Taiwan's newborn population has been declining for nine consecutive years. Despite traditional zodiac beliefs' usual influence on higher birth rates in dragon years, the number of newborns in 2024—a dragon year—was only 134,856. This marks a decrease of 715 from 2023’s 135,571 births, which occurred during a tiger year, historically associated with lower birth rates. The 2024 figure represents a historic low according to household registration statistics released by the Interior Ministry on Friday.
At the end of 2024, Taiwan's total population stood at 23,400,220, reflecting a decrease of 20,222 from the previous year. Deaths in 2024 reached 202,107, leading to a negative natural population growth—births minus deaths—of -67,251. Marriage rates also declined, with 123,061 couples tying the knot in 2024, down 2,131 from 2023’s 125,192.
Demographically, as of December 2024, individuals aged 0–14 accounted for 11.72% of the population, while those aged 15–64 made up 69.10%. The elderly population (65 and older) reached 19.18%. Taiwan is now approaching the threshold of becoming a “super-aged society,” defined by an elderly population exceeding 20%.