Vietnam’s total fertility rate (TFR) declined from 1.96 in 2023 to 1.91 in 2024, marking the lowest level in its history, according to the General Statistics Office’s mid-term population and housing survey.
Urban areas reported a TFR of 1.67, significantly lower than rural areas at 2.08. Ho Chi Minh City recorded the lowest rate at 1.39, while Ha Giang led with 2.69. In total, 32 provinces and cities fell below the replacement level of 2.1.
Pham Hoai Nam, director of the Population and Labor Statistics Department, emphasized that Vietnam’s fertility rate is falling rapidly. He cited global examples, including Europe, Japan, South Korea, and China, where once the fertility rate declines, recovery becomes challenging. Immediate policy measures are needed to prevent further decreases.
The Ministry of Health proposed scrapping penalties for Communist Party members with three or more children, aiming to encourage childbirth. Other measures, such as financial incentives, are under consideration to stabilize fertility rates.
Vietnam is currently in its “golden population structure,” with two working-age people for every dependent. In 2024, the population aged 15-64 accounts for 67.4%, those under 15 represent 23.3%, and seniors aged 65 and above make up 9.3%.
Last year, the number of people aged 60 and above reached 14.2 million, up 2.8 million from 2019 and 4.7 million from 2014. Projections indicated that in 2030, seniors will number approximately 18 million, signaling rapid aging due to higher life expectancy and declining fertility. (Tin Tuc, 1 The Gioi)