Statistics Denmark (Danmarks Statistik) has released a new population projection that shows Danish women are expected to give birth to significantly fewer children by 2030. As a result, Denmark’s population forecast is revised downward, with the country expected to reach six million inhabitants only in 2028. The projection indicates that the number of newborns will be 8600 fewer than previously estimated. At the same time, the proportion of elderly citizens in the population is expected to increase significantly due to longer life expectancy.
The demographic development has a number of economic consequences, according to Tore Stramer, chief economist at the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv). “With fewer children, there will be fewer expenses in the public sector for institutions, schools, and the like,” says Tore Stramer. He points out that this is likely to lead to an increase in the economic leeway. The development underscores the need to adjust public services and economic plans to the changing demographic realities, as an aging population and fewer children present new demands on society.