Malta’s Fertility Rate Hits Record Low, Raising Concerns

Malta’s fertility rate has dropped to a new record low of 1.06 children per woman, significantly below the European average and the replacement rate of 2.1. This decline is largely driven by factors such as delayed childbearing, increased female participation in the workforce, and economic pressures like rising housing costs. Despite population growth, it’s mainly due to net migration, masking underlying demographic challenges. The government has introduced initiatives like childcare subsidies and parental leave benefits to address this issue, but experts suggest more comprehensive policies are needed to support families and boost fertility rates.