AZE.US
Azerbaijan is seeing a steady decline in births, a trend experts say is becoming an increasingly serious demographic and economic concern.
While more than 160,000 children were born in the country in 2015, that figure fell below 100,000 in 2025, according to data cited in the report. Analysts say the shift reflects not only changing family models, but also deeper social and economic pressures.
Experts point to several reasons behind the drop, including higher living costs, widening gaps between household income and expenses, delayed family formation and changing attitudes toward parenthood. Many families now prefer a more financially stable lifestyle and choose to have one or two children instead of larger families.
Specialists warn that demographic trends have long-term consequences far beyond family life. A falling birth rate can affect economic sustainability, labor supply and, over time, the country’s broader development capacity.
The impact is already beginning to show in education. Experts say the decline in natural population growth is likely to reduce the number of first-grade students in coming years.
According to the estimates cited in the report, about 130,000 children entered first grade in the 2025-2026 academic year. That number could drop to around 110,000-115,000 in the following school year.
Such a decline may eventually reduce demand for teaching staff, especially in primary education. Over the longer term, experts say it could also lead to fewer university places allocated for teacher training and other education-related specialties.
Specialists argue that stronger social support measures, including additional benefits for families with two or three children, could help slow the decline in natural population growth and ease the demographic pressure.