Vietnam has reversed a policy dating back to the 1960s, in terms of which families were limited to two children.
Although not universally enforced, the policy was similar to the population-limitation strategies in China. However, Vietnam now faces a demographic problem; in 2024, the birthrate stood at 1.91 children per woman, which is below the level needed to keep a population stable.
Declining population and a shifting age profile has become a concern in many economies. Vietnamese government officials fear that this trend will create labour shortages and undermine the country’s economic prospects.
Vietnam also suffers from a gender imbalance, with the birthrate skewed towards boys. The country has proposed increasing fines to counter gender selection prior to birth.