The Ministry of the Interior attributed the rebound to government policies to encourage births, as well as it being an auspicious time to give birth during the Year of the Dragon, according to the report. The comparable figure stood at 0.895 in 2010 and 1.065 in 2011.
Although the growth is expected to slowdown to some extent this year, the Year of the Snake, the birthrate is expected to remain high, it said.
Measures to boost the birthrate include matchmaking activities, cash payments for births, an expansion of preschool education and subsidies, the integration of preschool and kindergartens, and the establishment of affordable day care centers.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com