HCMC – Vietnam’s population is entering a downward trend as the country’s fertility rate continues to decline, posing a major challenge for population policy.
At a ceremony marking Vietnam Population Day (December 26) held in Hanoi on December 17, the Ministry of Health said the total fertility rate in 2025 fell to 1.93 children per woman, below the replacement level, and is expected to continue declining, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
Data from the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance showed that from 2009 to 2022, Vietnam’s fertility rate remained relatively stable around the replacement level. However, the decline accelerated in recent years. The total fertility rate dropped to 1.96 in 2023 and fell further to 1.91 in 2024.
Vietnam entered an aging phase in 2011 and is now among the countries experiencing the fastest population aging globally, according to official data.
The Ministry of Health noted that late marriage, delayed childbearing, having fewer children, or choosing not to have children have become increasingly common, particularly in urban areas and regions with low fertility. Policies designed to encourage couples to have two children remain limited in many localities, with most measures still under development or in pilot phases and not yet strong enough to drive sustained change.
Fertility rates in many provinces have fallen below the replacement level, while population aging continues to accelerate. Gender imbalance at birth remains high, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas.
Authorities also highlighted persistent issues such as child marriage, consanguineous marriage, and unequal access to healthcare and education between rural and urban areas, which continue to complicate population management efforts.
