Global Stillbirth Rate Trends 2016

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•

View data for:

Interactive Map

Loading interactive map...

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Somalia	3.528 per 1,000 births
2	Central African Republic	3.39 per 1,000 births
3	Guinea-Bissau	3.274 per 1,000 births
4	Pakistan	3.27 per 1,000 births
5	Ethiopia	3.252 per 1,000 births
6	Djibouti	3.155 per 1,000 births
7	Chad	2.992 per 1,000 births
8	South Sudan	2.855 per 1,000 births
9	Afghanistan	2.844 per 1,000 births
10	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	2.795 per 1,000 births
11	Nigeria	2.668 per 1,000 births
12	Bangladesh	2.639 per 1,000 births
13	Mali	2.586 per 1,000 births
14	Liberia	2.553 per 1,000 births
15	Burundi	2.543 per 1,000 births
16	Lesotho	2.513 per 1,000 births
17	Guinea	2.403 per 1,000 births
18	Côte d'Ivoire	2.4 per 1,000 births
19	Sudan	2.284 per 1,000 births
20	Yemen	2.259 per 1,000 births
21	Comoros	2.245 per 1,000 births
22	Ghana	2.232 per 1,000 births
23	Sierra Leone	2.208 per 1,000 births
24	Togo	2.19 per 1,000 births
25	Niger	2.183 per 1,000 births
26	Gambia	2.103 per 1,000 births
27	Benin	2.071 per 1,000 births
28	Tanzania	2.066 per 1,000 births
29	Papua New Guinea	2.001 per 1,000 births
30	Cameroon	1.952 per 1,000 births
31	Angola	1.949 per 1,000 births
32	Senegal	1.945 per 1,000 births
33	Kenya	1.933 per 1,000 births
34	Burkina Faso	1.923 per 1,000 births
35	Uganda	1.862 per 1,000 births
36	Haiti	1.853 per 1,000 births
37	Mozambique	1.837 per 1,000 births
38	Equatorial Guinea	1.827 per 1,000 births
39	Mauritania	1.819 per 1,000 births
40	Madagascar	1.809 per 1,000 births
41	Rwanda	1.8 per 1,000 births
42	Nepal	1.739 per 1,000 births
43	Malawi	1.691 per 1,000 births
44	Namibia	1.666 per 1,000 births
45	Eritrea	1.659 per 1,000 births
46	South Africa	1.648 per 1,000 births
47	India	1.647 per 1,000 births
48	Zimbabwe	1.646 per 1,000 births
49	Laos	1.613 per 1,000 births
50	Zambia	1.581 per 1,000 births
51	Timor-Leste	1.554 per 1,000 births
52	Cambodia	1.544 per 1,000 births
53	Botswana	1.493 per 1,000 births
54	Congo	1.483 per 1,000 births
55	Eswatini	1.455 per 1,000 births
56	Jamaica	1.455 per 1,000 births
57	Myanmar	1.394 per 1,000 births
58	Guatemala	1.393 per 1,000 births
59	Morocco	1.373 per 1,000 births
60	Gabon	1.363 per 1,000 births
61	Guyana	1.356 per 1,000 births
62	Armenia	1.305 per 1,000 births
63	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.292 per 1,000 births
64	Vanuatu	1.29 per 1,000 births
65	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	1.272 per 1,000 births
66	Dominica	1.246 per 1,000 births
67	Syrian Arab Republic	1.221 per 1,000 births
68	Solomon Islands	1.221 per 1,000 births
69	Iraq	1.197 per 1,000 births
70	Marshall Islands	1.168 per 1,000 births
71	Philippines	1.149 per 1,000 births
72	Saint Lucia	1.132 per 1,000 births
73	Suriname	1.129 per 1,000 births
74	Azerbaijan	1.128 per 1,000 births
75	Dominican Republic	1.12 per 1,000 births
76	Tunisia	1.102 per 1,000 births
77	Montserrat	1.101 per 1,000 births
78	Nicaragua	1.086 per 1,000 births
79	Sao Tome and Principe	1.078 per 1,000 births
80	Niue	1.068 per 1,000 births
81	Paraguay	1.051 per 1,000 births
82	Bahamas	1.023 per 1,000 births
83	State of Palestine	1.014 per 1,000 births
84	Tuvalu	1.002 per 1,000 births
85	Venezuela	0.99 per 1,000 births
86	Trinidad and Tobago	0.99 per 1,000 births
87	Mauritius	0.988 per 1,000 births
88	Kiribati	0.982 per 1,000 births
89	Grenada	0.977 per 1,000 births
90	Egypt	0.977 per 1,000 births
91	Indonesia	0.976 per 1,000 births
92	El Salvador	0.971 per 1,000 births
93	Ecuador	0.968 per 1,000 births
94	Bhutan	0.965 per 1,000 births
95	Algeria	0.95 per 1,000 births
96	Bolivia	0.944 per 1,000 births
97	Tajikistan	0.935 per 1,000 births
98	Cabo Verde	0.935 per 1,000 births
99	Samoa	0.917 per 1,000 births
100	Honduras	0.893 per 1,000 births
101	Uzbekistan	0.888 per 1,000 births
102	North Korea	0.877 per 1,000 births
103	Palau	0.863 per 1,000 births
104	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.848 per 1,000 births
