Denmark’s birth rates reach historic lows as researchers investigate fertility trends

In Denmark, birth rates are reaching historic lows, with women averaging only 1.5 children last year. This significant decrease in fertility has prompted a group of researchers to investigate the reasons behind the declining birth rates among Danes. Their goal is to understand the factors influencing fertility rates and the attitudes of young people toward parenthood.

Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen, a professor of epidemiology at Aarhus University, expressed the need to explore what characterizes today’s youth, including their awareness of fertility and their thoughts on having children. Current projections from Statistics Denmark suggest the population will reach six million by 2028, up from 5.9 million in August 2024.

With 104 million Danish kroner in EU funding, an international team of researchers will examine fertility trends in Denmark and Norway until 2029. This study is the largest of its kind, involving 92,000 Danish youths born between 1996 and 2003, who will undergo biological assessments and complete questionnaires.

Historically, Denmark has experienced significant drops in birth rates before. Data shows that fertility rates fell to an all-time low of 1.3 children per woman in the early 1980s, partly due to women entering the workforce and pursuing higher education. Although the average rebounded to 1.88 in 2008, it is now on a downward trend again. To maintain the population, an average of 2.1 children per woman is necessary.

The decline in fertility is not confined to Denmark; similar trends are observed globally, particularly in developed nations, including Poland and Germany. South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world, averaging just 0.7 children, attributed to high costs of raising children and a preference for education and careers. The pressing question is what measures could encourage more people to choose parenthood.