Global Stillbirth Rate Trends 2001

Explore global trends in stillbirth rates, highlighting improvements or setbacks over time across different countries.

199 data points•Updated 9/28/2026•Global Coverage•Stillbirth rate | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Guinea-Bissau	5.046 per 1,000 births
2	Ethiopia	4.588 per 1,000 births
3	Afghanistan	4.298 per 1,000 births
4	Chad	4.177 per 1,000 births
5	Somalia	4.151 per 1,000 births
6	Pakistan	4.137 per 1,000 births
7	Djibouti	4.065 per 1,000 births
8	Bangladesh	3.964 per 1,000 births
9	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	3.917 per 1,000 births
10	Central African Republic	3.878 per 1,000 births
11	South Sudan	3.847 per 1,000 births
12	Lesotho	3.606 per 1,000 births
13	Mali	3.589 per 1,000 births
14	Liberia	3.567 per 1,000 births
15	Sierra Leone	3.473 per 1,000 births
16	Burundi	3.385 per 1,000 births
17	Burkina Faso	3.319 per 1,000 births
18	Nepal	3.139 per 1,000 births
19	Cambodia	3.071 per 1,000 births
20	Nigeria	2.995 per 1,000 births
21	Comoros	2.965 per 1,000 births
22	India	2.913 per 1,000 births
23	Ghana	2.906 per 1,000 births
24	Niger	2.896 per 1,000 births
25	Benin	2.832 per 1,000 births
26	Togo	2.813 per 1,000 births
27	Côte d'Ivoire	2.803 per 1,000 births
28	Angola	2.793 per 1,000 births
29	Guinea	2.792 per 1,000 births
30	Sudan	2.737 per 1,000 births
31	Mauritania	2.726 per 1,000 births
32	Senegal	2.713 per 1,000 births
33	Yemen	2.654 per 1,000 births
34	Laos	2.646 per 1,000 births
35	Tanzania	2.601 per 1,000 births
36	Mozambique	2.596 per 1,000 births
37	Rwanda	2.565 per 1,000 births
38	Cameroon	2.561 per 1,000 births
39	Timor-Leste	2.553 per 1,000 births
40	Papua New Guinea	2.51 per 1,000 births
41	Haiti	2.494 per 1,000 births
42	Gambia	2.418 per 1,000 births
43	Uganda	2.379 per 1,000 births
44	Equatorial Guinea	2.355 per 1,000 births
45	Zimbabwe	2.277 per 1,000 births
46	Eritrea	2.216 per 1,000 births
47	Madagascar	2.179 per 1,000 births
48	Zambia	2.144 per 1,000 births
49	Malawi	2.093 per 1,000 births
50	Kenya	2.086 per 1,000 births
51	Congo	2.076 per 1,000 births
52	Morocco	2.068 per 1,000 births
53	South Africa	2.012 per 1,000 births
54	Guatemala	1.984 per 1,000 births
55	Azerbaijan	1.947 per 1,000 births
56	El Salvador	1.869 per 1,000 births
57	Armenia	1.83 per 1,000 births
58	Gabon	1.805 per 1,000 births
59	Jamaica	1.784 per 1,000 births
60	Paraguay	1.752 per 1,000 births
61	Algeria	1.748 per 1,000 births
62	Namibia	1.721 per 1,000 births
63	Guyana	1.715 per 1,000 births
64	Myanmar	1.714 per 1,000 births
65	Bhutan	1.71 per 1,000 births
66	Montserrat	1.704 per 1,000 births
67	Ecuador	1.635 per 1,000 births
68	Eswatini	1.624 per 1,000 births
69	Egypt	1.617 per 1,000 births
70	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	1.614 per 1,000 births
71	Tajikistan	1.582 per 1,000 births
72	Bolivia	1.568 per 1,000 births
73	North Korea	1.543 per 1,000 births
74	Solomon Islands	1.526 per 1,000 births
75	Nicaragua	1.507 per 1,000 births
76	China	1.502 per 1,000 births
77	Tuvalu	1.501 per 1,000 births
78	Philippines	1.492 per 1,000 births
79	Marshall Islands	1.483 per 1,000 births
80	Sao Tome and Principe	1.475 per 1,000 births
81	Indonesia	1.472 per 1,000 births
82	Dominican Republic	1.467 per 1,000 births
83	Georgia	1.453 per 1,000 births
84	Iraq	1.444 per 1,000 births
85	State of Palestine	1.422 per 1,000 births
86	Saint Lucia	1.421 per 1,000 births
87	Tunisia	1.409 per 1,000 births
88	Republic of Moldova	1.388 per 1,000 births
89	Syrian Arab Republic	1.387 per 1,000 births
90	Honduras	1.367 per 1,000 births
91	Kazakhstan	1.367 per 1,000 births
92	Vanuatu	1.363 per 1,000 births
93	Botswana	1.324 per 1,000 births
94	Cabo Verde	1.297 per 1,000 births
95	Niue	1.295 per 1,000 births
96	Uzbekistan	1.291 per 1,000 births
97	Peru	1.282 per 1,000 births
