The United Nations (U.N.) has said the world is having a birth rate crisis. The U.N. has released a report called "State of World Population 2025". It highlights how fewer babies are being born worldwide. At the same time, people are living longer. Falling birth rates and more older people are creating problems. Smaller numbers of workers have to pay the pensions of older people. The U.N. said: "Many countries are [struggling] with ageing and shrinking populations, labour shortages, and rising healthcare and pension costs. These are real concerns."

The U.N. asked more than 14,000 people in 14 countries on five continents for its report. A key finding was the global fertility crisis. The high cost of having children is the biggest reason for not having children. Many couples want children, but cannot afford them. One in five adults think they will not be able to have the number of children they want. Other reasons for falling birth rates include low salaries, expensive housing, and worries about the future of our world. One solution to this crisis is "family-friendly" policies, like cheaper childcare and paid leave for all carers.