South Korea is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a declining population.
: South Korea's Declining Population South Korea is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a declining population. This trend is driven by several socio-economic and cultural factors, posing challenges for the country's future. Current Population Trend As of 2024, South Korea's population has slightly declined by 0.02% from the previous year, bringing the total population to approximately 51.7 million. Projections indicate that this trend will accelerate, with the population potentially dropping to around 34.4 million by 2070. Key Causes of Population Decline Low Fertility Rate: South Korea's fertility rate is one of the lowest globally, at 0.78 children per woman, far below the replacement level of 2.1. High Costs of Living: Child-rearing costs are prohibitively expensive, discouraging families from having children. Cultural Shifts: Many young adults prior...