Map Shows Countries Paying People to Have Babies as Birth Rate Drops
In one country, children can receive up to $55,000 by the time they turn 17.
Countries worldwide are offering financial incentives to encourage higher birth rates as population aging and declining fertility rates present challenges.
Singapore has spent years expanding support for families as it contends with one of the lowest global fertility rates. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently announced a major expansion of family support measures that will provide each child nearly S$70,000 in direct financial assistance by the time they turn 17. This replaces the current Baby Bonus Scheme, which offered smaller cash gifts during a child's first six-and-a-half years of life.
Wong acknowledged that policies alone cannot boost birth rates, but the expanded support aims to make it easier for those wanting children to start and raise a family.
China has shifted from birth restrictions to encouraging larger families. After the one-child policy ended in 2021, China provided a nationwide childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($500) annually per child under three in 2025. The subsidy is part of a broader effort to ease the cost of raising children and boost fertility. Local initiatives also offer larger payments, such as monthly stipends and bonuses for families with multiple children. The Chinese move reflects concerns over an aging population and shrinking workforce.
Japan, facing demographic decline, has expanded financial assistance for families. Measures include monthly child allowances, a childbirth lump-sum grant increased to 500,000 yen ($3,139), and enhanced childcare services. New initiatives to reduce the financial burden of raising children will launch in 2026. Children's Policies Minister Masanobu Ogura emphasized the urgency, stating that the next few years may be a crucial window to change the country's declining birth rate trajectory. Stabilizing population trends is seen as vital for Japan's economic strength.
South Korea has spent billions to increase its fertility rate, which consistently ranks among the world's lowest. The government offers an extensive package of benefits, including monthly allowances for parents, direct birth grants, childcare support, expanded parental leave, and housing assistance. In 2022, a program gave mothers 2 million won ($1,500) upon giving birth and an additional 700,000 won ($500) each month until their child's first birthday.
Parents receive 350,000 won ($260) per month until the child turns two. A major South Korean company provides employees with free vehicles for families of three or more children, while a housing group offers a $75,000 bonus for each new child. Despite these efforts, South Korea's birth rate remains a concern.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
