Heterogeneous determinants of falling birth rates in the Western Pacific

Fertility decline is a global trend but particularly a concern in the Western Pacific region. Since 2021, the total fertility rates in many parts of Asia have already fallen below 2.1 per woman, the replacement level needed to prevent a population from shrinking. In this December issue, we present a series on Low Birth Rate in the Asia-Pacific discussing the heterogeneous determinants of fertility issues in the region. Falling birth rate poses a universal threat to all societies as it is linked with shrinking workforces and economic growth, as well as challenges in sustaining aging populations.