Explore global fertility trends with insights into Countries with highest fertility rates and Lowest fertility rates by country. Discover the World fertility rates ranking and compare Fertility rates around the world. Delve into a Global fertility rate comparison around the world, highlighting Top countries by fertility rate and those with the Countries with lowest birth rates.
According to the World Bank, the global fertility rate was 2.4 per woman. This rate is about half what it was in 1950 (4.7), and more economically developed countries such as Australia, much of Europe, and South Korea tend to have lower rates than less developed and low-income countries. Declining child mortality, improved access to contraception, and increasing numbers of women seeking to study and build a career before starting a family are, in some cases, the main drivers of declining fertility worldwide are the three main factors cited. In this article, we will go through the fertility rates around the world and have a detailed scrap of it.
Table of Content
- Highest and Lowest Fertility Rates
- Fertility Rates by Countries
- Top 10 Countries with the Highest Fertility Rates
- Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rates
- Fertility Rates in India 2023
- Fertility Rates in Africa
- Fertility Rates in Asia
- Fertility Rates in Europe
- Highest Fertility Rates in the World
- World Fertility Rates Ranking
- Top Countries by Fertility Rate
- Countries with Lowest Birth Rates
- Global Fertility Rate Comparison
- Fertility Rates Around the World
Highest and Lowest Fertility Rates
The population replacement rate, or the fertility rate necessary to maintain the population size of a society, is 2.1 children per woman. Countries with fertility rates below this are likely to experience overall ageing and population decline over time. Declining fertility rates and consequent population declines are likely to be beneficial in some countries, especially in densely populated countries, as they reduce the strain on infrastructure and social programs.
However, declining fertility rates can create challenges such as a shortage of new workers needed to replace retirees and too few workers paying for social programs that support retirees (such as Social Security in the United States). There is also sexuality, whether unemployed or retired.
Fertility Rates by Countries
Here is the list of top Fertility Rates by Countries:
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Fertility Rates
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Niger | 6.73 |
| Angola | 5.76 |
| DR Congo | 5.56 |
| Mali | 5.45 |
| Benin | 5.39 |
| Chad | 5.35 |
| Uganda | 5.26 |
| Somalia | 5.22 |
| South Sudan | 5.20 |
| Burundi | 4.96 |
- Niger: Leads with an average of over 6 children per woman.
- Angola: High fertility rate with cultural and economic factors influencing family size.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Features among the top due to its significant birth rate.
- Mali: High fertility rates persist despite improvements in healthcare access.
- Benin: Continues to have one of the highest rates, reflecting broader regional trends.
Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rates
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Taiwan | 1.09 |
| South Korea | 1.11 |
| Singapore | 1.17 |
| Ukraine | 1.22 |
| Hong Kong | 1.23 |
| Macau | 1.23 |
| Italy | 1.24 |
| Moldova | 1.25 |
| Puerto Rico | 1.25 |
| Spain | 1.29 |
- Taiwan: Faces demographic challenges with one of the world’s lowest fertility rates.
- South Korea: Notably low fertility rates due to economic pressures and changing lifestyles.
- Singapore: Low birth rates influenced by urban living and career prioritization.
- Ukraine: European countries like Ukraine also report low fertility figures.
- Hong Kong: Known for its very low birth rates.
Fertility Rates in India 2023
India’s fertility rate has been declining steadily in recent years. In 2023, it is estimated to be 2.139 births per woman, a 0.93% decline from 2022. This means that the average Indian woman is expected to have 2.139 children over her lifetime. This decline in fertility is due to a number of factors, including increasing access to education and contraception, as well as rising urbanization and female labor force participation. If India’s fertility rate does fall below the replacement level, it could have a significant impact on the country’s demographics and economy. For example, it could lead to an aging population and a shrinking workforce.
|
Year |
Fertility Rate |
Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.139 | -0.930% |
| 2022 | 2.159 | -0.920% |
| 2021 | 2.179 | -0.950% |
| 2020 | 2.200 | -0.900% |
| 2019 | 2.220 | -0.890% |
| 2018 | 2.240 | -1.370% |
| 2017 | 2.271 | -1.350% |
| 2016 | 2.302 | -1.370% |
| 2015 | 2.334 | -1.310% |
| 2014 | 2.365 | -1.290% |
| 2013 | 2.396 | -3.230% |
Fertility Rates in Africa
Most of the countries with the highest birth rates are in Africa. In total, the average fertility rate in sub-Saharan Africa is 4.6, the highest in the world. Niger leads with 6.8 children per woman, followed by Somalia with 6.0, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.8), Mali (5.8), and Chad (5.6).
- The North African country of Tunisia has the lowest fertility rate on the African continent, with 2.2 children per woman.
But even this lowest rate in Africa places it roughly in the middle of her list of over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Among the countries with the highest fertility rates, Niger again had the highest in the world in 2019, with 46 births per 1,000 people.
- According to a paper published by the United Nations, the high contraceptive rate in Africa is due to the low rate of contraceptive use, early and universal marriage, a high birth rate, premature birth, and the length of women’s reproductive period.
- Most of them attribute this to having children and being of high social value, which accompanies the birth of a child.
Fertility rates are declining in many African countries; for example, Nigeria’s fertility rate fell from 6.35 in 1960 to 5.3 in 2019, but these declines reflect global rather than regional trends. It reflects.
Fertility Rates in Asia
South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world at 0.9 per woman, followed by Puerto Rico at 1.0, Malta, Singapore, and Hong Kong SAR each at 1.1 per woman. Birth rates in the world’s two most populous countries, China (1.7) and India (2.2), are in the low to moderate range.
