Singapore’s total fertility rate set to plunge to historic low as child-raising costs rise, more stay single

The rate has been on a downward trend since 2018, when it was 1.14. It continued to fall to 1.12 in 2021, followed by 1.04 in 2022.

It has stayed below the replacement level of 2.1 for many years. This is the level of fertility at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next.

Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, said in parliament on Wednesday that there were various reasons for Singapore’s low fertility.

“Some are temporal, for instance, couples that had their marriage plans disrupted by Covid-19, which may have in turn delayed their parenthood plans.

“Others cite concerns about the financial costs of child-raising, pressures to be an excellent parent, or difficulties managing work and family commitments.”

She was speaking at a debate on the budget for the Prime Minister’s Office, which includes the National Population and Talent Division.

She also said that Singapore is confronted with “twin demographic challenges” of a persistently low fertility rate and an ageing population.

European countries including Italy and Spain have also continued to see “record lows” in their birth rates yearly, she said.

Singapore’s falling total fertility rate thus reflects a “global phenomenon where individual priorities and societal norms have shifted”.

A falling total fertility rate has “serious implications” for Singapore’s future, Indranee said, with couples in the “sandwiched” segment having to bear the brunt of caring for the young and old.

Additionally, with more Singaporeans remaining single, it would also result in “weaker familial support networks” when they are older.

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