Macau on track for new historic low in births

Macau experienced a 4.4% decline in births in the first nine months of the year, continuing a trend of decreasing birth rates. Official statistics revealed that 2,037 babies were born, a drop of 93 compared to the previous year. The region recorded its lowest annual birth count in 2025 since 1978, with only 2,871 newborns. The fertility rate also fell to 0.47 births per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. Despite fewer births, Macau's population grew by 1,400 in the third quarter of 2026, largely due to immigration. Additionally, there was a decrease in suicides, with 58 reported in the first nine months, down from the previous year.