Familienpolitik

Many developed countries now struggle with declining birthrates. Dramatic population shifts have sociological as well as significant economic consequences, leading some countries to make the promotion of reproduction part of government policy.

Today the New York Times reported on a new approach in Singapore: university classes teaching students how to date, fall in love and stick it out.

Too many young people concentrate on their studies and careers too long, and don’t find the time to settle down and start a family, say the organizers of the course.

Data courtesy of the Statistics Singapore

Singapore’s birthrate has dropped significantly in the last 50 years, and, according to the CIA World Factbook’s birthrate page, only about 8.99 babies will be born for every 1,000 resident this year. To put that in perspective, out of the 224 countries ranked, Singapore has the 212th lowest birthrate. Ranked at 152, the U.S. has a birthrate of 14.18 babies per 1,000 residents.

Tags: Birthrate, family policy, Singapore