North Korea's Birth Rate Crisis: A Looming Population Decline
Experts See No Working Solution
Impending Demographic Disaster
In a rare admission, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has acknowledged that his country's birth rate is alarmingly low. Experts now fear a looming population crisis that could have devastating consequences for the isolated nation.
According to current projections, North Korea's population of 26 million people will reach its peak in 2037, with a population of 26.87 million. However, from 2034 onwards, the overall population is expected to decline steadily. This trend is a reflection of East Asia's growing demographic crisis, which has also affected China.
The current population growth rate in North Korea is 0.43%, while the total fertility rate (TFR) is only 1.9 children per woman. The TFR represents the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement-level fertility, ensuring that the population remains stable. North Korea's TFR is well below this threshold.
Experts have identified several factors contributing to North Korea's low birth rate, including economic hardships, high levels of stress, and limited access to healthcare. The country's strict family planning policies have also played a role in reducing fertility rates.
The impending population decline in North Korea poses significant challenges for the country's future. A smaller workforce could hinder economic growth, while the aging population will put a strain on the healthcare system and social services. The crisis could also have implications for regional stability and security.
Despite the urgency of the situation, experts see no clear solutions to North Korea's population crisis. Addressing the underlying causes of the low birth rate will require comprehensive social and economic reforms, which may prove difficult in the isolated and authoritarian country.
The demographic crisis facing North Korea is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from unchecked population decline. It is a challenge that will continue to cast a long shadow over the country's future.
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