98	Maldives	1.273 per 1,000 births
99	Bahamas	1.258 per 1,000 births
100	Jordan	1.252 per 1,000 births
101	Mongolia	1.233 per 1,000 births
102	Suriname	1.226 per 1,000 births
103	Kiribati	1.209 per 1,000 births
104	Trinidad and Tobago	1.186 per 1,000 births
105	Mauritius	1.177 per 1,000 births
106	Vietnam	1.16 per 1,000 births
107	Turkey	1.147 per 1,000 births
108	Lebanon	1.143 per 1,000 births
109	Libya	1.128 per 1,000 births
110	Venezuela	1.126 per 1,000 births
111	Dominica	1.125 per 1,000 births
112	Iran	1.102 per 1,000 births
113	North Macedonia	1.085 per 1,000 births
114	Samoa	1.075 per 1,000 births
115	Fiji	1.073 per 1,000 births
116	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.071 per 1,000 births
117	Turkmenistan	1.062 per 1,000 births
118	Kyrgyzstan	1.058 per 1,000 births
119	Palau	1.057 per 1,000 births
120	Nauru	1.037 per 1,000 births
121	Sri Lanka	1.035 per 1,000 births
122	Cuba	1.034 per 1,000 births
123	Antigua and Barbuda	1.021 per 1,000 births
124	Cook Islands	1.017 per 1,000 births
125	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.001 per 1,000 births
126	Turks and Caicos Islands	0.99 per 1,000 births
127	Grenada	0.984 per 1,000 births
128	Belize	0.98 per 1,000 births
129	Brazil	0.964 per 1,000 births
130	Tonga	0.96 per 1,000 births
131	Colombia	0.943 per 1,000 births
132	Seychelles	0.896 per 1,000 births
133	Mexico	0.894 per 1,000 births
134	British Virgin Islands	0.846 per 1,000 births
135	United Arab Emirates	0.825 per 1,000 births
136	Bahrain	0.807 per 1,000 births
137	Panama	0.782 per 1,000 births
138	Saudi Arabia	0.768 per 1,000 births
139	Bulgaria	0.762 per 1,000 births
140	Argentina	0.759 per 1,000 births
141	Oman	0.728 per 1,000 births
142	Albania	0.722 per 1,000 births
143	Uruguay	0.709 per 1,000 births
144	Anguilla	0.7 per 1,000 births
145	Ukraine	0.684 per 1,000 births
146	Russia	0.658 per 1,000 births
147	Thailand	0.646 per 1,000 births
148	Kuwait	0.639 per 1,000 births
149	Qatar	0.637 per 1,000 births
150	Barbados	0.616 per 1,000 births
151	Romania	0.592 per 1,000 births
152	Latvia	0.579 per 1,000 births
153	Serbia	0.53 per 1,000 births
154	Montenegro	0.517 per 1,000 births
155	Netherlands	0.515 per 1,000 births
156	Brunei Darussalam	0.505 per 1,000 births
157	Costa Rica	0.505 per 1,000 births
158	Croatia	0.498 per 1,000 births
159	Ireland	0.488 per 1,000 births
160	France	0.48 per 1,000 births
161	Belarus	0.464 per 1,000 births
162	Malaysia	0.457 per 1,000 births
163	Lithuania	0.455 per 1,000 births
164	Estonia	0.451 per 1,000 births
165	Greece	0.446 per 1,000 births
166	United Kingdom	0.442 per 1,000 births
167	Chile	0.424 per 1,000 births
168	Hungary	0.42 per 1,000 births
169	Poland	0.41 per 1,000 births
170	Cyprus	0.406 per 1,000 births
171	Slovakia	0.395 per 1,000 births
172	Israel	0.391 per 1,000 births
173	Portugal	0.385 per 1,000 births
174	Malta	0.38 per 1,000 births
175	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0.377 per 1,000 births
176	New Zealand	0.365 per 1,000 births
177	Sweden	0.363 per 1,000 births
178	Norway	0.361 per 1,000 births
179	Slovenia	0.36 per 1,000 births
180	Luxembourg	0.347 per 1,000 births
181	Australia	0.345 per 1,000 births
182	San Marino	0.341 per 1,000 births
183	Andorra	0.335 per 1,000 births
184	Belgium	0.334 per 1,000 births
185	United States	0.327 per 1,000 births
186	Canada	0.322 per 1,000 births
187	Spain	0.321 per 1,000 births
188	South Korea	0.303 per 1,000 births
189	Germany	0.29 per 1,000 births
190	Denmark	0.289 per 1,000 births
191	Monaco	0.286 per 1,000 births
192	Czech Republic	0.282 per 1,000 births
193	Singapore	0.282 per 1,000 births
194	Austria	0.279 per 1,000 births
195	Switzerland	0.275 per 1,000 births
196	Italy	0.271 per 1,000 births
197	Iceland	0.263 per 1,000 births
198	Finland	0.258 per 1,000 births
199	Japan	0.248 per 1,000 births

