In more than two-thirds of the world, the average number of children born to each woman has fallen below the “replacement rate”. Employment, home ownership and education are still big factors. But increasingly, so are mobile phones.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Why birth rates are falling everywhere all at once

Credit: The Columbus Dispatch

Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.com

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global birth rates are falling…phones are a big reason why

FT News Briefing

Global birth rates are falling…phones are a big reason why