By Alimat Aliyeva
In 2024, Finland recorded a fertility rate of just 1.25 children
per woman — the lowest in the country’s history in over 250 years
and significantly below the population replacement level of 2.1,
Azernews reports.
Only 43,720 children were born in Finland last year,
highlighting a demographic trend that has raised concern among
researchers and policymakers.
According to Katerina Golovina, a researcher at the Finnish
Population Federation, the declining birth rate is driven by
several factors, including delayed motherhood, rising infertility
rates, and a complex web of psychological and social barriers.
Increasingly, people are postponing parenthood due to uncertainty
about the future — from economic instability and global conflicts
to climate anxiety. Personal values are also shifting, with many
fearing the loss of individual freedom and lifestyle that often
comes with having children.
Mental health issues play a significant role as well. Studies
show that individuals suffering from depression are less likely to
form long-term relationships or start families. Interestingly,
researchers have also observed educational disparities: men with
lower levels of education are more likely to remain childless,
while women with higher education are more likely to eventually
become mothers — though usually later in life.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that birth
rates vary significantly by profession. Careers in healthcare,
education, and social services tend to align more easily with
family life due to job stability and supportive environments. In
contrast, individuals working in the arts, humanities, natural
sciences, engineering, and lower-tier IT roles face greater
financial and job insecurity — key factors contributing to lower
fertility rates in those sectors.
Experts caution that one-time cash incentives for new parents
are not a long-term solution. More sustainable strategies include
expanding access to affordable childcare, promoting flexible work
arrangements, and investing in mental health services. Without
meaningful intervention, Finland may soon face shrinking labor
force numbers, declining tax revenues, and mounting pressure on its
pension and healthcare systems.
Finland is not alone — many developed countries are experiencing
similar demographic trends. However, Finland’s case is particularly
striking due to its rapid decline and the country’s strong social
infrastructure, which traditionally supported families. This
suggests that deeper cultural and psychological shifts may be
playing a larger role than previously assumed.