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Low numbers of babies - 17th August 2020

Women around the world are having fewer babies.

Some countries have smaller populations than before. They also have more elderly populations. Other countries, such as Spain and Japan, expect their populations to fall by 2100.

Research shows the average number of births is falling. One study found women had an average of 4.7 children in 1950. In 2017, they had an average of 2.4 children.

The reasons for fewer births include better healthcare and birth control. Also, better education and a large number of women working.

But an elderly population affects everyone’s lives. Hospitals need more money and people retire later. Elderly people can’t work and they need care which is expensive.

So, some governments are helping people to become parents. They want more young people because a younger population makes more money.

If populations continue falling, our future might be very different.