Chile is facing a dramatic decline in its birth rate, with the average number of children per woman falling to 1.03 in 2024. This marks a 42% drop over the past decade and places Chile below countries like Japan in terms of fertility levels.
Experts point to multiple factors driving this trend. Rising living costs and economic uncertainty are making it more challenging for families to have children. Many young people are delaying parenthood, prioritizing education and career goals, while persistent gender inequalities continue to affect family planning decisions.
The decline in fertility is not unique to Chile. The United States has also seen birth rates drop below the replacement level of 2.1, raising concerns about aging populations and shrinking workforces.
The social and economic consequences are significant. A smaller workforce could slow economic growth, while an aging population increases pressure on healthcare and social support systems. Policymakers may need to explore solutions such as family-friendly policies, childcare support, and immigration incentives to counter these trends.
Chile’s demographic shift serves as an early warning for other nations, including the U.S., highlighting the broader challenges of low fertility in modern societies.
