Is Vietnam's population increasing or decreasing?

Vietnam’s Population: A Steady Climb with Signs of Slowing Growth

Vietnam’s population has been on a steady upward trajectory for decades, with an annual increase of around 1%. However, recent years have witnessed a subtle decrease in the growth rate, hinting at a potential leveling-off of population expansion in the future.

According to the latest population figures, Vietnam is home to over 98 million people. This represents a significant increase from the 60 million inhabitants recorded in 1990. The growth rate has fluctuated over the years, but has generally remained positive.

In the early 2000s, Vietnam’s population grew at a rate of over 2% per year. However, this rate has gradually declined in recent times. In 2021, the growth rate was estimated to be just 0.8%, the lowest in over a decade.

This slowdown in growth is attributed to several factors. One is the declining fertility rate. Vietnamese women are now having fewer children on average than in the past. In the 1990s, the average fertility rate was over 3 children per woman. Today, it has dropped to around 2.1 children per woman, which is close to the replacement level.

Another factor contributing to the slowing population growth is the increasing age of the population. Vietnam’s life expectancy has risen significantly in recent years, and as a result, the proportion of elderly people is growing. This means that there are fewer people of childbearing age, which in turn slows population growth.

The moderating pace of population growth in Vietnam suggests that the country may be approaching a more stable demographic situation. This could have significant implications for the country’s economy and social development in the years to come.

For example, a smaller population could mean that Vietnam has to rely less on labor-intensive industries and focus more on knowledge-based and technological advancements. It could also lead to changes in the housing market and social services, as the needs of an aging population shift.

Overall, Vietnam’s population is still growing, but the rate of increase is gradually slowing. This suggests that the country may be entering a new phase of demographic transition, with implications for its socioeconomic development in the years ahead.