Number Of Births Continued To Decline In 2022
[Written by Don Burgess + Updated]
Bermuda’s number of births continued to decline in 2022. Government confirmed there were just 479 births, which broke the previously recorded low of 494 from 2021. This was a decline of 2.6% for 2022.
This trend was predicted in Bermuda’s Population Projections 2016-2026 which stated that there will be a “natural decrease [deaths exceeding births] from 2021.”
This trend of deaths exceeding births started prior to 2021. Last year saw the gap widen as 727 residents died and only 494 were born, a difference of 233.
The island’s ageing population and/or declining birth rate is cited as impacting aspects including, but not limited to, the health system, pension system and education system.
The Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 [PDF] noted that “1 in 3 people will be aged over 65 by 2039″ and added “there are 3.9 people in the workforce for every over-65 dependent. By 2039, this will drop to 1.7 which could result to a reduction of funding into our healthcare system.”
The Contributory Pension Fund Actuarial Report stated, “The total number of working age persons [age 20 to 64] is projected to decline gradually resulting in a declining old-age support ratio [3.1 to 1.6 over 50 years].”
The declining birth rate was also cited during the consultation process for Primary schools, with the consultation document noting that “Bermuda’s birth rate continues to decline, and projections show that the decline in enrolment will continue.”
Update Nov 2023: A subsequent notice from Government had the birth rate a touch lower — 479 versus the 481 initially said so we updated above — saying, “For the year ended 31st December, 2022 the total number of live births recorded in respect of residents was 479; a decrease of 15 or 3% from the 494 births recorded in 2021.” We are not sure why there was two birth discrepancy, however it might be as sadly, the statistics released in November do show two stillbirths, so that may explain the change in figures.
This is not exactly news. We have known for over a generation that the post baby-boom generations are having fewer children, but it is a useful reminder that there will be fewer people working to pay my Government pension
Lol it’s not this generation not having babies, it’s a whole generation that left and had their babies is what the decline is. What you really thought people were using more condoms all of sudden. It will be nothing but seniors in bermuda in 10-15 years lol. Anyone with half a brain has left already or is planning to leave
Best get a confirmation of these numbers as Government seems to have problems reporting correctly.
The island’s ageing population and/or declining birth rate is cited as impacting aspects including, but not limited to, the health system, pension system and education system.
Then there’s emigration. Immigration also missing, and mostly won’t help as many are retirees, vacationers and expats who get their contributions back when they leave. Probably why the Government doesn’t want to know, because the population situation is far worse than most realize.