105	Republic of Moldova	0.836 per 1,000 births
106	Lebanon	0.823 per 1,000 births
107	Seychelles	0.818 per 1,000 births
108	Jordan	0.809 per 1,000 births
109	Turkmenistan	0.803 per 1,000 births
110	Antigua and Barbuda	0.792 per 1,000 births
111	Libya	0.783 per 1,000 births
112	Fiji	0.768 per 1,000 births
113	Tonga	0.763 per 1,000 births
114	Colombia	0.751 per 1,000 births
115	Brazil	0.749 per 1,000 births
116	Belize	0.743 per 1,000 births
117	Peru	0.741 per 1,000 births
118	Vietnam	0.738 per 1,000 births
119	British Virgin Islands	0.726 per 1,000 births
120	Kyrgyzstan	0.709 per 1,000 births
121	Cook Islands	0.7 per 1,000 births
122	Turks and Caicos Islands	0.694 per 1,000 births
123	Mexico	0.68 per 1,000 births
124	Nauru	0.663 per 1,000 births
125	Cuba	0.661 per 1,000 births
126	China	0.66 per 1,000 births
127	Georgia	0.624 per 1,000 births
128	Kazakhstan	0.612 per 1,000 births
129	Sri Lanka	0.61 per 1,000 births
130	Iran	0.6 per 1,000 births
131	North Macedonia	0.596 per 1,000 births
132	Maldives	0.593 per 1,000 births
133	Bulgaria	0.585 per 1,000 births
134	Bahrain	0.575 per 1,000 births
135	Oman	0.554 per 1,000 births
136	Panama	0.535 per 1,000 births
137	Kuwait	0.529 per 1,000 births
138	Mongolia	0.527 per 1,000 births
139	Argentina	0.521 per 1,000 births
140	United Arab Emirates	0.517 per 1,000 births
141	Anguilla	0.512 per 1,000 births
142	Malaysia	0.509 per 1,000 births
143	Barbados	0.485 per 1,000 births
144	Qatar	0.484 per 1,000 births
145	Saudi Arabia	0.479 per 1,000 births
146	Turkey	0.476 per 1,000 births
147	Uruguay	0.471 per 1,000 births
148	Ukraine	0.461 per 1,000 births
149	Costa Rica	0.452 per 1,000 births
150	Russia	0.439 per 1,000 births
151	Serbia	0.436 per 1,000 births
152	Brunei Darussalam	0.432 per 1,000 births
153	Montenegro	0.42 per 1,000 births
154	Thailand	0.413 per 1,000 births
155	Albania	0.391 per 1,000 births
156	Latvia	0.366 per 1,000 births
157	Hungary	0.359 per 1,000 births
158	Luxembourg	0.348 per 1,000 births
159	Romania	0.344 per 1,000 births
160	Greece	0.319 per 1,000 births
161	Malta	0.316 per 1,000 births
162	Chile	0.314 per 1,000 births
163	Croatia	0.311 per 1,000 births
164	Belgium	0.306 per 1,000 births
165	Lithuania	0.301 per 1,000 births
166	United Kingdom	0.298 per 1,000 births
167	Ireland	0.297 per 1,000 births
168	France	0.295 per 1,000 births
169	Slovakia	0.291 per 1,000 births
170	United States	0.287 per 1,000 births
171	Canada	0.282 per 1,000 births
172	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0.28 per 1,000 births
173	Israel	0.28 per 1,000 births
174	New Zealand	0.279 per 1,000 births
175	Cyprus	0.275 per 1,000 births
176	Sweden	0.275 per 1,000 births
177	Slovenia	0.27 per 1,000 births
178	Czech Republic	0.269 per 1,000 births
179	Italy	0.261 per 1,000 births
180	Norway	0.256 per 1,000 births
181	Andorra	0.255 per 1,000 births
182	Australia	0.254 per 1,000 births
183	Portugal	0.25 per 1,000 births
184	Estonia	0.249 per 1,000 births
185	Germany	0.245 per 1,000 births
186	Denmark	0.234 per 1,000 births
187	San Marino	0.233 per 1,000 births
188	Poland	0.232 per 1,000 births
189	Austria	0.232 per 1,000 births
190	Belarus	0.23 per 1,000 births
191	Spain	0.23 per 1,000 births
192	Switzerland	0.228 per 1,000 births
193	Singapore	0.218 per 1,000 births
194	Netherlands	0.217 per 1,000 births
195	Finland	0.204 per 1,000 births
196	Iceland	0.202 per 1,000 births
197	South Korea	0.178 per 1,000 births
198	Japan	0.174 per 1,000 births
199	Monaco	0.141 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 2016, Somalia recorded the highest figure in the Global Stillbirth Rate Trends, with a rate of 3.53 per 1,000 births, while Monaco had the lowest at 0.14 per 1,000 births. The range of these rates across the globe underscores significant disparities in maternal and child health outcomes. The global average stillbirth rate was 1.09 per 1,000 births, with a median of 0.89, reflecting variations in healthcare quality, economic conditions, and public health policies among different regions.

