Ukraine is breaking records in terms of birth rates – currently, there are only 0.9 children per woman, which is the lowest figure in the country’s history. This was stated by Daria Marchak, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, during the conference “Demographic Future of Ukraine: Strategy of Resilience and Recovery”.
By 2022, the fertility rate in Ukraine was 1.16 children per woman, while the average rate in the EU was 1.5. The minimum required level for population replacement is 2.2.
Why is this a problem?
- Ageing of the nation: the average age of Ukrainians has risen from 41 to 45 years in a few years.
- Increased burden on the working population: currently, there is only one working person for every one pensioner.
- Migration and the demographic crisis: most emigrants are young people of reproductive age.
What does the government propose?
- Developing the care economy – creating a market for services to support older people.
- Pension reform and measures to increase active life expectancy.
- Programmes to support the birth rate and the return of Ukrainians from abroad.
As a reminder, the Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the Strategy for Demographic Development of Ukraine until 2040, which should help solve these problems.
