Vietnam's Fertility Rate Reaches Historic Low in 2024

Hanoi, Dec 30 (NationPress) Vietnam's fertility rate has reached a historic low in 2024, with the total fertility rate declining to only 1.91 children per woman, which marks the third straight year below the replacement level.

The steady decrease in birth rates has been observed over recent years, dropping from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 2.01 in 2022, and further down to 1.96 in 2023, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing the Vietnam News Agency, which referenced the Vietnam Population Authority under the Ministry of Health on Monday.

Pham Vu Hoang, the deputy director of the authority, stated that if the low fertility rate continues, Vietnam's population might start to decline after 2054.

Forecasts suggest a possible annual population reduction of 0.04 percent between 2054 and 2059 and 0.18 percent from 2064 to 2069, amounting to an average loss of 200,000 people each year. In contrast, sustaining the replacement-level birthrate would result in a slight annual growth of 0.17 percent, adding about 200,000 people annually, he explained.

The Ministry of Health is in the process of drafting a Population Law, expected to be presented to the National Assembly in 2025.

This draft law puts forth measures aimed at maintaining the 2.1 replacement fertility level, including the removal of penalties for having a third child, promoting marriages for women before the age of 30, and encouraging having two children before 35.

The Southeast Asian nation entered a population golden period in 2007 after officially achieving replacement fertility in 2006.

Key priorities include boosting public awareness regarding family planning and gender equality, motivating families to have two children, investing in the upbringing of healthy and educated children, and integrating population goals into provincial resolutions and plans.

Deputy Minister Huong also emphasized the need to strengthen the organizational framework of population departments across provinces and cities to enhance their capability in tackling demographic challenges.

“Encouraging the concept of two-child families, ensuring proper nurturing for children, and creating joyful and progressive families is essential,” she asserted, calling on society to transition its focus from merely family planning to a comprehensive view of population and development.

In 2023, Vietnam became the third most populous country in Southeast Asia and the 15th most populous nation globally after its population exceeded 100 million.