Characteristics of fertility in Vietnam when beginning below the replacement level: Research and policy implications

Abstract

Vietnam has identified one of its strategic goals as “firmly maintaining fertility at the replacement level”, but has not been successful in recent years. Therefore, scientific studies that update and supplement information on the actual situation of fertility in Vietnam and its influencing factors are essential to develop and implement more effective fertility-adjustment policies. Based on recent national survey data, the article shows that the fertility in Vietnam in 2024 is not only below the replacement level but also varies significantly across regions, areas, and population groups, such as ethnicity and religion. The current situation of fertility dynamics indicates that it is necessary to consider applying a comprehensive and multidimensional approach with modern theoretical perspectives in studying the factors that determine fertility in Vietnam. When fertility rates are low, the implementation of pronatalist policies is necessary, but considering a more feasible target of fertility rate, combined with adaptation to low fertility and population aging, rather than just efforts to maintain the replacement fertility.