Global Stillbirth Rate Trends 2020

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	Somalia	3.488 per 1,000 births
2	Central African Republic	3.307 per 1,000 births
3	Guinea-Bissau	3.027 per 1,000 births
4	Djibouti	2.985 per 1,000 births
5	Ethiopia	2.975 per 1,000 births
6	Pakistan	2.938 per 1,000 births
7	Chad	2.888 per 1,000 births
8	Afghanistan	2.807 per 1,000 births
9	South Sudan	2.773 per 1,000 births
10	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	2.676 per 1,000 births
11	Nigeria	2.493 per 1,000 births
12	Liberia	2.474 per 1,000 births
13	Mali	2.336 per 1,000 births
14	Lesotho	2.328 per 1,000 births
15	Côte d'Ivoire	2.325 per 1,000 births
16	Guinea	2.314 per 1,000 births
17	Bangladesh	2.203 per 1,000 births
18	Sudan	2.187 per 1,000 births
19	Niger	2.171 per 1,000 births
20	Comoros	2.165 per 1,000 births
21	Yemen	2.16 per 1,000 births
22	Sierra Leone	2.075 per 1,000 births
23	Burkina Faso	2.075 per 1,000 births
24	Togo	2.034 per 1,000 births
25	Ghana	2.012 per 1,000 births
26	Tanzania	2.006 per 1,000 births
27	Angola	1.992 per 1,000 births
28	Papua New Guinea	1.961 per 1,000 births
29	Gambia	1.925 per 1,000 births
30	Senegal	1.913 per 1,000 births
31	Kenya	1.903 per 1,000 births
32	Benin	1.902 per 1,000 births
33	Burundi	1.877 per 1,000 births
34	Cameroon	1.874 per 1,000 births
35	Zimbabwe	1.866 per 1,000 births
36	Madagascar	1.839 per 1,000 births
37	Mozambique	1.813 per 1,000 births
38	Equatorial Guinea	1.809 per 1,000 births
39	Haiti	1.805 per 1,000 births
40	South Africa	1.762 per 1,000 births
41	Namibia	1.748 per 1,000 births
42	Mauritania	1.739 per 1,000 births
43	Rwanda	1.661 per 1,000 births
44	Uganda	1.633 per 1,000 births
45	Malawi	1.627 per 1,000 births
46	Eritrea	1.569 per 1,000 births
47	Timor-Leste	1.508 per 1,000 births
48	Laos	1.488 per 1,000 births
49	Congo	1.479 per 1,000 births
50	Botswana	1.433 per 1,000 births
51	Zambia	1.431 per 1,000 births
52	Nepal	1.431 per 1,000 births
53	Eswatini	1.418 per 1,000 births
54	Cambodia	1.412 per 1,000 births
55	India	1.362 per 1,000 births
56	Jamaica	1.36 per 1,000 births
57	Gabon	1.328 per 1,000 births
58	Myanmar	1.325 per 1,000 births
59	Guatemala	1.309 per 1,000 births
60	Morocco	1.299 per 1,000 births
61	Guyana	1.285 per 1,000 births
62	Dominica	1.26 per 1,000 births
63	Syrian Arab Republic	1.203 per 1,000 births
64	Vanuatu	1.197 per 1,000 births
65	Philippines	1.189 per 1,000 births
66	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	1.182 per 1,000 births
67	Solomon Islands	1.157 per 1,000 births
68	Iraq	1.123 per 1,000 births
69	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.121 per 1,000 births
70	Armenia	1.086 per 1,000 births
71	Suriname	1.079 per 1,000 births
72	Saint Lucia	1.062 per 1,000 births
73	Marshall Islands	1.054 per 1,000 births
74	Bahamas	1.053 per 1,000 births
75	Azerbaijan	1.053 per 1,000 births
76	Dominican Republic	1.049 per 1,000 births
77	Venezuela	1.025 per 1,000 births
78	Tunisia	1.006 per 1,000 births
79	Mauritius	1.003 per 1,000 births
80	Nicaragua	1 per 1,000 births
81	Montserrat	0.991 per 1,000 births
82	Niue	0.977 per 1,000 births
83	Grenada	0.973 per 1,000 births
84	Sao Tome and Principe	0.963 per 1,000 births
85	Trinidad and Tobago	0.953 per 1,000 births
86	State of Palestine	0.95 per 1,000 births
87	Ecuador	0.95 per 1,000 births
88	Paraguay	0.946 per 1,000 births
89	Tuvalu	0.916 per 1,000 births
90	Kiribati	0.914 per 1,000 births
91	Algeria	0.914 per 1,000 births
92	Bhutan	0.891 per 1,000 births
93	Egypt	0.888 per 1,000 births
94	Lebanon	0.884 per 1,000 births
95	Samoa	0.875 per 1,000 births
96	Indonesia	0.874 per 1,000 births
97	Bolivia	0.869 per 1,000 births
98	El Salvador	0.866 per 1,000 births
99	Palau	0.861 per 1,000 births
100	Cabo Verde	0.849 per 1,000 births
101	Tajikistan	0.847 per 1,000 births
102	Uzbekistan	0.84 per 1,000 births
103	Honduras	0.834 per 1,000 births
104	North Korea	0.814 per 1,000 births
