The Number of Births Fell Below 20,000 Again in February This Year

Statistics Korea 'February Population Trends'
19,362 People... Another Record Low

The number of births in February this year was 19,362, setting a new record low once again.

Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to the 'February Population Trends' released by Statistics Korea on the 24th, the number of babies born in February this year was counted at 19,362. This is a decrease of 658 (-3.3%) compared to the same month last year. It is the lowest number recorded for the same month since 1981.

In February, the number of births by city and province increased in five regions including Seoul and Incheon, but decreased in 12 regions including Busan and Daegu. The population has been declining for 52 consecutive months since November 2019. The natural population decrease recorded 10,614 people.

Marriages in February this year totaled 16,949, down 896 (-5.0%) from the same month last year. By city and province, the number of marriages increased in three regions including Daegu and Jeonbuk compared to the same month last year, but decreased in 14 regions including Seoul and Busan. The number of divorces was 7,354, an increase of 128 (1.8%) from the previous year.