Vietnam ends 2-child policy amid concerns over aging population
Vietnam has recently made a significant change by ending its two-child policy in hopes of encouraging a resurgence of youth in an aging population. The communist country’s National Assembly passed a new amendment that nullifies families from having a two-child limit, as reported by state media.
The decision to end the two-child policy comes as Vietnamese families are giving birth to fewer children, with the birth rate declining to 1.91 children per woman in 2024. This trend is especially prominent in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the high cost of living may deter families from having more children.
The two-child limit in Vietnam dates back to the 1960s in Northern Vietnam, where it was initially implemented to prevent overpopulation. After the reunification of Northern and Southern Vietnam, the policy was extended throughout the entire country with the goal of achieving a “golden population.” In 1993, the policy was formalized as a national policy to control overpopulation.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the proportion of citizens under 15 has significantly decreased from 43% to under 25% compared to the total population. On the other hand, the population of citizens aged 15 to 64 years has increased from 53% to 69%. Birth rates in Vietnam have fluctuated over the years, with a steady decline until 2003, a gradual increase until 2013, and then a decline again.
The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has proposed raising fines for gender-selective practices, which have contributed to a gender imbalance in the country. The imbalance of male to female births has grown from 103 boys per 100 girls in 2006 to 111 boys per 100 girls in 2024. To address this issue, the ministry has suggested increasing fines from 30 million to 100 million Vietnamese dong, equivalent to roughly $1,150 to $4,000.
Vietnam’s population is currently estimated to be over 101 million people, making it the 16th-most populous country globally and the third-largest in Southeast Asia. The decision to end the two-child policy reflects the government’s efforts to address the declining birth rate and aging population in the country.
In comparison, China imposed a one-child policy in 1979 to combat overpopulation. In recent years, China has eased the policy to allow a second and third child, but the efforts have not significantly boosted birth rates. The decision by Vietnam to end its two-child policy marks a significant step towards addressing demographic challenges and fostering a more balanced population structure in the country.
