South Koreans are likely to have fewer weddings and babies this year than ever before, part of a demographic shift that risks hobbling the nation's economy.

The number of marriages and births recorded during the first five months of 2016 hit the lowest levels for the same period in any year since the nation's statistics office started compiling monthly data in 2000.

The figures underscore the challenge facing the government, which over the past decade has poured 80 trillion won ($72 billion) into efforts to reverse the falling birthrate. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said this month that the country faces a crisis that threatens to limit long-term economic growth.