Colombia is one of the OECD countries with the highest fertility rates, although births have been declining since 2004
Although it is an evident reality in both developed and emerging economies, Colombia still maintains a 'competitive' fertility rate compared to its regional peers, as well as compared to the United States, Spain, Canada, and the average of the countries that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
TL;DR
- Colombia has the second-highest fertility rate in Latin America (1.7), behind Mexico (1.89).
- Colombia's fertility rate has fallen significantly (-0.74) since 2004, a steep decline compared to the OECD block.
- Factors contributing to the decline include increased access to education, higher female labor force participation, and changing attitudes towards motherhood.
- Some Northern European countries like Slovenia and Hungary have moderated fertility decline through policies supporting free childbirth and greater gender equality.
- The OECD emphasizes reforms such as linking pensions to total contribution growth and increasing employment rates, especially for women and older adults.
- Addressing the decline requires equitable domestic work distribution, stronger work-life balance policies, and reviewing the costs of raising children.
- The declining fertility rate and population aging risk the pension system due to fewer workers and contributors.