Implications of Decreasing Fertility Rate in Bhutan

Abstract

The fertility rate is one of the important demographic indicators for a country’s development and welfare. The study is exploratory and qualitative, using secondary data to analyse the implications of Bhutan’s declining fertility rate. The study concluded that a decline in fertility rates can slow population growth, helping reduce the strain on a country’s resources and infrastructure. With fewer children to support, families can provide them with better financial support and invest more effectively in their education and health, resulting in improved educational outcomes and a more skilled workforce. However, a declining fertility rate results in a shrinking workforce and an ageing population, with fewer people contributing to the economy and more relying on pensions and healthcare, ultimately slowing the country’s economic growth.