Global Stillbirth Rate Trends 2021

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	3.492 per 1,000 births
2	Central African Republic	3.325 per 1,000 births
3	Djibouti	3.002 per 1,000 births
4	Ethiopia	2.998 per 1,000 births
5	Guinea-Bissau	2.982 per 1,000 births
6	Chad	2.878 per 1,000 births
7	Pakistan	2.867 per 1,000 births
8	Afghanistan	2.814 per 1,000 births
9	South Sudan	2.766 per 1,000 births
10	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	2.643 per 1,000 births
11	Nigeria	2.458 per 1,000 births
12	Liberia	2.453 per 1,000 births
13	Mali	2.314 per 1,000 births
14	Lesotho	2.308 per 1,000 births
15	Côte d'Ivoire	2.3 per 1,000 births
16	Guinea	2.298 per 1,000 births
17	Sudan	2.177 per 1,000 births
18	Niger	2.163 per 1,000 births
19	Comoros	2.141 per 1,000 births
20	Yemen	2.132 per 1,000 births
21	Bangladesh	2.111 per 1,000 births
22	Sierra Leone	2.053 per 1,000 births
23	Togo	2.007 per 1,000 births
24	Burkina Faso	2.005 per 1,000 births
25	Angola	1.994 per 1,000 births
26	Ghana	1.986 per 1,000 births
27	Tanzania	1.978 per 1,000 births
28	Zimbabwe	1.955 per 1,000 births
29	Papua New Guinea	1.953 per 1,000 births
30	Benin	1.895 per 1,000 births
31	Gambia	1.894 per 1,000 births
32	Senegal	1.871 per 1,000 births
33	Cameroon	1.854 per 1,000 births
34	Madagascar	1.841 per 1,000 births
35	South Africa	1.832 per 1,000 births
36	Mozambique	1.827 per 1,000 births
37	Burundi	1.823 per 1,000 births
38	Kenya	1.812 per 1,000 births
39	Equatorial Guinea	1.802 per 1,000 births
40	Haiti	1.798 per 1,000 births
41	Mauritania	1.717 per 1,000 births
42	Namibia	1.704 per 1,000 births
43	Rwanda	1.641 per 1,000 births
44	Malawi	1.612 per 1,000 births
45	Eritrea	1.548 per 1,000 births
46	Uganda	1.509 per 1,000 births
47	Timor-Leste	1.503 per 1,000 births
48	Laos	1.471 per 1,000 births
49	Congo	1.469 per 1,000 births
50	Zambia	1.428 per 1,000 births
51	Botswana	1.414 per 1,000 births
52	Eswatini	1.399 per 1,000 births
53	Nepal	1.398 per 1,000 births
54	Cambodia	1.382 per 1,000 births
55	Jamaica	1.35 per 1,000 births
56	Gabon	1.322 per 1,000 births
57	Myanmar	1.312 per 1,000 births
58	India	1.299 per 1,000 births
59	Guatemala	1.283 per 1,000 births
60	Morocco	1.273 per 1,000 births
61	Guyana	1.268 per 1,000 births
62	Dominica	1.257 per 1,000 births
63	Syrian Arab Republic	1.194 per 1,000 births
64	Philippines	1.187 per 1,000 births
65	Vanuatu	1.179 per 1,000 births
66	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	1.161 per 1,000 births
67	Solomon Islands	1.136 per 1,000 births
68	Iraq	1.107 per 1,000 births
69	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.074 per 1,000 births
70	Suriname	1.062 per 1,000 births
71	Bahamas	1.054 per 1,000 births
72	Saint Lucia	1.051 per 1,000 births
73	Azerbaijan	1.036 per 1,000 births
74	Marshall Islands	1.036 per 1,000 births
75	Dominican Republic	1.035 per 1,000 births
76	Venezuela	1.027 per 1,000 births
77	Armenia	1.027 per 1,000 births
78	Nicaragua	0.989 per 1,000 births
79	Tunisia	0.976 per 1,000 births
80	Montserrat	0.971 per 1,000 births
81	Mauritius	0.969 per 1,000 births
82	Grenada	0.968 per 1,000 births
83	Niue	0.958 per 1,000 births
84	Ecuador	0.946 per 1,000 births
85	Sao Tome and Principe	0.943 per 1,000 births
86	Trinidad and Tobago	0.939 per 1,000 births
87	State of Palestine	0.935 per 1,000 births
88	Paraguay	0.93 per 1,000 births
89	Algeria	0.907 per 1,000 births
90	Lebanon	0.904 per 1,000 births
91	Tuvalu	0.9 per 1,000 births
92	Kiribati	0.894 per 1,000 births
93	Bhutan	0.874 per 1,000 births
94	Egypt	0.873 per 1,000 births
95	Samoa	0.869 per 1,000 births
96	Indonesia	0.86 per 1,000 births
97	Palau	0.857 per 1,000 births
98	Cuba	0.856 per 1,000 births
99	Bolivia	0.854 per 1,000 births
100	El Salvador	0.847 per 1,000 births
101	Cabo Verde	0.834 per 1,000 births
102	Tajikistan	0.829 per 1,000 births
103	Honduras	0.822 per 1,000 births
104	North Korea	0.814 per 1,000 births
