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Scotland's birth rate falls to lowest level since 1855 Scotland's birth rate falls to lowest level since 1855
(about 3 hours later)
There were 45,763 live births registered in Scotland in 2024There were 45,763 live births registered in Scotland in 2024
The number of babies born in Scotland fell to a record low last year, official figures show.The number of babies born in Scotland fell to a record low last year, official figures show.
National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics reveal 45,763 live births were registered - down 172 on 2023 - the lowest since records began in 1855.National Records of Scotland (NRS) statistics reveal 45,763 live births were registered - down 172 on 2023 - the lowest since records began in 1855.
The country's total fertility rate also decreased from 1.27 to 1.25. And the average number of babies a group of women are likely to have also decreased from 1.27 to 1.25.
The NRS said that for a population to replace itself, if there is no migration, the total fertility rate needed to be around 2.1. The NRS said that for a population to replace itself, if there was no migration, the total fertility rate needed to be around 2.1.
It said the overall numbers reflected "long-term changes in our population".It said the overall numbers reflected "long-term changes in our population".
The report also found;The report also found;
the stillbirth rate was 3.5 for every thousand live and still births, the joint lowest recordedthe stillbirth rate was 3.5 for every thousand live and still births, the joint lowest recorded
the infant death rate also fell to 3.5 per thousand live births, down from a recent high of 4.0 in 2023the infant death rate also fell to 3.5 per thousand live births, down from a recent high of 4.0 in 2023
and last year there were 16,528 more deaths than births.and last year there were 16,528 more deaths than births.
The last time Scotland had more births than deaths was in 2014, and the gap has generally widened since then.The last time Scotland had more births than deaths was in 2014, and the gap has generally widened since then.
The figures also show motherhood is changing across Scotland.The figures also show motherhood is changing across Scotland.
In the 1960s most births were to women in their 20s.In the 1960s most births were to women in their 20s.
But since 2010 most babies have been born to mothers in the 30 to 34 age group.But since 2010 most babies have been born to mothers in the 30 to 34 age group.
Last year more than a third (35.7%) of births were to women in this bracket.Last year more than a third (35.7%) of births were to women in this bracket.
Meanwhile, more than half of babies (51.7%) were born to unmarried parents.Meanwhile, more than half of babies (51.7%) were born to unmarried parents.
Scotland's population tops 5.5m for the first timeScotland's population tops 5.5m for the first time
Which parts of Scotland have the highest fertility rate?Which parts of Scotland have the highest fertility rate?
Fertility rates - which represent the average number of children that a group of women would expect to have, per woman - were at their lowest in the major cities.Fertility rates - which represent the average number of children that a group of women would expect to have, per woman - were at their lowest in the major cities.
The City of Edinburgh had the lowest total fertility rate in the country (0.99), followed by Glasgow City (1.05) and Aberdeen City (1.06).The City of Edinburgh had the lowest total fertility rate in the country (0.99), followed by Glasgow City (1.05) and Aberdeen City (1.06).
Midlothian (1.66), East Renfrewshire (1.56) and Na h-Eileanan Siar (1.51) had the highest fertility rates.Midlothian (1.66), East Renfrewshire (1.56) and Na h-Eileanan Siar (1.51) had the highest fertility rates.
Adoption figures remained steady across the country, with 369 recorded in total last year.Adoption figures remained steady across the country, with 369 recorded in total last year.
This was the same number as 2023 but the longer term trend shows the number of adoptions have been decreasing.This was the same number as 2023 but the longer term trend shows the number of adoptions have been decreasing.
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics for NRS, said: "The annual figures for 2024 show a year of record lows.Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics for NRS, said: "The annual figures for 2024 show a year of record lows.
"Births, fertility, stillbirth and age-standardised mortality rates are all at their lowest levels since our records began."Births, fertility, stillbirth and age-standardised mortality rates are all at their lowest levels since our records began.
"These figures reflect long-term changes in our population.""These figures reflect long-term changes in our population."
Ms Haxton said Scotland has had more deaths than births for over a decade.Ms Haxton said Scotland has had more deaths than births for over a decade.
He added: "The gap has widened over time but there was a small narrowing in the most recent year due to a static birth rate and fewer deaths."He added: "The gap has widened over time but there was a small narrowing in the most recent year due to a static birth rate and fewer deaths."
Births worldwide
In June this year a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighted fertility decline worldwide.
The agency warned that hundreds of millions of people are not able to have the number of children they want, citing the prohibitive cost of parenthood and the lack of a suitable partner as some of the reasons.
UNFPA surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries about their fertility intentions. One in five said they have not had or expect they will not have their desired number of children.
The countries surveyed - South Korea, Thailand, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, US, India, Indonesia, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria - account for a third of the global population.