Plummeting Birth Rates in Thuringia: A Troubling Trend
Record-breaking decrease in birth rates observed historically - Recorded births hitting record low figures
In the heart of Germany, the sun-dappled state of Thuringia hit a somber record last year. With merely 11,803 newborns bawling their way into the world, it marked the lowest number of registered births since records began in 1955. This staggering dip, diving by 8.9%, is a far cry from the booming days of yore, where over 17,000 newborns were welcomed annually between 2013 and 2018 [1].
The city that saw the most little faces was Erfurt, boasting a cooing 1,459 new arrivals. In stark contrast, Suhl, the city with the fewest newborns, welcomed a mere 187 [1]. With barely 50% more newborns than the number of deaths, Suhl had the smallest excess of deaths over births across Thuringia [1]. The state as a whole recorded 30,454 deaths last year, the third-highest number since 1955 [1].
The migrating tide of young people heading westward in search of better opportunities has left many eastern cities, like Thuringia, with a diminished, both in numbers and in dynamism, younger population [1]. This demographic shift has had profound implications for the region, causing a ripple effect in the birth count.
delving into these concerns, researchers have pointed to several factors driving this downward trend [1].
A Multifaceted Problem: Demographic and Economic Rapids
Thuringia's total fertility rate (TFR), the average number of children each woman bears, has persistently lingered below the natural replacement rate of 2.1 [1]. Though East Germany has experienced an uptick in TFR, it remains inadequate to compensate for the region's sluggish population growth. Furthermore, the migratory flow towards western Germany and other foreign lands has compounded the challenge [1].
Economically, the somewhat precarious situation in eastern Germany continues to deter young potential parents. Its job market is comparatively bleaker than the west, promising fewer opportunities and leaner paychecks [1]. And, as young families straddle the tightrope of financial uncertainty, nesting eggs often become more valuable than newborns [1].
Moreover, the contraction in population shrinks the consumer base and potentially weakens regional economies, further chilling prospects for young families [1].
Cultural Swings and a Mattering of Care: Other Factors at Play
Societal shifts, including a change in cultural values and altered family planning strategies, have nudged the age at which people choose to start families, as well as the size of families, pushing it downward [1]. Adequate childcare availability is another factor affecting decisions on family size, with uneven distribution leading to discrepancies in areas like Suhl and Erfurt [1].
Together, these complex factors contribute to the challenging demographic landscape faced by Thuringia, reflecting broader challenges that many regions in eastern Germany confront. As hesitant new birth rates inch lower and lower, it's a race against time for this charming corner of Germany to remedy its demographic doldrums.
- Statistisches Bundesamt (2023). Fertility Rates in Germany. [Accessed 25 May 2023]. Available at: https://www.destatis.de/EN/Topics/Population-Migration- Integration/Population/Births-Marriages-Deaths/Fertility-Rates.html
- To address the decreasing birth rates in Thuringia, it could be beneficial to incorporate community policies that encourage family growth, such as support for vocational training, science-backed health-and-wellness programs, and initiatives promoting fitness and exercise.
- As part of its effort to stimulate population growth, Thuringia might consider offering vocational training opportunities in various sectors to equip young people with valuable skills, thereby enhancing their job prospects and enticing them to start families.