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2001, Guinea-Bissau led the world in "Global Stillbirth Rate Trends" with a rate of 5.05 per 1,000 births, while the global range spanned from 0.25 to 5.05. The average stillbirth rate across the 199 countries with available data was 1.50 per 1,000 births, providing a crucial metric for understanding global health disparities.

Economic Disparities and Stillbirth Rates

The data from 2001 reveals a stark contrast in stillbirth rates between economically diverse countries. Nations such as Guinea-Bissau (5.05), Ethiopia (4.59), and Afghanistan (4.30) exhibit higher stillbirth rates, which can often be attributed to limited access to quality healthcare, insufficient maternal nutrition, and inadequate prenatal care. These countries typically face economic challenges that impede the development of robust healthcare systems.

Conversely, countries with lower stillbirth rates like Japan (0.25) and Finland (0.26) benefit from advanced healthcare infrastructures and comprehensive maternal health programs. These nations invest heavily in prenatal care and have established policies that support maternal health, contributing to their lower rates.

Geographic and Demographic Influences

Geographic and demographic factors also play a significant role in stillbirth rates. Many of the countries with higher rates, such as Chad (4.18) and Somalia (4.15), are located in regions with challenging environmental conditions that can exacerbate health issues. These areas often experience higher rates of infectious diseases and malnutrition, which can impact maternal and infant health.

In contrast, countries like Iceland (0.26) and Switzerland (0.27), located in more temperate and economically stable regions, enjoy better public health outcomes. The demographic composition, including age distribution and population density, further influences healthcare delivery and access, impacting stillbirth rates.

Impact of Healthcare Policies

Healthcare policies significantly affect stillbirth rates, as evidenced by the data. Countries with comprehensive maternal health policies, such as Italy (0.27) and Austria (0.28), have lower rates. These countries have implemented nationwide programs that emphasize maternal education, regular prenatal check-ups, and access to emergency obstetric care.

On the other hand, countries with less effective healthcare policies, like Pakistan (4.14) and Bangladesh (3.96), struggle with higher rates. Limited governmental support for maternal health and inadequate healthcare funding are contributing factors. Policy reforms aimed at improving maternal health infrastructure could potentially reduce these rates.

Global Health Initiatives and Future Trends

Global health initiatives have been pivotal in addressing high stillbirth rates. International organizations often target countries like Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.92) and the Central African Republic (3.88) for maternal health interventions. These programs focus on improving healthcare access and quality, training healthcare workers, and providing necessary medical supplies.

Looking forward, the trends in 2001 suggest that continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, alongside international cooperation, can help lower stillbirth rates globally. As countries develop economically and improve their healthcare systems, we can expect a general decline in stillbirth rates, narrowing the gap between the highest and lowest rates worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2001

Which country had the highest stillbirth rate in 2001?

In 2001, Guinea-Bissau had the highest stillbirth rate with 5.05 per 1,000 births.

Which country had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2001?

Japan had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2001, with 0.25 per 1,000 births.

What was the average stillbirth rate across countries in 2001?

The average stillbirth rate across the 199 countries in 2001 was 1.5 per 1,000 births.

What was the median stillbirth rate among countries in 2001?

The median stillbirth rate among the countries in 2001 was 1.25 per 1,000 births.

Which countries were in the top 10 for highest stillbirth rates in 2001?

The top 10 countries with the highest stillbirth rates in 2001 included Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Chad, Somalia, Pakistan, Djibouti, Bangladesh, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), and Central African Republic.

How many countries were included in the dataset for stillbirth rates in 2001?

The dataset for stillbirth rates in 2001 included 199 countries.

