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Lower birth rates could impact the economy. Here's why

With a smaller workforce, economies will be forced to shrink. Let's take a closer look at the potential impacts.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — High rates of inflation combined with more access to contraception have played a part in lower birth rates worldwide. Experts say that could lead to major challenges for the global economy.

By 2050, most countries won’t produce enough babies to replace their populations, which has the potential to decimate workforces all over the planet.

Let's connect the dots.

If current rates hold, only 49 countries will make up most new births. By 2,100, the number of countries is expected to be just six -- with all of those being in Asia and Africa.

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Naturally, the fewer people born, the fewer people there are to work. With a smaller workforce, economies will be forced to shrink, even if workers do the same amount of work that they always have.

While artificial intelligence may help bridge the gap to an extent, industries like housing would still be strongly affected.

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Experts say the most likely solution would be for more developed, richer countries to adopt more lenient immigration policies.

This way, countries could replace their workforces while keeping economies strong, and less-economically developed countries with high birth rates could avoid overcrowding.

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