105	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.807 per 1,000 births
106	Cuba	0.789 per 1,000 births
107	Republic of Moldova	0.781 per 1,000 births
108	Turkmenistan	0.769 per 1,000 births
109	Seychelles	0.768 per 1,000 births
110	Antigua and Barbuda	0.755 per 1,000 births
111	Jordan	0.749 per 1,000 births
112	Fiji	0.737 per 1,000 births
113	Tonga	0.724 per 1,000 births
114	Libya	0.723 per 1,000 births
115	Brazil	0.698 per 1,000 births
116	Belize	0.692 per 1,000 births
117	Colombia	0.691 per 1,000 births
118	British Virgin Islands	0.684 per 1,000 births
119	Vietnam	0.676 per 1,000 births
120	Cook Islands	0.671 per 1,000 births
121	Peru	0.668 per 1,000 births
122	Mexico	0.664 per 1,000 births
123	Kyrgyzstan	0.661 per 1,000 births
124	Turks and Caicos Islands	0.642 per 1,000 births
125	Sri Lanka	0.595 per 1,000 births
126	Panama	0.58 per 1,000 births
127	Nauru	0.573 per 1,000 births
128	Kazakhstan	0.57 per 1,000 births
129	Iran	0.569 per 1,000 births
130	Bahrain	0.562 per 1,000 births
131	Oman	0.557 per 1,000 births
132	Georgia	0.556 per 1,000 births
133	Maldives	0.544 per 1,000 births
134	Bulgaria	0.532 per 1,000 births
135	Kuwait	0.527 per 1,000 births
136	China	0.52 per 1,000 births
137	Malaysia	0.513 per 1,000 births
138	Argentina	0.513 per 1,000 births
139	Anguilla	0.482 per 1,000 births
140	Ukraine	0.479 per 1,000 births
141	North Macedonia	0.469 per 1,000 births
142	United Arab Emirates	0.459 per 1,000 births
143	Serbia	0.459 per 1,000 births
144	Mongolia	0.458 per 1,000 births
145	Barbados	0.45 per 1,000 births
146	Brunei Darussalam	0.443 per 1,000 births
147	Turkey	0.438 per 1,000 births
148	Saudi Arabia	0.432 per 1,000 births
149	Uruguay	0.425 per 1,000 births
150	Costa Rica	0.411 per 1,000 births
151	Albania	0.399 per 1,000 births
152	Thailand	0.388 per 1,000 births
153	Montenegro	0.388 per 1,000 births
154	Hungary	0.362 per 1,000 births
155	Russia	0.361 per 1,000 births
156	Latvia	0.346 per 1,000 births
157	Luxembourg	0.344 per 1,000 births
158	Qatar	0.342 per 1,000 births
159	Romania	0.325 per 1,000 births
160	Greece	0.324 per 1,000 births
161	Slovakia	0.31 per 1,000 births
162	France	0.304 per 1,000 births
163	Belgium	0.301 per 1,000 births
164	Malta	0.296 per 1,000 births
165	Canada	0.287 per 1,000 births
166	Croatia	0.287 per 1,000 births
167	Israel	0.281 per 1,000 births
168	Cyprus	0.279 per 1,000 births
169	United States	0.278 per 1,000 births
170	New Zealand	0.276 per 1,000 births
171	Germany	0.275 per 1,000 births
172	Czech Republic	0.274 per 1,000 births
173	Chile	0.274 per 1,000 births
174	Italy	0.272 per 1,000 births
175	Lithuania	0.272 per 1,000 births
176	United Kingdom	0.271 per 1,000 births
177	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0.263 per 1,000 births
178	Slovenia	0.255 per 1,000 births
179	Poland	0.245 per 1,000 births
180	Ireland	0.245 per 1,000 births
181	Andorra	0.243 per 1,000 births
182	Sweden	0.241 per 1,000 births
183	Australia	0.241 per 1,000 births
184	Switzerland	0.235 per 1,000 births
185	Portugal	0.235 per 1,000 births
186	Austria	0.234 per 1,000 births
187	Belarus	0.23 per 1,000 births
188	Norway	0.227 per 1,000 births
189	Netherlands	0.218 per 1,000 births
190	Denmark	0.218 per 1,000 births
191	San Marino	0.218 per 1,000 births
192	Spain	0.215 per 1,000 births
193	Iceland	0.208 per 1,000 births
194	Estonia	0.205 per 1,000 births
195	Finland	0.197 per 1,000 births
196	Singapore	0.194 per 1,000 births
197	South Korea	0.173 per 1,000 births
198	Japan	0.155 per 1,000 births
199	Monaco	0.124 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 2020, the country with the highest Global Stillbirth Rate Trends was Somalia with a rate of 3.49 per 1,000 births, while Monaco had the lowest at 0.12 per 1,000 births. The global range for stillbirth rates thus spanned from 0.12 to 3.49 per 1,000 births. The global average stillbirth rate was 1.03 per 1,000 births, providing a benchmark for understanding these trends.

