The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The number of births registered in the first half of 2014 reached its lowest level in the last six years in Costa Rica, according to information from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
For example, in the first six months of this year, the number of registered births stood at 36,128, while last year it was 36,166 and 39,036 in 2012. Meanwhile, in 2008 the amount was 38,880.
The data relates to the last census taken in 2011 by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), at which time it was emphasized that Costa Ricans were choosing to have fewer children.
The information presented at that time indicated that mothers under 15 represent 24.8% of the Costa Rican population. However, in 1950 43% of the country’s inhabitants were in that group, and by 2000 it was 32%.
“This confirms the declining birth rate and allows us to see clearly that the population of Costa Rica continues to extend the process of aging,” said study coordinator, Elizabeth Solano.
Solano explained that the fact that the bulk of the Costa Rican population is between 15 and 64 is considered potentially favorable for economic and social sustainability of the country because it is the most economically active.
Also, according to information from INEC in Costa Rica 19% of total annual births are to mothers between 10 and 19 years old. That is, between 10,000 and 13,000 children per year are born to teenage mothers.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
