Iran's Fertility Rate Drops to 1.34 Amid Rising Marriage Decline

TEHRAN, Nov 7 (OPA) — Iran's total fertility rate has dropped to 1.34, according to the deputy for planning, monitoring, and performance evaluation at the National Population Headquarters. Officials warn that the downward trajectory threatens the nation's long-term demographic stability.

The official highlighted that continuous declines in marriage rates, rising maternal ages at first birth, and extended intervals between subsequent children are accelerating the negative trend. Without immediate demographic shifts, the current trajectory risks plunging the country into what authorities describe as a population pit.

Demographic experts have repeatedly cautioned that Iran's aging population structure presents mounting challenges for future workforce participation and social security systems. The widening gap between young people's expressed desires for family planning and actual socioeconomic outcomes continues to fuel the decline.

Government agencies are reviewing existing population policies to address the structural hurdles affecting young couples. However, economists note that high living costs and housing pressures remain primary obstacles to reversing the low birth rates.