Why Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates in the world despite government push

Hong Kong’s birth rate dropped to a record low of 31,100 births in 2025, despite government efforts to incentivise potential parents, such as offering a HK$20,000 (US$2,555) “baby bonus”, in recent years. In a survey, most Hongkongers said they would choose not to have babies, owing to financial pressure and the long-term responsibility of having a child. But some population experts warn that if the trend continues, it could be bad for the city’s future.