Economic and Healthcare Influences on Stillbirth Rates

Economic conditions and healthcare infrastructure significantly impact Global Stillbirth Rate Trends. Countries with the highest rates such as Somalia (3.49) and the Central African Republic (3.31) often face economic challenges and limited healthcare access. These nations struggle with insufficient healthcare facilities, inadequate prenatal care, and a lack of trained medical personnel, contributing to higher stillbirth rates.

Conversely, countries with robust healthcare systems, like Monaco (0.12) and Japan (0.15), boast some of the lowest stillbirth rates. Their advanced medical technology, comprehensive prenatal care programs, and high standards of living support healthier pregnancies and reduce stillbirth risks.

Geographic and Demographic Factors

Geographic and demographic variables further explain disparities in stillbirth rates. In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, high stillbirth rates are often linked to remote locations, where access to healthcare is limited. For example, Guinea-Bissau (3.03) and Djibouti (2.99) are examples where geographic isolation exacerbates healthcare access issues.

Demographically, countries with younger populations might experience higher stillbirth rates due to limited maternal experience and awareness. In contrast, nations with aging populations like Finland (0.20) and Spain (0.22) benefit from mature healthcare systems and greater health education, resulting in better maternal outcomes.

Policy Interventions and Improvements

Policy interventions can drive significant changes in Global Stillbirth Rate Trends. Countries like Bangladesh and Burundi have seen notable decreases in their stillbirth rates, by 0.12 and 0.27 respectively, thanks in part to governmental focus on improving maternal healthcare services.

Such improvements often include investments in healthcare infrastructure, training for healthcare workers, and public health campaigns to increase awareness about prenatal care. These efforts can lead to substantial reductions in stillbirth rates, showcasing the impact of effective policy implementation.

Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications

Analyzing the year-over-year changes provides further insight into the dynamics of stillbirth rates. Zimbabwe experienced the most significant increase with a rise of 0.16 (9.6%), indicating potential setbacks in healthcare or socio-economic conditions. Similarly, South Africa and Cuba saw increases of 0.07 (4.4%) and 0.06 (8.5%) respectively, suggesting areas for policy reevaluation.

