasized. Countries that have made real progress, she said, have taken an inclusive approach. That includes workplace equality, accessible childcare, flexible work models and shared parental leave -- all of which make it easier for families to thrive. "Policies that promote gender equality, protect reproductive rights and provide sustainable economic and social support are the keys to reaching desired fertility and building a resilient society," she said. Adapting to an aging population As fertility declines and populations age, many countries will soon face new social and economic challenges. Khan said this is not a reason for panic, but for preparation. The working-age population will start to decrease while the share of elderly people in the population continues to increase, she explained, and said: "This leads to dependency ratios that place a bigger burden on those working." In practical terms, that means reforming pension systems, strengthening health care infrastructure and reconsidering retirement policies. “Aging populations don’t signal collapse," she said. "They require adjustment -- and vision." Regarding what global cooperation can offer, she said the challenges are not unique to any one country -- and neither are the solutions. Khan emphasized the importance of international cooperation, knowledge sharing and evidence-based policy development. "By learning from global examples—from Japan and South Korea to Sweden and France—all countries can shape their own path," she said. "The core question isn’t whether there are too many or too few people but whether everyone has the equal rights and opportunities to shape their own lives with dignity."

Global population growth to continue through 2050 despite falling fertility rates: UNFPA

16:50, 26 June 2025

S. Korea sees fastest on-year growth in births in 34 yrs in April

S. Korea sees fastest on-year growth in births in 34 yrs in April

14:11, 25 June 2025

Median age of Kazakhstan's population rises to 32.3

Median age of Kazakhstan's population rises to 32.3 years

22:24, 24 June 2025

Triplets born in Aktobe region

Triplets Amir, Amina and Aisha born in Aktobe

09:14, 17 June 2025

India's population

Around the World

Number of people living in India surpasses 1.46 billion in 2025 — UN

19:51, 10 June 2025

Uzbekistan

Foresight Seminar “Central Asia 2050” begins in Tashkent

15:38, 28 May 2025

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's population exceeds 7.3 million

10:58, 26 May 2025

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Demography is the study of demographics, the social characteristics and statistics of a human population.