Chile faces economic risks as fertility rate drops below 1.0

Chile is facing a significant demographic challenge as its fertility rate has dropped below one child per woman for the first time in history. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the Total Fertility Rate reached 0.99 in 2025, with 146,446 births recorded—a 46.9% decrease compared to 1993.

This decline poses long-term economic and public health risks. As the population ages, there will be fewer workers to support healthcare, pension, and care systems through taxes and contributions. The OECD estimates that fiscal pressure from aging could reach approximately 2.5% of GDP by 2065 if no reforms are implemented, representing roughly 8.7 trillion pesos in current values.

To mitigate these effects, experts suggest the need for comprehensive public policies. Existing initiatives include the Universal Nursery project and efforts to strengthen shared responsibility in caregiving, alongside calls for improved sexual and reproductive health services, including access to infertility treatments.