결혼 늘었지만 출산 저조…“아동 7년 사이 20% 급감” / KBS 2024.09.30.

Summary

Marriage rates in Daegu have recently increased, despite a continuous decline in birth rates. In 2022, marriages rose to 9,410 but the number of newborns fell due to factors like a higher average age for first marriages—31.43 for women and 33.71 for men—and a significant increase in infertility cases, particularly a 99.5% rise among men. Daegu is responding to its shrinking child population by supporting families through loans, fertility treatments, and policy changes aimed at encouraging more marriages and births to combat regional decline.

Takeaways

• 📈 Daegu has recently seen a sharp increase in the number of marriages.
• 👰‍♀️ Last year's number of marriages in Daegu was 8,850, down from 9,410 in 2021.
• 👶 Despite the increase in marriages, the number of births has declined.
• 🔺 This decline in births is attributed to the rising average age at first marriage and the growing rate of infertility.
• 👩‍🦳 In 2022, the average age for first marriages in Daegu was 31.43 for women and 33.71 for men, both increasing by 0.4 years compared to 2021.
• 🩺 The rate of infertility increased by 3% for women and 99.5% for men over the same period.
• 🔻 Daegu’s under-18 population dropped by 23% from 2015 to 2022, now standing at 325,000.
• 🏫 Due to the population decline, daycare centers and kindergartens have decreased by 24% over the past 7 years.
• 🏘 To boost marriage and birth rates, Daegu is focusing on support for newlyweds, providing loan interest subsidies and reducing the criteria for family support from 4 children to 2.
• 🌱 Daegu is also increasing financial support for infertility treatments, aiming to create a more family-friendly environment to combat population decline.

Q & A

What was the number of marriages in Daegu last year?

The number of marriages in Daegu last year was 850.

How did the marriage rate in Daegu compare to 2021?

The marriage rate in Daegu steadily decreased compared to 2021, with last year's count falling below 10,000 for the first time since 2003, reaching 9410.

What factors are contributing to the decline in birth rates despite the increase in marriages?

The decline in birth rates is attributed to the rising age of first marriages and an increase in infertility cases.

What was the average age of first marriages for men and women in Daegu last year?

The average age of first marriages in Daegu last year was 31.43 for women and 33.71 for men.

How has the average age of first marriages changed compared to 2021?

The average age of first marriages increased by 0.4 years for both men and women compared to 2021.

By what percentage did infertility rates increase in Daegu last year?

Infertility rates increased by 3% for women and a significant 99.5% for men in Daegu last year.

How has the child population under 18 changed in Daegu between 2015 and 2022?

The child population under 18 in Daegu decreased by 23% between 2015 and 2022.

How has the decline in the child population impacted kindergartens and daycare centers in Daegu?

Due to the declining child population, the number of kindergartens and daycare centers in Daegu has reduced by 24% over the past seven years.

What measures is Daegu implementing to encourage marriage and childbirth?

Daegu is focusing on supporting each stage of marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. Measures include providing interest support for newlyweds’ rental loans, relaxing criteria for large family benefits from four to two children, and offering financial support for infertility treatments.

Why is it crucial to create a birth-friendly environment in Korea, according to the report?

As regional extinction accelerates, it is crucial not only for local governments but for society as a whole to create a birth-friendly environment to support population growth.