JAPAN NEWS: The total fertility rate–the number of children expected to be born to each woman during her lifetime–rose by 0.02 point to 1.41 from the previous year, according to the survey, which was released Wednesday. The rate increased for the first time in two years, and rose over 1.4 for the first time in 16 years.
A total fertility rate of 2.0 children per woman will maintain the population at a stable level. Japan’s rate has continued to fall since dropping below 2.0 in 1975. It slumped to an all-time low of 1.26 in 2005.
Despite the increase in the fertility rate, however, the survey showed that the graying of the nation and the fall in population continues… (more)
EDITOR: Actually the fertility rate to maintain an even population, all other factors excluded, is 2.1%. Italy has an even lower birth rate. 1.4 is not uncommon for Europe. The Caucasian population in the USA also has a birth rate significantly lower than 2.1%. As a nation, the USA is about 2.1%.
In general, the better the health system, the mode the education of women, and greater access of women to employment all tend to lower the birth rate.
