(Aug 28): Taiwan’s population could fall to about 12.15 million people by 2075, a plunge of about 48% from 2026, according to National Development Council data.
 
Births and the younger population are projected to continue declining, with the elderly population to increase significantly, the council said, citing household registration data. 

The findings underscore the risks from the ongoing slide in Taiwan’s population, which peaked at 23.6 million in 2019, and raise questions about how the island will find workers to support its fast-ageing population. With Taiwan also relying partly on conscripts for its defence against threats from China, the lower birth rate signals future challenges for the military. 

The working-age population is seen shrinking by nearly two-thirds over the next 50 years, leading to a severe shortage of labour, the council added.

The data show that by 2075, the population aged 0-14 is projected to decrease to 585,000; those aged 15-64 will total 5.13 million; and the population aged 65 and over is expected to total 6.43 million people. While the number of elderly people is increasing fast at present, those aged 65 or older are expected to peak at 7.71 million by 2050 before gradually declining.

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