In many countries, people are having fewer children due to a combination of economic and social pressures. Urbanization, high living costs, and rising housing demand make raising children in cities increasingly difficult. Many choose to prioritize education and career stability before starting families, if at all, in order to afford a living in an urban center. In other parts of the world, low fertility rates are compounded by conflict, political instability, and limited job opportunities.
These conditions drive young people to emigrate in search of better opportunities, leaving behind aging populations. This gallery explores 30 countries where children make up the smallest share of the population, highlighting the complex challenges shaping global demographic shifts.
Want to know which countries are on this list? Click to find out.