Gender imbalance is high, in some places nearly 120 boys/100 girls

The total fertility rate is declining and is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. Meanwhile, the gender imbalance at birth has persisted for many years, far exceeding the balance of 104-106 boys/100 girls.

Workshop to announce the first national report on civil registration and statistics for the period 2021 - 2024 held on April 25 in Hanoi - Photo: UNFPAN

This information was shared at a workshop to announce the first national report on civil registration and statistics for the 2021-2024 period held in Hanoi on April 25. This report was developed by the General Statistics Office based on the national electronic civil registration database, with effective support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Global Public Health Organization.

Sex ratio at birth remains high

According to the report, Vietnam has made significant progress in birth registration, with the rate of on-time birth registration (within 60 days of birth) increasing steadily each year and reaching 84.9% in 2024. However, late birth registration remains common among some ethnic minority groups, reaching up to 56%.

The report also provides important findings on trends in fertility, mortality and marriage. The total fertility rate is falling and is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. Meanwhile, the gender imbalance at birth has persisted for many years, far exceeding the normal level of 104-106 boys for every 100 girls.

At the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Deputy Head of the Department of Population Statistics and Changes, said that in the period 2021-2024, the sex ratio at birth in our country was 109.8 boys/100 girls. In 2024 alone, this ratio was 110.7 boys/100 girls.

In particular, the high sex ratio at birth is common in some provinces and cities in the Northern region, the Red River Delta such as Bac Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Bac Giang , Hai Duong, Son La, Lang Son, Phu Tho... Some localities even recorded the sex ratio at birth at nearly 120 boys/100 girls.

For provinces and cities in the Southern region, the sex ratio at birth is between 105-108 boys/100 girls.

Important data for developing population policy

Mr. Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam, shared that when collected accurately, data will help us understand which policies are working, who is being missed, and what we need to do to build a more inclusive data system for everyone. UNFPA is committed to continuing to work to ensure that every person counts and every life matters.

Ms. Do Thi Ngoc, Deputy Director General of the General Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance, emphasized that for the first time, we can use complete and updated civil status data to conduct statistical analysis of births, deaths and marriages nationwide. This is a very important milestone.

"In the coming time, improving the timeliness and accuracy of data will be a key factor so that everyone is reflected in the data system, ensuring that no one is left behind," the representative of the Ministry of Finance emphasized.

Going forward, the report recommends, we need to continue investing in upgrading the technology of the national electronic civil registration system, increase training for grassroots registration staff, and increase outreach to vulnerable groups. Deeper integration with national databases on population, health, and education is also needed to maximize the benefits of civil registration data.

As Vietnam accelerates its digital transformation and prepares for future demographic changes, its civil registration and census systems will continue to serve as a foundation for effective governance, human rights, and inclusive development.

Read more Back to Topics

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mat-can-bang-gioi-tinh-o-muc-cao-co-noi-gan-120-trai-100-gai-20250425135606185.htm