Singapore's resident TFR has dropped

Singapore's resident total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped below 1 for the first time in history, with a preliminary estimate of 0.97 in 2023.

A TFR of 0.97 places Singapore among those countries with the lowest birth rates globally, with South Korea topping the list with a TFR of 0.72 in 2023.

This persistently low fertility rate, coupled with an aging population, presents dual demographic challenges. These challenges result in a shrinking workforce and couples in the "sandwiched" segment having to bear the brunt of caring for the young and old.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s office, Indranee Rajah attributed the decline to factors like the Covid-19 pandemic affecting couples' plans. However, many commentators felt that rising costs of living and baseline expectations for how to raise a child are a larger consideration.

Singapore's fertility rate is significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1. The government has implemented measures to support marriage and parenthood in response to this demographic trend such as increasing paid paternity and parental leave as well as looking into Flexible Work Arrangements with TAFEP.