As Singapore’s population exceeded the 6 million mark for the first time in 2024, a more sobering trend emerged in the nation’s demographics: the number of marriages and births in Singapore has dropped.
According to the annual Population in Brief report, released on Sep. 24, 2024, by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD), fewer Singaporean couples are tying the knot, and even fewer are having children.
For parents and families, these numbers reflect a shift in how Singaporeans are approaching marriage, parenthood, and family life.
So, what exactly is going on with marriage and birth in Singapore?
Fewer Marriages, Higher Median Age
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The number of citizen marriages in 2023 stood at 24,355, a slight drop from the record high of 24,767 in 2022. While this figure is still higher than pre-pandemic levels, it signals a notable dip. Over the past five years, Singapore has averaged 22,800 marriages per year, lower than the 24,000 marriages in the preceding five-year period.
One striking observation is the rising median age at first marriage. In 2023, the median age for citizen grooms reached 30.7 years, while brides averaged 29.0 years. Compare this to 2013, when grooms were typically 30.1 years old and brides 27.8 years old. This delay in marriage is becoming more common, with couples choosing to focus on career or personal development before settling down.
For parents, this could mean that young adults are taking longer to commit to family life. This shift may explain why birth rates have also seen a steady decline, which we’ll explore next.
Declining Birth Rates and Record-Low TFR
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When it comes to birth in Singapore, the numbers paint an even more concerning picture. In 2023, there were 28,877 citizen births, a 5.1% drop from 2022. The average number of births per year over the last five years (31,100) was also lower than the preceding five years (33,000).
But perhaps the most striking statistic is Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR), which reached an all-time low of 0.97 in 2023. This is well below the replacement rate of 2.1, signalling that families are having fewer children, a trend observed across other advanced economies.
For parents navigating today’s high costs of living, work-life balance challenges, and growing career demands, the decision to have fewer children—or none at all—is understandable. With the median age of first-time mothers rising to 31.4 years in 2023, up from 30.2 years a decade ago, it’s clear that family planning is happening later in life for many Singaporeans.
Inter-Ethnic and Transnational Marriages on the Rise
Another intriguing shift is the rise in inter-ethnic and transnational marriages. In 2023, about one in six citizen marriages was inter-ethnic, a figure that has remained stable over the past decade.
Meanwhile, transnational marriages—unions between a Singapore citizen and a non-citizen—made up 36% of citizen marriages in 2023. This marks a return to pre-pandemic levels, as travel restrictions and uncertainty during COVID-19 had previously curbed transnational unions.
What’s interesting for Singaporean parents is the changing profile of transnational families. Non-citizen brides are now older and more educated, with 47.4% holding a university degree in 2023, compared to 36.6% in 2013.
Similarly, the proportion of non-citizen grooms aged 35 and above has increased to 40.3%. These trends reflect how globalization and cross-border relationships are reshaping Singapore’s demographic makeup.
Why Are Singaporeans Delaying Marriage and Parenthood?
The decline in marriage and birth in Singapore reflects broader societal changes. Today’s parents are likely more career-driven, and the costs associated with raising a child—especially in a competitive environment like Singapore—can be overwhelming. Education, housing, and healthcare expenses all factor into the decision-making process, leading to fewer marriages and children.
Moreover, shifting attitudes toward marriage and parenthood are reshaping family dynamics. Many Singaporeans are prioritizing personal development and career advancement over starting families, a trend that has been exacerbated by economic uncertainty following the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Does This Mean for Singaporean Parents?
While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly shape it. Here are a few thoughts:
- Let’s keep the conversation going about work-life balance and family-friendly policies.
- Support networks for young families are more important than ever – whether it’s community groups or extended family support.
- We might need to rethink our definitions of family and success in the Singaporean context.
For current parents, these trends highlight the changing landscape of family life in Singapore. As fewer young people opt for marriage and birth in Singapore, the country’s population dynamics are set to evolve. Today’s parents may see fewer grandchildren, as younger generations are choosing to have fewer kids or delaying parenthood altogether.
Source: iStock
However, the changing profile of families—particularly the rise in inter-ethnic and transnational marriages—also presents a more multicultural, diverse future for Singapore. Transnational families now make up a significant proportion of the population, contributing to the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
These evolving family structures may bring both challenges and opportunities as the nation navigates its demographic shifts.
What Lies Ahead?
As Singapore’s population surpasses 6 million, the declining rates of marriage and birth in Singapore signal a need for national conversations about the future of family life. For parents raising children in this new era, these statistics serve as a reminder that societal values around marriage and parenthood are continually shifting.
How will Singapore adapt to these changes? Only time will tell.
For now, as Singaporean families continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about how these trends might impact your own family decisions. Whether you’re considering marriage, adding a new member to your family, or navigating the challenges of parenthood, keeping an eye on these national shifts can provide valuable context for the choices you make.
Will these trends continue, or will Singapore find new ways to support and encourage family growth? Time to watch and see.
Now is the time to reflect on how these changes impact our society—and the families at its heart.
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