Ukraine's birth rate hits record low
After three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine's birth rate has fallen to 0.9 children per woman, marking a record low for the country, Deputy Minister of Social Policy Daria Marchak said on March 3.
Speaking at the Demographic Future of Ukraine conference, Marchak noted that the baseline population replacement rate is 2.2 children per woman of childbearing age, while in EU countries, the average rate is about 1.5.
She further noted that before 2022, Ukraine's birth rate was 1.16, but it has now dropped to a historic low.
The official also pointed out that the low birth rate, combined with extensive emigration, has led to a rapid aging of the country's population. In just a few years, the median age of Ukrainians increased from 41 to 45.
“We need to work now to ensure that old age comes as late as possible for us,” state news agency Ukrinform quoted Marchak.
“We are working on this together with the Health Ministry. We must ensure a decent standard of living in old age, so pension reform is extremely relevant. We also must develop the care economy.”
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