Hungary gave tax cuts, loans and help with housing to young couples who promised to have children. Barbara and Levi took a loan and hoped to have two children. They are now waiting to see if Barbara is pregnant after IVF. If they do not have a child by 1 November, they may have to pay back the loan with extra money added. Hungary’s birth rate went up from 1.25 in 2010 to 1.59 in 2020, but it fell to 1.31 in 2025. Some families say the help made life easier. Other people say good hospitals, childcare and schools matter more than cash. A similar effort in South Korea also did not stop the birth rate falling.
world-newsBeginner2 min read6/16/2026
Hungary tries to help people have more children
Hungary gave money and help to young couples who promised to have children. The birth rate went up for a time, but then it fell again. Some people say money helps, but others say good healthcare and childcare matter more.
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