While global population is rising, East Asia is shrinking

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Across East Asia, birthrates are plummeting. Japan's has been falling for eight straight years and recently hit a record low of 1.2 children per woman, the lowest since record-keeping began in 1899.

For reference, a total fertility rate of 2.1 is needed to maintain a stable population. China's total fertility rate is now approaching 1.0. South Korea's plummeted in 2023 to a record 0.72, the world's lowest.