For the first time in recorded history, the global fertility rate has dropped below the critical threshold required to maintain a stable population. According to the report "Terra Incognita: The Economics of a Shrinking World," authored by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University, fertility has declined in 210 countries since 1950. In 2026, the global average reached a historic low of 2.2 births per woman.

Researchers emphasize that such a widespread drop was not observed even during major wars or global health crises. Strikingly, the most rapid declines are occurring in low- and middle-income nations. Recent figures show fertility dropping to 0.87 in Thailand, 1.01 in Colombia, 1.35 in Iran, and around 1.51 to 1.52 in Mexico and Brazil.

Demographic projections suggest that while the world population will continue growing for a few more decades, it is expected to peak at approximately 9 billion people by 2056. Following this milestone, the global population will enter a continuous downturn.