South Korea sees rise in birthrate after nine years, becomes a super-aged society
Seoul: South Korea recorded its first increase in newborns in nearly a decade, with 2,42,334 babies born in 2024, reflecting a 3.1% rise compared to the previous year, according to government data released on Friday. This marks a notable shift for a nation struggling with one of the world's lowest fertility rates.
The data from the Ministry of the Interior highlighted that this is the first annual increase after eight consecutive years of decline. Despite the rise in births, the country’s total population continued its downward trend, decreasing for the fifth year in a row since 2020. The total registered population stood at 51,217,221 in 2024.
On December 24, South Korea officially entered the category of a "super-aged" society, with individuals aged 65 and older now comprising 20% of the population. The Ministry of Interior and Safety reported that 10.24 million people in this age group represent a significant demographic shift, with women in this category accounting for 22% of the female population and men 18% of the male population.
Regional disparities were evident, with South Jeolla Province recording the highest proportion of elderly residents at 27.18%, while the central city of Sejong reported the lowest at 11.57%. In Seoul, the figure stood at 19.41%.
The elderly population in South Korea has been steadily rising over the years. In 2008, individuals aged 65 and older made up 10% of the population, with numbers climbing to 19.05% in early 2024 before surpassing 20% in December.
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Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by 58 runs
Ahmedabad, Apr 9 (PTI): Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by 58 runs in their Indian Premier League match here on Wednesday.
Chasing 218 for a win, the Royals were all out for 159 in 19.2 overs.
Shimron Hetmyer top-scored for RR with a 32-ball 52 while captain Sanju Samson chipped in with a 28-ball 41.
For GT, Prasidh Krishna took three wickets while Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore got two each.
Earlier, Sai Sudharsan struck a breezy 82 to help GT post 217 for 6.
Sudharsan's 53-ball innings was studded with eight fours and three sixes, while M Shahrukh Khan and Jos Buttler made 36 each.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans: 217 for 6 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 82, Jos Buttler 36, M Shahrukh Khan 36; Maheesh Theekshana 2/54, Tushar Deshpande 2/53).
Rajasthan Royals: 159 all out in 19.2 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 52, Sanju Samson 41; Prasidh Krishna 3/24, Rashid Khan 2/37, Sai Kishore 2/20).
