A new study in Germany found that they have the lowest birth rate in the world. This can have a negative effect on their economy. Now, the birth rate in Germany is lower than in Japan. Authors of the study warned people about the effect of reducing working-age population. They said that more women in the workspaces in Germany would be the key to the solution of this problem.
8.2 children were born per 1.000 people in Germany. These information were gathered in the last 5 years by the HWWI (Hamburg Institute of International Economics) and BDO. During the same time period, in Japan 8.4 children were born per 1.000 people. For example, in Europe: Portugal had 9.0, Italy 9.3, France and United Kingdom had 12.7 children born per 1.000 people in last 5 years. An interesting fact is that the birth rate in Nigeria (Africa) is 50 children per 1.000 people.
This low birth rate will have serious consequences by the 2030. The number of working-age population (20-65) will be reduced from 54% up to 61% by 2030. As a result, employees in Germany will face a higher wage costs. Germany will have serious problems with maintaining its economic edge without labour markets.
Experts have several theories why this is happening and how to fix it. According to Mr Probst, Germany need more women at workplaces and more young immigrant. Already, Germany has very high migration rates in the world. Also, Germany saw increasing support for AfD (Alternative fur Deutschland), an anti-immigration party. Despite several changes that should increase the birth rate, their numbers are still low.
