Taiwan's Population Plummets: Births Hit Record Low in April

Declining Birth Rates and Migration Contribute to Significant Population Drop

Taipei, May 9 – Taiwan experienced a concerning trend in April, with the number of births reaching an all-time monthly low, and the overall population continuing its decline for the 16th consecutive month, according to data released by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) on Friday.

The total number of newborns in April was 8,684, a decrease of 704 births compared to March and the lowest monthly figure ever recorded, as reported by the MOI.

This translates to roughly one baby born every five minutes and an annual crude birth rate of 4.52 per 1,000 people, the ministry added.

Simultaneously, 17,205 deaths were recorded in April, resulting in a natural population decrease of 8,521, according to the data.

The MOI data also indicated a net migration loss of 947, with more people leaving Taiwan than arriving, contributing to a total population decline of 9,468 for the month.

As a result of the 16-month consecutive decline, Taiwan's population stood at 23,365,274 as of the end of April -- a decrease of 49,826 compared to the same time last year, which is equivalent to an average daily decrease of 136 people.

Analyzing the data from April 2024 by region, Taoyuan exhibited the highest annual population growth rate at 1.02 percent, followed by Hsinchu County (0.98 percent) and Taichung (0.55 percent).

Conversely, the most significant declines were seen in the outlying counties of Lienchiang (-2.05 percent) and Kinmen (-1.96 percent), as well as in the capital, Taipei (-1.74 percent).

In terms of marriages, 6,520 couples tied the knot in April, including 167 same-sex marriages, while 4,334 couples divorced, with 81 same-sex divorces.

The MOI clarified that these statistics are based on Taiwan's household registration system and only include Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) nationals with household registration.

Individuals without household registration or foreign residents living in Taiwan are not included in the official population figures, according to the ministry.