Births Decline and Deaths Increase... Population Experiences Natural Decrease for 4 Consecutive Months, 'Unprecedented'

Statistics Korea Announces February Population Trends

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As the number of births decreases and the number of deaths increases, South Korea's population has naturally declined for four consecutive months for the first time in history.

According to the 'February Population Trends' announced by Statistics Korea on the 28th, the number of births nationwide in February was 22,854, a decrease of 2,919 (11.3%) compared to the same period last year. This is the lowest number recorded since statistics began in February 1981.

The number of births has continued to decline year-on-year for 51 consecutive months since December 2015. In terms of births, from April 2016 to February this year, the monthly number has consecutively set new lows compared to the same month in the previous year for 47 months straight.

Looking at the number of deaths in February, it was 25,419, an increase of 2,492 (10.9%) compared to one year ago. The number of deaths was the highest recorded since statistics began in February 1983. Accordingly, the natural increase (births minus deaths) in February was recorded as minus 2,565, marking the first time since statistics began in 1983 that February showed a negative figure. The natural increase has been negative for four consecutive months since November last year, which is also the first occurrence since statistics began in 1983.

The number of marriages reported in February was 19,104, an increase of 905 (5.0%) compared to last year, and the number of divorces was 8,232, an increase of 28 (0.3%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.