105	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.797 per 1,000 births
106	Uzbekistan	0.778 per 1,000 births
107	Republic of Moldova	0.774 per 1,000 births
108	Turkmenistan	0.76 per 1,000 births
109	Seychelles	0.76 per 1,000 births
110	Antigua and Barbuda	0.746 per 1,000 births
111	Jordan	0.74 per 1,000 births
112	Fiji	0.734 per 1,000 births
113	Tonga	0.715 per 1,000 births
114	Libya	0.704 per 1,000 births
115	Belize	0.695 per 1,000 births
116	Colombia	0.68 per 1,000 births
117	Brazil	0.677 per 1,000 births
118	British Virgin Islands	0.674 per 1,000 births
119	Cook Islands	0.669 per 1,000 births
120	Vietnam	0.666 per 1,000 births
121	Peru	0.661 per 1,000 births
122	Mexico	0.654 per 1,000 births
123	Kyrgyzstan	0.649 per 1,000 births
124	Turks and Caicos Islands	0.63 per 1,000 births
125	Panama	0.621 per 1,000 births
126	Sri Lanka	0.604 per 1,000 births
127	Iran	0.558 per 1,000 births
128	Nauru	0.555 per 1,000 births
129	Bahrain	0.55 per 1,000 births
130	Bulgaria	0.544 per 1,000 births
131	Oman	0.537 per 1,000 births
132	Maldives	0.537 per 1,000 births
133	Georgia	0.536 per 1,000 births
134	Kuwait	0.526 per 1,000 births
135	Argentina	0.519 per 1,000 births
136	Kazakhstan	0.519 per 1,000 births
137	Malaysia	0.504 per 1,000 births
138	China	0.499 per 1,000 births
139	Ukraine	0.487 per 1,000 births
140	Anguilla	0.474 per 1,000 births
141	Serbia	0.459 per 1,000 births
142	Mongolia	0.451 per 1,000 births
143	Barbados	0.444 per 1,000 births
144	Brunei Darussalam	0.441 per 1,000 births
145	North Macedonia	0.437 per 1,000 births
146	United Arab Emirates	0.432 per 1,000 births
147	Costa Rica	0.432 per 1,000 births
148	Uruguay	0.429 per 1,000 births
149	Turkey	0.429 per 1,000 births
150	Saudi Arabia	0.423 per 1,000 births
151	Albania	0.401 per 1,000 births
152	Thailand	0.391 per 1,000 births
153	Montenegro	0.384 per 1,000 births
154	Hungary	0.36 per 1,000 births
155	Russia	0.341 per 1,000 births
156	Latvia	0.339 per 1,000 births
157	Luxembourg	0.339 per 1,000 births
158	Romania	0.337 per 1,000 births
159	Slovakia	0.324 per 1,000 births
160	Qatar	0.322 per 1,000 births
161	Greece	0.31 per 1,000 births
162	Belgium	0.308 per 1,000 births
163	France	0.303 per 1,000 births
164	Malta	0.291 per 1,000 births
165	Canada	0.289 per 1,000 births
166	Israel	0.287 per 1,000 births
167	Cyprus	0.282 per 1,000 births
168	Croatia	0.281 per 1,000 births
169	New Zealand	0.28 per 1,000 births
170	Germany	0.279 per 1,000 births
171	United States	0.279 per 1,000 births
172	United Kingdom	0.272 per 1,000 births
173	Chile	0.271 per 1,000 births
174	Czech Republic	0.27 per 1,000 births
175	Lithuania	0.265 per 1,000 births
176	Italy	0.263 per 1,000 births
177	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0.262 per 1,000 births
178	Slovenia	0.258 per 1,000 births
179	Poland	0.252 per 1,000 births
180	Sweden	0.246 per 1,000 births
181	Australia	0.244 per 1,000 births
182	Andorra	0.239 per 1,000 births
183	Switzerland	0.237 per 1,000 births
184	Ireland	0.236 per 1,000 births
185	Austria	0.231 per 1,000 births
186	Portugal	0.23 per 1,000 births
187	Belarus	0.222 per 1,000 births
188	Netherlands	0.217 per 1,000 births
189	Norway	0.216 per 1,000 births
190	San Marino	0.214 per 1,000 births
191	Denmark	0.211 per 1,000 births
192	Iceland	0.209 per 1,000 births
193	Spain	0.207 per 1,000 births
194	Estonia	0.198 per 1,000 births
195	Finland	0.196 per 1,000 births
196	Singapore	0.188 per 1,000 births
197	South Korea	0.174 per 1,000 births
198	Japan	0.159 per 1,000 births
199	Monaco	0.122 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 2021, Somalia recorded the highest rate in the "Global Stillbirth Rate Trends" with a figure of 3.49 per 1,000 births, highlighting the upper end of the global range which spans from 0.12 to 3.49 per 1,000 births. The global average stillbirth rate was 1.02 per 1,000 births, providing a crucial benchmark for understanding global health disparities.

