Fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime — must be about 2.1 births per woman to maintain population size without immigration.

New data reveal vast swaths of Europe, East Asia, and the Americas have rates far below this replacement threshold, while much of Sub-Saharan Africa has women having four, five, or even six children on average.

Globally, fertility has more than halved since the 1950s, when the average woman had around five children. Today, the global average is about 2.3, according to the UN’s World Population Prospects.

Even Latin America, which once had some of the world’s highest fertility rates, is now approaching sub-replacement levels. The United States sits around 1.6 , well below replacement, and countries such as South Korea, Singapore, and Italy have dropped even lower, in some cases near or below 1.1 children per woman.

The implications are profound. Populations in countries with sustained low fertility begin to shrink, workforces contract, and the share of elderly citizens rises, putting pressure on pensions, healthcare systems, and economic growth. Italy reported just 370,000 births in 2024, the lowest in its history, leaving its fertility rate around 1.18.

Greece recently announced a €1.6 billion family support package in an effort to reverse its decline, warning that its population could fall below 8 million by 2050 if trends continue. Meanwhile, India, the world’s most populous country, has crossed a historic threshold, with its fertility rate now at 1.9, below replacement for the first time.

The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed an MoU on the sidelines of the Astana Financial Conference to enhance cooperation in financial regulation, expertise exchange, and market infrastructure. The deal, signed by Abdullah bin Salem Al Salmi, CEO of Oman’s Financial Services Authority, and Madina Abylkasimova, Head of Kazakhstan’s financial regulator, covers support for the ‘Tabadul’ platform to enable cross-market trading and boost regional integration. It also includes sharing regulatory expertise, joint research, capacity building, fintech collaboration, and initiatives in financial education and inclusion.

Omanis watch lunar eclipse in awe

Crowds gathered outside their homes and on rooftops to witness the total lunar eclipse on Sunday. The spectacle began with the penumbral phase at 7:28 pm Muscat time, followed by the partial eclipse at 8:27 pm, and reached its peak at 9:31 pm when the Moon was fully immersed in Earth’s shadow. For nearly an hour, the Moon glowed in deep crimson, a phenomenon popularly known as the “Blood Moon.” Unlike solar eclipses, which are harmful to view with the naked eye, lunar eclipses can be safely watched without special equipment. To mark the occasion, astronomers set up telescopes and large screens, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the celestial event in greater detail.

Falaj project completed in Sur

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has completed the rehabilitation of Falaj Al Jeela in Sur, South Al Sharqiyah. The falaj, one of five in Oman listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, underwent maintenance that included renovating the water collection area, a 150-metre open channel, and repairing damaged sections. Salah Salim Al Mahjari, Head of Dams, Aflaj and Protection Walls Division, noted that Oman’s aflaj represent not only water sources but also a historic and cultural heritage that sustained communities. Falaj Al Jeela, an eye falaj in Al Jeela village, stretches 415 metres and draws its water from the upper course of Wadi Al Shaab.

Proposal to establish a centre for artificial intelligence in Oman

The fourth symposium on security and safety in vital facilities wrapped up in Salalah after three days of presentations and knowledge exchange. Over 30 experts from Oman, the Gulf, Arab countries, and Europe presented research and shared real-world experiences, making the event a prominent annual platform for security and safety dialogue. The symposium addressed challenges, proposed solutions, and explored future trends. Key recommendations included establishing a regional AI centre in Oman, enhancing early warning systems in smart cities, promoting community resilience, protecting documents and archives, and adopting virtual simulations for emergency training. Brigadier General Eng. Saeed bin Suleiman Al-Asimi praised the symposium’s scientific approach and highlighted Oman’s readiness to become a regional hub for facility and AI safety.

Oman participates in 164th session of Arab Foreign Ministers Council in Cairo

Oman took part in the 164th session of the Arab Foreign Ministers’ Council in Cairo, led by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs. The Council condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, and urged unimpeded humanitarian aid. It also praised states recognizing Palestine, urged wider recognition, and reaffirmed rejection of interference in Arab affairs. The Council called for ending Israeli occupation, halting settlements, and placing all regional nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision to advance peace and security.