TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is grappling with a severe decline in birthrates, posing a demographic challenge as forecasted by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE predicts that the elementary school population will steadily decrease over the next 15 years, with numbers falling from 1.235 million in 2023 to 779,000 by 2039, a 2.8% annual reduction.
Superstitions linked to childbirth and poor government fertility initiatives have significantly impacted these numbers. Notably, the year of the Tiger, seen as inauspicious, led to reduced births, while the Dragon year, associated with prosperity and proactive government policies, saw a rise in birthrates. Hsinchu County's baby bonus program started in 1998, and it barely provides new parents with a one-time NT$10,000 subsidy.
Further insights from the Ministry of the Interior indicate that Chunghua County and Taoyuan City had the highest birthrates in 2022 and 2023. Chunghua has successfully encouraged young people to relocate by offering job opportunities at the newly established Erlin Central Taiwan Science Park. Meanwhile, Taoyuan's affordability and reasonable commute to Taipei have made it a popular choice for new families.
Facing these demographic shifts, the government acknowledges the need for robust, long-term strategies. The experiences of Chunghua and Taoyuan highlight the importance of economic incentives and governmental support in reversing the low birthrate trend. This approach may shape future policies aimed at boosting Taiwan's birthrate.