Geopolitical and Economic Influences on Stillbirth Rates

The data reveals that countries with higher stillbirth rates, such as Somalia (3.49), Central African Republic (3.32), and Djibouti (3.00), often face significant geopolitical and economic challenges. These nations typically experience instability, limited healthcare infrastructure, and economic constraints, which contribute to higher stillbirth rates. For instance, prolonged conflicts in Somalia disrupt access to maternal healthcare, while economic hardships in the Central African Republic limit resources for prenatal care. Conversely, countries with robust economies and stable political environments, such as Monaco (0.12) and Japan (0.16), benefit from advanced healthcare systems and comprehensive maternal health policies.

Healthcare Systems and Their Impact

Strong healthcare systems are a pivotal factor in reducing stillbirth rates. Countries like Japan and Finland (0.20) have established comprehensive prenatal care programs and advanced medical technologies, contributing to their low stillbirth rates. These nations prioritize maternal health by ensuring accessible and high-quality healthcare services, which include regular screenings and interventions. In contrast, countries with limited healthcare infrastructure, such as Guinea-Bissau (2.98) and Chad (2.88), face barriers in providing consistent and effective maternal care, resulting in higher stillbirth rates.

Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications

The year-over-year analysis highlights significant changes in stillbirth rates across various countries. Zimbabwe experienced the most considerable increase with a rise of 0.09 per 1,000 births (4.8%), while Uganda saw the largest decrease at -0.12 per 1,000 births (-7.6%). These shifts can often be attributed to changes in healthcare policies, economic conditions, or public health initiatives. For instance, the decrease in Uganda may reflect improved healthcare access or successful maternal health programs, whereas the increase in Zimbabwe could be linked to economic difficulties or disruptions in healthcare services.

Socioeconomic Factors and Disparities

Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in shaping stillbirth rates globally. Countries with lower stillbirth rates, such as Singapore (0.19) and South Korea (0.17), often have high GDP per capita, reflecting better overall economic health and enabling significant investments in healthcare and education. These investments lead to informed healthcare choices and improved maternal health outcomes. In contrast, nations like Afghanistan (2.81) and South Sudan (2.76) face economic challenges that restrict access to essential healthcare services, exacerbating stillbirth rates. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive strategies that integrate economic development with healthcare improvements.

The data on "Global Stillbirth Rate Trends" in 2021 underscores the complex interplay between economic, geopolitical, and healthcare factors in shaping maternal health outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers and health practitioners aiming to reduce stillbirth rates and improve global maternal health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2021

Which country had the highest stillbirth rate in 2021?

