Continued decline in birth rates observed in Saxony-Anhalt
In Saxony-Anhalt, births continued their downward trend in 2024, marking an eight-year consecutive decrease. The State Statistical Office reported 12,526 live births last year, a significant decline of 7.6% from the previous year and a new record low since 2017. This dip in births is concerning as it continues a continuous decline observed since 2017.
Compared to 2016, 5,566 fewer babies were born alive in 2024, representing a substantial 30.8% decrease. The demographic breakdown revealed 6,387 male and 6,139 female newborns last year.
Deaths in Saxony-Anhalt also decreased by 3.9% to 34,205, with 17,310 males and 16,895 females accounting for the total. Historically, the number of deaths reached a low in 2004 with 29,008, staying below 34,000 till 2021 when a new peak of 37,289 deaths was reached. Since 2023, the number of deaths has been on the decline again.
While the reasons behind the decline in births in Saxony-Anhalt remain undetermined, several factors are commonly associated with declining birth rates, such as economic conditions, demographic changes, educational and career opportunities, and cultural shifts. Economic instability, changes in family structures, delayed family planning due to increased access to education, and shifts in societal values towards smaller family sizes could all be contributing factors in this scenario. However, for precise information, consult local health statistics or demographic studies would be necessary.
Children's birth rates in Saxony-Anhalt continued to decrease, following the eight-year trend observed since 2017. Despite the decrease, the State Statistical Office reported that politics and general news continue to discuss the reasons behind the declining birth rates, such as economic conditions, changes in family structures, delayed family planning, and shifts in societal values towards smaller family sizes.