Meanwhile, decreases in countries like Burundi (-0.27) and Bangladesh (-0.12) highlight successful strategies in reducing stillbirth rates, such as improved healthcare access and targeted maternal health programs. These trends underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and intervention to maintain progress in reducing stillbirth rates globally.

Overall, the 2020 data on Global Stillbirth Rate Trends reveals complex interactions between economic, geographic, and policy factors. While some countries have made significant progress, others continue to face challenges that require targeted interventions and sustained efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2020

Which country had the highest stillbirth rate in 2020?

Somalia had the highest stillbirth rate in 2020, with 3.49 per 1,000 births.

Which country had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2020?

Monaco had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2020, with 0.12 per 1,000 births.

What was the average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2020?

The average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2020 was 1.03 per 1,000 births.

What was the median stillbirth rate in 2020?

The median stillbirth rate in 2020 was 0.85 per 1,000 births.

Which countries were in the top 3 for stillbirth rates in 2020?

The top 3 countries for stillbirth rates in 2020 were Somalia, Central African Republic, and Guinea-Bissau.

How many countries are included in the stillbirth rate dataset for 2020?

The stillbirth rate dataset for 2020 includes 199 countries.

Insights by country

Sudan

In 2020, Sudan had a Global Stillbirth Rate of 2.1872447 per 1,000 births, ranking #18 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, indicating significant challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Contributing factors include ongoing conflict, limited access to healthcare services, and economic instability, which adversely affect prenatal care and maternal nutrition.

Iran

In 2020, Iran had a global stillbirth rate of 0.56907463 per 1,000 births, ranking #129 out of 199 countries. This rate is higher than many neighboring countries, indicating challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Contributing factors include economic sanctions that impact healthcare access and a healthcare system facing pressure from a growing population and limited resources.

Andorra

In 2020, Andorra ranked #181 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.24304402 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a healthcare system that prioritizes maternal and infant health. Andorra's small population and high standard of living contribute to effective healthcare policies, which include access to prenatal care and education, ultimately reducing stillbirth rates.

Sweden

In 2020, Sweden ranked #182 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.24143682 per 1,000 births. This rate is notably lower than the global average, reflecting Sweden's strong healthcare system and maternal care policies. High levels of education, access to prenatal care, and a comprehensive welfare state contribute significantly to this favorable outcome.

North Macedonia

In 2020, North Macedonia achieved a global rank of #141 with a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.46869037 per 1,000 births. This rate is notably higher than that of neighboring countries like Greece, which has made significant strides in maternal healthcare. Contributing factors to North Macedonia's stillbirth rate include challenges in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, and socioeconomic disparities that affect maternal and infant health services.

Djibouti

In 2020, Djibouti achieved a global rank of #4 with a Global Stillbirth Rate of 2.985042 per 1,000 births. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting the country’s focused healthcare initiatives. Contributing factors include Djibouti's investments in maternal health services and improved access to prenatal care, which have been critical in reducing stillbirths in the region.

Turkmenistan

In 2020, Turkmenistan recorded a Global Stillbirth Rate of 0.7692133 per 1,000 births, ranking #108 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably lower than the global average, reflecting ongoing challenges in maternal and neonatal health in the region. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, and a lack of comprehensive maternal health policies that address the needs of expectant mothers.

Indonesia

In 2020, Indonesia ranked #96 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.87398684 per 1,000 births. This rate is higher than the global average, indicating significant challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Contributing factors include limited access to quality healthcare services in rural areas and socioeconomic disparities that affect healthcare delivery. Additionally, Indonesia's diverse geography complicates healthcare access, particularly in remote regions.

Burundi

In 2020, Burundi ranked #33 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.8765638 per 1,000 births. This figure is notably lower than the global average, highlighting Burundi's relatively better performance in this area compared to many other nations. Contributing factors include improvements in maternal healthcare access and community health initiatives aimed at reducing pregnancy complications. However, challenges such as economic instability and limited resources continue to impact overall health outcomes.

Vietnam

In 2020, Vietnam ranked #119 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.675625 per 1,000 births. This rate is higher than some neighboring countries, indicating ongoing challenges in maternal and neonatal health. Key drivers include limited access to quality prenatal care and socioeconomic factors that affect healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas.

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.

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

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