Taiwan now records the world’s lowest national birthrate according to official data. This escalating demographic crisis features a record-low crude birthrate of 4.62. Consequently, the population has officially entered a super-aged society classification. This serious demographic crisis presents profound economic and social challenges ahead. Ministry of the Interior statistics released this week detail the severe decline.
Only 107,812 babies were born in Taiwan throughout the entire last year. That figure represents a dramatic drop of 27,044 from the previous year. Moreover, the number of newborns has fallen for ten consecutive years now. The total fertility rate will likely also fall below 0.8 very soon. Therefore, this demographic crisis continues accelerating without clear signs of reversal.
Simultaneously, the population is aging at a remarkably rapid pace. People aged sixty-five or older now exceed twenty percent nationally. This officially qualifies Taiwan as a super-aged society under UN criteria. The total population also declined for a second consecutive year. These combined trends will significantly pressure future labor markets and pensions.
Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang addressed the impending situation. He stated the ministry anticipated this super-aged designation half a year ago. In response, officials formulated a four-part plan for the coming years. This strategy focuses on health promotion and decentralized care systems. It also includes benefit reforms and technology integration for healthcare.
The ministry’s plan aims to adjust medical systems for an older populace. However, reversing the birthrate trend remains a separate and complex challenge. For comparison, South Korea’s fertility rate actually began recovering recently. Japan’s crude birthrate also remains higher than Taiwan’s new record low. This contrast highlights the particular severity of the local situation.
Long-term implications for the economy and society are considerably grave. A shrinking workforce must support a growing elderly population soon. This dynamic threatens economic growth and public finance sustainability. Policymakers must now urgently incentivize family formation and childbirth. The government likely requires more aggressive social and financial support policies.
Future outlooks depend heavily on effective policy intervention in the near term. The success of the ministry’s four-area plan will be critical. Demographic shifts will also influence housing, education, and consumer markets deeply. Taiwan’s experience provides a case study for other aging societies globally. Ultimately, managing this crisis requires immediate and sustained societal effort.