Somalia had the highest stillbirth rate in 2021, with 3.49 per 1,000 births.

Which country had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2021?

Monaco had the lowest stillbirth rate in 2021, with 0.12 per 1,000 births.

What was the average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2021?

The average stillbirth rate across all countries in 2021 was 1.02 per 1,000 births.

What was the median stillbirth rate in 2021?

The median stillbirth rate in 2021 was 0.85 per 1,000 births.

Which countries were in the top 10 for highest stillbirth rates in 2021?

The top 10 countries with the highest stillbirth rates in 2021 were Somalia, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How many countries were included in the dataset for stillbirth rates in 2021?

The dataset for stillbirth rates in 2021 included 199 countries.

Insights by country

Tuvalu

In 2021, Tuvalu had a global stillbirth rate of 0.89959776 per 1,000 births, ranking #91 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably lower than the global average, indicating better maternal health outcomes compared to many regions. Contributing factors include Tuvalu's small population, which allows for more focused healthcare resources, and its unique geographic conditions that impact access to medical services.

Hungary

In 2021, Hungary ranked #154 globally with a stillbirth rate of 0.3596754 per 1,000 births. This figure is higher than many of its Central European neighbors, reflecting challenges in maternal health care access and socioeconomic disparities. Key drivers include Hungary's aging population and variations in healthcare quality across regions, which can impact prenatal care effectiveness.

Guatemala

In 2021, Guatemala ranked #59 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.2831838 per 1,000 births. This rate is higher than the global average, indicating significant challenges in maternal and infant health compared to many countries. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and high rates of teenage pregnancies, which adversely affect maternal health outcomes.

Monaco

In 2021, Monaco ranked #199 globally for Global Stillbirth Rate Trends with a rate of 0.12225436 per 1,000 births. This rate is significantly lower than that of many neighboring countries, reflecting the unique healthcare system in Monaco. The principality benefits from a high standard of medical care and a wealthy population, which contribute to better maternal health outcomes.

China

In 2021, China ranked #138 globally in Global Stillbirth Rate Trends, with a rate of 0.49911743 per 1,000 births. This rate is relatively higher than some neighboring countries, indicating potential challenges in maternal and infant health care. Contributing factors include disparities in healthcare access across urban and rural areas, as well as ongoing demographic shifts and policy impacts from the one-child policy era, which have affected family planning and maternal health services.

Dominica

In 2021, Dominica ranked #62 globally with a stillbirth rate of 1.2571399 per 1,000 births. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, indicating relatively effective maternal health services compared to many other nations. Contributing factors to this statistic include Dominica's focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and access to prenatal care, which have been prioritized in recent years following natural disasters that impacted health services.

Saint Lucia

In 2021, Saint Lucia's Global Stillbirth Rate Trends ranked #72 globally, with a rate of 1.0505774 per 1,000 births. This figure is lower than the global average, indicating a relatively favorable outcome compared to many countries. Contributing factors include Saint Lucia's healthcare policies, which focus on maternal health and prenatal care, as well as the country's commitment to improving health infrastructure and education for expectant mothers.

Syrian Arab Republic

The Syrian Arab Republic recorded a Global Stillbirth Rate Trends of 1.1935637 per 1,000 births in 2021, ranking #63 out of 199 countries. This rate is notably higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting ongoing challenges in maternal health care exacerbated by the protracted conflict in the region. Factors such as disrupted healthcare services, economic instability, and limited access to prenatal care significantly contribute to this elevated stillbirth rate.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2021 is ranked #130 with a value of 0.5440884 per 1,000 births. This rate is higher than the global average, indicating challenges in maternal and infant healthcare compared to countries with lower stillbirth rates, such as Japan. Factors contributing to Bulgaria's stillbirth rate include economic constraints in healthcare funding and a demographic trend of declining birth rates, which may impact access to quality prenatal care.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua's Global Stillbirth Rate Trends in 2021 is ranked #78 with a value of 0.9891189 per 1,000 births. This rate is slightly higher than the global average, reflecting challenges faced in maternal healthcare. Contributing factors include limited access to quality prenatal care and socioeconomic disparities that affect health outcomes for mothers and infants in the country.

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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