TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部) released data on Friday (Jan. 10) showing a record low in the nation's newborn count for 2024, with only 134,856 births. This marks a decrease of 715 from 2023 and continues a 9-year decline in birth rates since 2016. The number of 2024 newborns fell below the 138,000 recorded in 2022.
The statistics reveal a surprising trend as the number of "Dragon Year" babies in 2024 was lower than those born in the "Tiger Year," contradicting traditional preferences for the dragon zodiac. Taiwan's total population in 2024 stood at 23,400,220, down by 20,222 from 2023, indicating a continued population decline.
The year 2024 saw 202,107 deaths, a decrease of 3,261 from 2023, with a crude death rate of 8.63 per 1,000 people. In December 2024, Taiwan recorded a net migration increase of 2,374, with 86,520 people moving in and 84,146 moving out. In 2024, the number of marriages totaled 123,061, down by 2,131 from 2023, resulting in a crude marriage rate of 5.26 per 1,000. Divorces numbered 53,469, with a crude divorce rate of 2.28 per 1,000.
The natural population decrease recorded was 67,251, while social increases added 47,029, leading to an overall population decline of 20,222. By the end of Dec. 2024, those aged 0-14 accounted for 11.72% of the population, while those 65 and older made up 19.18%, inching closer to a super-aged society.