Economic Factors Influencing Stillbirth Rates

Economic disparities play a pivotal role in the Global Stillbirth Rate Trends. Countries with higher rates, such as Somalia (3.53) and the Central African Republic (3.39), are often characterized by limited healthcare infrastructure and resources. These nations face challenges like inadequate prenatal care and high poverty levels, which contribute to higher stillbirth rates. In contrast, countries like Japan (0.17) and South Korea (0.18), with robust healthcare systems and strong economic foundations, benefit from advanced medical technologies and comprehensive maternal care programs, resulting in lower rates.

Geographic and Demographic Patterns

Geographic and demographic factors also significantly impact stillbirth rates. In sub-Saharan Africa, where countries such as Guinea-Bissau (3.27) and Chad (2.99) are located, high stillbirth rates are often linked to rural populations with limited access to healthcare facilities. Moreover, the prevalence of infectious diseases and malnutrition exacerbates the situation. Conversely, European countries like Iceland (0.20) and Finland (0.20) demonstrate low stillbirth rates, partially due to their urbanized settings, where healthcare access and literacy levels are higher.

Policy and Healthcare Impact

The effectiveness of national health policies and healthcare systems is evident in the variation of stillbirth rates. Nations with comprehensive maternal and child health policies, such as Singapore (0.22) and Switzerland (0.23), show lower rates. These countries invest in prenatal care, education, and support systems for expectant mothers. In contrast, countries like Afghanistan (2.84) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2.80) face challenges in implementing effective health policies due to ongoing conflict and political instability, resulting in higher stillbirth rates.

Year-over-Year Changes and Significant Movers

Analyzing year-over-year changes in the Global Stillbirth Rate Trends reveals both progress and setbacks. The average change was a decrease of 0.02 per 1,000 births, or -1.6%. Notably, Ethiopia achieved the most significant reduction of -0.17 (-5.0%), reflecting improvements in healthcare access and maternal health initiatives. Similarly, Zimbabwe and Nepal saw reductions of -0.11 and -0.10 respectively, indicating positive healthcare developments. Conversely, Malaysia experienced an increase of +0.05 (11.0%), highlighting areas where healthcare systems may need bolstering to address rising stillbirth rates.

