20,934 Babies Born in October 'Lowest Ever'... 12 Consecutive Months of Natural Population Decline

(Photo) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The number of births in October this year recorded the lowest ever at 21,900. With the number of births decreasing and deaths increasing, natural population decline has continued for 12 consecutive months.

On the 23rd, Statistics Korea announced the 'October Population Trends' report containing this information.

According to the report, the number of births was 21,934, a decrease of 3,679 (-14.4%) compared to the same month last year. This is the lowest since related statistics began to be compiled in 1981. The rate of decline is the largest in 19 years since October 2001 (-17.7%).

The number of births decreased in all regions. Gyeonggi-do saw the largest decrease with 803 fewer births compared to the previous year, while Seoul and Incheon also decreased by 625 and 297 respectively.

On the other hand, the number of deaths in October was 26,509, an increase of 940 (3.7%) compared to the same month last year. The number of deaths also recorded the highest ever since related statistics began to be compiled.

Accordingly, the population naturally declined by 4,575 (-1.1%) in October. The natural decline trend has continued for 12 consecutive months since November last year, marking the longest period ever recorded.

The number of marriages in October was 16,473, a decrease of 3,854 (-19.0%) compared to the same month last year, falling to the lowest ever. The number of divorces recorded 9,349, a decrease of 510 (-5.2%).

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