Singapore Records Lowest Birth Total Since Independence as Demographic Pressures Intensify
Singapore recorded fewer than 30,000 births in 2025 for the first time since gaining independence, highlighting the city-state’s growing demographic challenges as low fertility rates and an ageing population continue to reshape the nation’s future.
According to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2025 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), a total of 29,864 babies were born last year, representing an 11.4% decline from 33,703 births recorded in 2024. The figure marks the lowest annual birth total since Singapore became independent in 1965, when 55,725 babies were born.
The latest figures reinforce concerns over Singapore’s persistently low fertility rate. Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong revealed that the resident total fertility rate had fallen to a record 0.87 in 2025, warning that the country’s citizen population could begin to shrink in the early 2040s without further policy action.
Singapore’s government has repeatedly described the declining birth rate and rising number of deaths as a long-term national challenge. In response, authorities have pledged continued support for marriage and parenthood initiatives while maintaining a carefully managed immigration policy to help sustain economic growth and address future labour shortages.
The report found that 87% of babies born in 2025 had at least one Singaporean parent. Officials also noted that many women are becoming first-time mothers at older ages, reflecting broader social trends of delayed marriage and parenthood.
Despite the record-low birth numbers, the report highlighted several positive developments. Births to teenage mothers declined by 43% compared with the previous year, falling to 140 cases, while registrations of babies without the father’s name decreased by 22% to 258, indicating continued improvements in several social indicators.
The latest demographic data underscores the significant policy challenges facing Singapore as it seeks to balance population sustainability, workforce needs and long-term economic resilience.
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