The world has a baby problem. In almost every country in the world, fewer children are being born. This trend may not seem important but it is. Falling birth rates threaten to change economies, societies, and the global balance of power.
People still want families but many just cannot afford them. But this baby bust is not just about family life. It is about who works, who pays taxes, and who leads the world. From Southeast Asia to the United States, population decline is becoming a major geopolitical issue.
Falling Birth Rates Around the World
Across rich and middle-income countries, birth rates are dropping below the "replacement level," which is often calculated at about two children per woman. Below that level, populations shrink over time.
There are several reasons why birth rates are dropping. Cities play a big role. As people move to urban areas, children become more expensive. In bigger cities, apartments get smaller and more expensive. Parents are
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