The United Nations has warned that the world’s fertility rates are declining at an unprecedented rate, with many people unable to have the number of children they want due to financial challenges and other barriers. According to a new report by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), this trend could reshape societies and economies worldwide.
The UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people across 14 countries, including South Korea, India, the United States, Nigeria, and Sweden. The findings show that 39% of respondents cited financial limitations, such as high costs of raising children, job insecurity, and expensive housing, as the main reason for not having more children. In South Korea, 58% of people pointed to financial concerns, while in Sweden, where parental support policies are strong, only 19% reported the same issue.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, head of UNFPA, said, “Most people want two or more children, but many feel they cannot afford to build the families they desire. This is the real crisis.” The report also highlighted other barriers, such as lack of time and unequal sharing of household responsibilities, particularly for women. Only 12% of respondents mentioned infertility as a reason for not having children, with higher rates in countries like Thailand (19%) and the US (16%).
The UN warns against extreme policies, like forcing people to have more children, which could harm individual rights. Instead, it recommends making parenthood more affordable through better access to housing, jobs, paid parental leave, and childcare. The survey is a pilot for a larger study planned for 50 countries later this year.
This decline in fertility rates is already affecting countries with aging populations, like Japan and South Korea, and could lead to economic challenges in the future. Experts urge governments to act thoughtfully to support families without resorting to coercive measures.
Source: UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025
