The number of births in South Korea fell in January from a year earlier as women postponed pregnancies due to the economic downturn, a government report showed Wednesday.
The number fell 5.6 percent to 44,100 in January, according to the National Statistical Office.The birthrate has been declining since March 2008 as people put off marriage and have fewer babies because of the adverse economy.
The number of marriages in January dropped 3.7 percent from a year earlier to 28,400.
South Korea's birthrate even in favourable economic times is among the world's lowest, alarming officials who foresee a huge pensions bill and too few workers to sustain economic growth.
Quiz on Pregnancy
There is a general belief that a pregnant woman should eat for two people. How far is this true? This compilation of information, presented in the quiz, will tell you more.
There is a general belief that a pregnant woman should eat for two people. How far is this true? This compilation of information, presented in the quiz, will tell you more.
SRM
Taking Drugs To Delay Pregnancy Harmful for Both Mother and Child
Scientists have now said that use of drugs to delay preterm labour may actually be harmful for both mother and child.
Scientists have now said that use of drugs to delay preterm labour may actually be harmful for both mother and child.