In conclusion, the Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2016 highlight the impact of economic, geographic, and policy factors on maternal and child health outcomes. While some countries demonstrate significant progress, disparities persist, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in regions with the highest rates. Understanding these trends is crucial for global health organizations and policymakers aiming to reduce stillbirth rates worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2016

Which country had the highest stillbirth rate in 2016?

Somalia had the highest stillbirth rate in 2016, with 3.53 per 1,000 births.

Which country had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2016?

Monaco had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2016, with 0.14 per 1,000 births.

What was the average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2016?

The average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2016 was 1.09 per 1,000 births.

What was the median stillbirth rate in 2016?

The median stillbirth rate in 2016 was 0.89 per 1,000 births.

Which countries were in the top 3 for highest stillbirth rates in 2016?

The top 3 countries with the highest stillbirth rates in 2016 were Somalia, Central African Republic, and Guinea-Bissau.

How many countries are included in the dataset for stillbirth rates in 2016?

The dataset for stillbirth rates in 2016 includes 199 countries.

Insights by country

Pakistan

In 2016, Pakistan ranked #4 globally for Global Stillbirth Rate Trends, with a rate of 3.2704816 per 1,000 births. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, indicating serious maternal and infant health challenges. Key drivers include limited access to quality healthcare, high rates of poverty, and insufficient maternal education, which contribute to adverse birth outcomes.

Gambia

In 2016, Gambia ranked #26 globally in Global Stillbirth Rate Trends with a rate of 2.1026216 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting significant health challenges faced by many countries. Key drivers for Gambia's stillbirth rate include limited access to prenatal care and healthcare infrastructure, which are influenced by economic constraints and geographic factors affecting rural populations.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranked #137 globally in 2016 with a stillbirth rate of 0.5287337 per 1,000 births. This figure is relatively low compared to countries with higher rates, such as Nigeria, which consistently ranks among the highest. Factors contributing to Kuwait's performance include its advanced healthcare system, which provides prenatal care and maternal health services, as well as a relatively high standard of living and access to medical resources.

Jordan

In 2016, Jordan's Global Stillbirth Rate Trends ranked #108 with a rate of 0.809369 per 1,000 births. This figure is higher than the average for the Middle East, highlighting challenges in maternal and neonatal health care. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare services in rural areas and the impact of regional instability, which affects healthcare infrastructure and resources.

Georgia

In 2016, Georgia had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.62382996 per 1,000 births, ranking #127 out of 199 countries. This rate is relatively lower compared to some regional neighbors, indicating a need for ongoing improvements in maternal healthcare. Factors contributing to Georgia's stillbirth rate include access to prenatal care and the healthcare system's capacity to address complications during pregnancy, which have seen gradual enhancements in recent years.

Solomon Islands

In 2016, Solomon Islands ranked #68 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.2205602 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, and a high prevalence of poverty, which impacts maternal nutrition and healthcare access.

Ghana

In 2016, Ghana had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 2.2322228 per 1,000 births, ranking #22 out of 199 countries. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, indicating progress in maternal and child health compared to many nations. Key drivers of this statistic include Ghana's investment in healthcare infrastructure and programs aimed at improving prenatal care, which have contributed to better outcomes for mothers and infants.

Jamaica

In 2016, Jamaica ranked #56 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.4546224 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, highlighting Jamaica's relative success in maternal health compared to many other nations. Contributing factors include improved access to healthcare services and targeted maternal health policies, which have been implemented to address prenatal care and education.

Afghanistan

In 2016, Afghanistan had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 2.8444648 per 1,000 births, ranking #9 out of 199 countries. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's ongoing challenges in maternal and child health care. Factors contributing to this high stillbirth rate include limited access to quality healthcare services, ongoing conflict, and high rates of poverty that impede expectant mothers' access to necessary medical interventions.

Liberia

In 2016, Liberia ranked #14 globally with a stillbirth rate of 2.5525315 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, highlighting significant challenges faced in maternal and child health. Key drivers of this statistic include limited access to quality healthcare services, ongoing economic difficulties, and the aftermath of civil conflict, which has impacted healthcare infrastructure and maternal care initiatives.

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.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

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

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

More Health Facts

Access to Safe Drinking Water

Access to safe drinking water measures the percentage of a population with reliable, clean water sources.

View data

Browse All Health

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data