Birthrates are dropping in Hungary, and as a way to encourage meeting and mating among its youth, the country threw a party.

Birthrates are dropping in Hungary, and as a way to encourage meeting and mating among its youth, the country threw a party.

Named “Are you free for a dance,” the public festivities held around the country were devised as a way to counter some developing trends that threaten to further diminish the Hungarian population.

One of the realities is that there are few popular social environments conducive to conversation. In Budapest, for example, most of the young people flock to loud dance clubs where chatting isn’t easy or sometimes possible.

Another deterrent is men find it difficult to get to know women, as the concern for safety trumps wanting to make a date. Women are more apt to refuse an attempt than risk danger.

Further, people wait longer than they used to before settling down. Many say it’s a lot harder to make a connection with others as the years go on.

The Budapest event was a considered a huge success as it was attended and enjoyed by many within the country’s targeted group.

The fertility decline is also happening in many other countries, including the US. If not course-corrected, it could negatively impact the future global economy.