Tunisia's Demographic Growth Rate Drops to 0.58% in 2023 Amid Aging Population
Tunisia's demographic growth rate has declined to 0.58% in 2023, amidst a rapid acceleration of the country's aging population, according to sociologist Mohamed Ali Ben Zina. Speaking on Diwan FM, Ben Zina attributed the decline in births to a significant decrease in the number of marriages, which he identified as the primary structural factor contributing to the decline.
Marriage Rate Decline: A Key Factor in Birth Rate Decline
The number of births in Tunisia has dropped from approximately 240,000 in 2014 to 120,000 currently, representing a 50% decrease over the past decade. Ben Zina emphasized that the rise in unemployment has had a direct impact on the delay of marriage age, creating a vicious cycle of declining nuptiality, emigration of skilled workers, and accelerated demographic aging.
Consequences of Inaction: Threats to Generation Renewal and Demographic Balance
This situation poses a significant threat to the renewal of generations and the demographic balance of the country, according to Ben Zina. He estimated that Tunisia has lost nearly 25 years due to the lack of updating its demographic policies and the prolonged implementation of a birth control policy.
A Call for a New Approach: Achieving a "Population Optimum"
Ben Zina urged the adoption of a policy based on the concept of a "population optimum," which balances available resources with natural and balanced demographic growth. This approach would enable Tunisia to reconcile its demographic challenges with its economic and social development goals.
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