South Korea's childbirth rate posts biggest rise in 14 years

ANKARA

South Korea's childbirth rate shot up to its biggest rise in 14 years, with the country seeing over 21,000 babies born this year through October, local media reported on Thursday.

According to Statistics Korea, a total of 21,398 babies were born in October, up 13.4% from the 18,878 newborns a year earlier.

It marked the highest year-on-year increase since November 2010, when the number of childbirths grew 17.5%, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News.

South Korea is facing low birth rates and an aging population, as South Korean couples avoid starting families for several reasons, including the high cost of housing, education, and long work hours.

South Korea has formally joined the ranks of “super-aged” nations, as 20% of its population has surpassed the age of 65, with women topping the list.

According to recent Interior Ministry data, the number of people aged 65 or older stood at 10.24 million of the country's total population of 51.22 million.

According to the UN, any country with more than 7% of the population 65 or older is an aging society, those with over 14% an aged society, and those with more than 20% a super-aged society.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid