Fact Check: Southern Europe and East asia have lowest birth rate in the world

Fact Check: "Southern Europe and East Asia have the lowest birth rate in the world"

What We Know

The claim that Southern Europe and East Asia have the lowest birth rates in the world is supported by data on total fertility rates (TFR). As of 2023, countries in East Asia, such as South Korea and Taiwan, reported some of the lowest TFRs globally, with South Korea's rate at 0.72, the lowest recorded for that year (Total fertility rate). In Southern Europe, countries like Italy (1.2) and Spain (1.19) also exhibit low fertility rates, which are below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman (Total fertility rate).

The European Union as a whole has seen a decline in live births, with the total fertility rate averaging 1.46 in 2022, marking one of the lowest levels since 1960 (Europe's fertility crisis). This trend is reflective of broader demographic changes, where developed regions tend to have lower fertility rates due to factors like urbanization, economic development, and changing societal norms (Total fertility rate).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is backed by statistical data from reputable sources. The TFR is a critical measure of fertility, indicating the average number of children a woman would have based on current age-specific fertility rates. The lowest-low fertility threshold is defined as a TFR at or below 1.3, which is predominantly found in East Asian and Southern European countries (Total fertility rate).

However, while the claim is largely accurate, it is essential to consider the context and nuances. For instance, while Southern Europe and East Asia do have some of the lowest TFRs, other regions, such as parts of Eastern Europe, also report similarly low rates. For example, Ukraine has a TFR of 1.0, which is comparable to some Southern European countries (Total fertility rate).

Moreover, the reliability of the sources is generally high, with data derived from established statistical organizations and demographic studies. However, potential biases may arise from the framing of the data, as some sources may emphasize certain regions over others based on specific narratives about population decline and economic implications (Europe's fertility crisis).

Conclusion

The claim that Southern Europe and East Asia have the lowest birth rates in the world is Partially True. While it accurately highlights the low fertility rates in these regions, it overlooks other areas, such as parts of Eastern Europe, that also exhibit similarly low rates. The evidence is strong, but the claim could be more precise by acknowledging the broader context of global fertility trends.

Sources

1. Total fertility rate
2. Europe's fertility crisis: Which countries are having the most ...
3. Money not infertility, UN report says: Why birth rates are ...
4. Europe’s Declining Cradles: Mapping the 2025 Fertility Crisis
5. Birth Rate by Country 2025 - World Population Review
6. The Debate over Falling Fertility
7. Total Fertility Rate by Country in 2025 (World Map)
8. Mapped: European Fertility Rates by Country in 2025