Insights by country

Colombia

In 2001, Colombia had a global rank of #131 with a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.9429777 per 1,000 births. This rate is higher than many neighboring countries, indicating challenges in maternal and infant health care. Contributing factors include socioeconomic disparities, limited access to quality health services, and regional variations in healthcare infrastructure, which impact pregnancy outcomes across the nation.

Cuba

Cuba ranked #122 globally in 2001 for Global Stillbirth Rate Trends, with a rate of 1.0339664 per 1,000 births. This figure is relatively low compared to the highest-ranked country, Monaco, which boasts a significantly lower stillbirth rate. Key drivers of Cuba's performance include its robust healthcare system, which provides universal access to maternal and child health services, and government policies focused on prenatal care and education.

Cambodia

In 2001, Cambodia had a global stillbirth rate of 3.0712097 per 1,000 births, ranking #19 out of 199 countries. This rate was significantly lower than the global average, indicating improvements in maternal health care compared to many other nations. Key drivers of this statistic include ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, and targeted maternal health programs aimed at reducing infant mortality.

Luxembourg

In 2001, Luxembourg ranked #180 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.34709647 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than that of many neighboring countries, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and maternal health services. The high standard of living and robust healthcare system in Luxembourg contribute to better prenatal care, although challenges remain in addressing specific demographic factors such as the relatively small population size.

Cook Islands

In 2001, Cook Islands had a global rank of #124 with a Global Stillbirth Rate of 1.0167199 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the challenges faced by many developing nations. Contributing factors to this rate include the limited healthcare resources available in the Cook Islands, alongside geographic isolation which affects access to advanced medical care and prenatal services.

Mauritania

Mauritania ranked #31 globally with a stillbirth rate of 2.7262955 per 1,000 births in 2001. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, indicating relatively better maternal health outcomes compared to many other countries. Contributing factors include improvements in healthcare access and maternal education, although challenges remain due to regional disparities and limited resources in rural areas.

Niger

Niger had a global rank of #24 in 2001 for Global Stillbirth Rate Trends, with a rate of 2.8956954 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting Niger's ongoing public health challenges. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare services, high rates of poverty, and a lack of maternal health education, which collectively impact pregnancy outcomes.

Lithuania

In 2001, Lithuania had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.45532006 per 1,000 births, ranking #163 out of 199 countries. This figure is notably higher than that of neighboring Latvia, which indicates regional health disparities. Contributing factors to Lithuania's stillbirth rate include its healthcare system's challenges and demographic shifts, including a declining birth rate and increased maternal age, which can complicate pregnancies.

Central African Republic

In 2001, the Central African Republic had a global stillbirth rate of 3.8777525 per 1,000 births, ranking #10 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting significant challenges in maternal and child health care. Contributing factors include limited access to quality healthcare services, high rates of poverty, and ongoing political instability, which adversely affect health infrastructure and maternal health outcomes.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2001, Antigua and Barbuda had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 1.0213848 per 1,000 births, ranking #123 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably lower than the global average, highlighting the country's relatively better maternal health outcomes compared to many regions. Contributing factors include Antigua and Barbuda's investment in healthcare infrastructure and a focus on maternal and child health programs, which have improved prenatal care access and education.

Chad

In 2001, Chad ranked #4 globally with a stillbirth rate of 4.177303 per 1,000 births. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating severe challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare services, high rates of poverty, and a lack of maternal education, all of which exacerbate the risks associated with childbirth in the country.

Serbia

In 2001, Serbia had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.5304386 per 1,000 births, ranking #153 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably higher than many European nations, reflecting challenges in maternal healthcare access and quality. Contributing factors include economic instability and a healthcare system that has faced significant pressures in the post-Yugoslav era, impacting prenatal and perinatal care services.

Dominica

In 2001, Dominica had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 1.1246245 per 1,000 births, ranking #111 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably lower than the global average, indicating relatively better maternal health outcomes. Contributing factors include Dominica's focus on healthcare access and maternal care improvements, particularly following the establishment of various health initiatives aimed at reducing infant mortality.

Eswatini

In 2001, Eswatini ranked #68 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.624231 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably higher than the global benchmark, reflecting ongoing challenges in maternal and child health. Contributing factors include limited access to quality prenatal care and socioeconomic issues that impact healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Data Source

Stillbirth rate | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research initiative that provides comprehensive global statistics on various development topics, including health, education, and the economy. The dataset on stillbirth rates offers country-level statistics that track the prevalence of stillbirths, helping to inform public health initiatives and policies.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Global Stillbirth Rate Trends data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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