Number of Births in March 24,054... Natural Population Decline for 17 Consecutive Months

March Marriages Plummet 13.4% Compared to Same Period Last Year

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] In March, the number of births nationwide was 24,054, the lowest for March since statistics began in 1981. The 'natural population decrease,' where deaths outnumber births, has continued for 17 consecutive months. Marriages also decreased by 13.4% compared to March last year. This is due to the decline in the population in their 30s and the postponement of weddings caused by the impact of COVID-19.

According to the 'March 2021 Population Trends' released by Statistics Korea on the 26th, the number of births in March was 24,054, down 152 (-0.6%) from a year earlier. This is the lowest number recorded for March since monthly statistics began in 1981.

The crude birth rate, which refers to the annual number of births per 1,000 people, was 5.5, also down from 5.6 in the same month last year. The total fertility rate by city and province also decreased in all regions except Gwangju compared to the same period a year ago. A Statistics Korea official explained, "The decrease in the number of marriages is affecting the decline in births," adding, "The postponement of weddings due to COVID-19 also had an impact."

The number of deaths in February was 26,603, down 749 (2.9%) from a year earlier. The crude death rate, which refers to the annual number of deaths per 1,000 people, was 6.1, down from 6.2 in March last year. Statistics Korea explained that while the elderly population is increasing, the significant decrease in deaths influenced the overall reduction in the number of deaths.

The natural population change (births minus deaths) in March was recorded at -2,549. The natural increase has been negative for 17 consecutive months since November 2019.

The number of marriages in March was 16,763, a sharp decrease of 2,595 (-13.4%) compared to March last year. This is the lowest since statistics began in 1981. A Statistics Korea official explained, "This reflects the decrease in the population in their 30s and the postponement of weddings." The number of divorces was 9,074, an increase of 1,788 (24.4%) compared to March last year.

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