Both numbers are influenced by government policies and cultural expectations of reproduction in those countries. China, for example, adhered to its “one-child policy” from around 1980 until 2016, but passed a law in August 2021 formally stipulating that couples can have up to three children. Afghanistan’s fertility rate was one of the highest in the world at around 8.0 in the 1990s. The country’s current birth rate is 4.5.
- This decline is due to more Afghan women getting an education and finding jobs. After the Taliban were driven out of Afghanistan, NATO countries helped fund schools, family planning services, and contraceptives.
- In addition, infant mortality rates have declined sharply.
It will take years to determine how the Taliban’s 2021 recapture of the country will affect these trends and fertility rates. Pakistan’s fertility rate is far from the highest at 3.5, but rapid population growth remains a concern given limited resources and undeveloped infrastructure.
Rapid population growth is overwhelming schools, clinics, and poor communities across the country. Population growth in Pakistan is usually attributed to religious and political influences as well as a lack of family planning and birth control.
Fertility Rates in Europe
Birth rates across Europe are relatively low, never exceeding 2.0 in any country. Also, as mentioned earlier, the birth rate has been declining in recent years. Several factors are thought to be responsible for this trend, including socio economic incentives to delay childbearing, fewer children desired, a lack of childcare, and changing gender roles.
- France has the highest fertility rate in Europe, at 1.9. However, this rate is still below the population maintenance level of 2.1 births per woman.
- France boasts the highest birth rate in Europe. The slowly declining rate is a concern for the country, with the government prioritizing plans to encourage larger family sizes. There are also concerns about a declining birth rate in Italy, which is currently at 1.3. The average age of first-time mothers in Italy is 31, the highest in Europe.
The main reason Italian women do not have children early is that they are not financially ready to raise children, and the state does not provide support for childcare costs. This low fertility rate and increased life expectancy have resulted in a significantly older Italian population (median age: 45.9 years compared to the European median age: 42.8 years).
- Norway is another European country with declining fertility rates, with 1.5 children per woman in 2019. A key driver of Norway’s fertility rate is the rising average age of first-time mothers to 29.5 years.
- In addition, there are fewer and fewer large families. The Norwegian government is looking for ways to encourage childbirth, such as paying mothers a pension for each child born.
Highest Fertility Rates in the World
- Concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting less access to contraception and higher desired family sizes.
World Fertility Rates Ranking
- Ranks vary with African nations at the top for high fertility and East Asian, and some European countries, for low fertility.
Top Countries by Fertility Rate
- Niger, Somalia, and DR Congo top the list for high fertility.
- Japan and Spain are notable for lower rates, reflecting broader demographic trends.
Countries with Lowest Birth Rates
- Monaco, Japan, and South Korea: Highlight the global issue of declining birth rates in developed economies.
Global Fertility Rate Comparison
- Shows a divide between developing countries with higher rates and developed ones with lower rates, indicating different socio-economic challenges.
Fertility Rates Around the World
- A wide spectrum from over 6 children per woman in the highest to fewer than 1.5 in the lowest, showcasing diverse demographic dynamics.
Conclusion – Countries by Total Fertility Rate
In summary, the global scene of richness rates is stamped by interesting incongruities, with financially created countries showing lower rates compared to their less created partners. The significant decay in worldwide ripeness since 1950, ascribed to variables like decreased child mortality, upgraded prophylactic openness, and ladies prioritizing instruction and careers, underscores the advancing flow of family arranging around the world.
Whereas sub-Saharan Africa proceeds to display the most elevated richness rates, there’s a perceivable slant of declining richness, yet unevenly disseminated. Europe faces the challenge of diligently moo ripeness, whereas certain Asian countries hook with sub-replacement rates.
Also Check:
- Consequences of Declining Fertility
- Difference Between Birth Rate and Death Rate
- Major Components of Population Growth
- World Population Report 2023
Total Fertility Rate 2024 – FAQs
Which country has the highest fertility rate in 2024?
Typically, countries in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Niger or Somalia, have some of the highest fertility rates due to various socio-economic factors.
What are the top 5 countries with the highest fertility rates?
Countries like Niger, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Chad often top the list with the highest fertility rates.
Which country has the lowest fertility rate?
Countries with the lowest fertility rates tend to be in East Asia and Europe, with Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan frequently at the bottom of the list.
What factors contribute to high fertility rates in some countries?
High fertility rates can be attributed to cultural norms, lower access to contraception, and economic factors where larger families are seen as beneficial.
What factors contribute to low fertility rates?
Low fertility rates are often seen in countries with higher living standards, greater access to education and contraception, and where there is a societal shift towards smaller families.
How do fertility rates impact a country’s economy?
High fertility rates can strain resources and infrastructure, while low fertility rates can lead to an aging population and labor shortages.
Are there any global trends in fertility rates?
Globally, fertility rates are generally declining as more countries transition towards lower rates due to improvements in women’s education, healthcare access, and economic changes.
Which country has the highest fertility rate?
Niger has the highest fertility rate in the world, with an average of 6.73 children born per woman.
Which country had the lowest fertility rate?
Taiwan had the lowest fertility rate in the world in 2020, with an average of 1.09 children born per woman.
Is India a fertility rate?
India is a country with a high fertility rate. In 2020, the fertility rate in India was 2.2 children born per woman.
Which Indian state has the highest fertility rate?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest fertility rate in India, with an average of 2.7 children born per woman in 2020.
What is the Fertility rate of Hindus and Muslims in India?
Between 1992 and 2019, the total fertility rate (TFR) for all religions in India declined by 41.3%, from 3.4 to 2.0 children per woman. The TFR also declined among Hindus and Muslims, from 3.3 to 1.9 and 4.4 to 2.4, respectively.