Sweden is experiencing a significant decline in birth rates, with the number of newborns reaching a record low not seen since 2005. According to the latest statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare, only 99,636 children were born in 2023, marking a 5% decrease from the previous year.

This trend is consistent across all regions, with Skåne experiencing the largest drop.

Experts are puzzled by the decline, as traditional factors like economic conditions and employment no longer seem to explain the trend.

Additionally, Swedish mothers are having children later in life, with the average age for first-time mothers now at 29.9 years, and even higher in Stockholm at 31.4 years.

The decrease in birth rates is already impacting communities, with some areas, like Sundsvall, closing several preschools due to the dwindling number of children.