Island following general world trend
The fall in the Island's birth rate has accelerated according to the latest statistics published by government.
The total number of births in 2022 was 586, that's 74 down on the 2020 figure.
The downward trend in the number of births reflects what demographer and Member of the Legislative Council, Paul Craine, has described as 'an extraordinary rate of decline in the last decade.'
The 2022 figures show that the birth rate of 586 was considerably lower than the number of deaths, which stood at 902
The Isle of Man though is not alone when it comes to a falling birth rate.
Some countries have now resorted to paying parents to have children. A municipality in Finland offers around £7,000. Meanwhile Greece is paying around £2,000 - which applies to both Greek nationals and people from other nations who are living in the country.
Common to all countries facing a declining birth rate are the long-term implications for healthcare and pensions of an ageing population.
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