Total demand for family planning (Percent) 2016

Total demand for family planning measures the percentage of individuals seeking access to reproductive health services. Understanding this statistic is crucial for addressing global population growth and improving health outcomes.

199 data points•Updated 11/15/2025•World•United Nations Population Division•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Finland	81.9 %
2	Switzerland	77.2 %
3	Canada	76.1 %
4	United Kingdom	76 %
5	Cuba	75.9 %
6	Brazil	72.5 %
7	Bulgaria	72.1 %
8	Norway	72 %
9	China	71.3 %
10	France	70.7 %
11	Ireland	70.5 %
12	Austria	69.6 %
13	Chile	69.1 %
14	Spain	69.1 %
15	Netherlands	68.9 %
16	New Zealand	68 %
17	Denmark	67.6 %
18	Czech Republic	67.4 %
19	Estonia	67.3 %
20	Colombia	67 %
21	Argentina	66.7 %
22	United States	66.6 %
23	Belgium	66.5 %
24	North Korea	66.4 %
25	Australia	65.2 %
26	Belarus	64.5 %
27	Italy	64.5 %
28	Latvia	64.5 %
29	Sweden	64.5 %
30	Dominican Republic	64.2 %
31	Botswana	64 %
32	Portugal	63.7 %
33	Costa Rica	63.2 %
34	Paraguay	63.2 %
35	Germany	62.6 %
36	Nicaragua	62.6 %
37	Namibia	61.9 %
38	Mexico	61.8 %
39	Uruguay	61.6 %
40	Vietnam	61.2 %
41	Barbados	61.1 %
42	Iran	61 %
43	Venezuela	60.8 %
44	South Africa	60.7 %
45	Slovakia	60.4 %
46	Malawi	60.3 %
47	Republic of Moldova	60.3 %
48	Romania	60.1 %
49	Bangladesh	59.9 %
50	Eswatini	59.7 %
51	Cook Islands	59.6 %
52	Ukraine	59.5 %
53	Lesotho	59.4 %
54	Panama	59.4 %
55	Poland	59.4 %
56	Réunion	59.3 %
57	Puerto Rico	58.4 %
58	United States Virgin Islands	58.4 %
59	Saint Lucia	58.2 %
60	Japan	57.5 %
61	Russia	57.3 %
62	Ecuador	57.2 %
63	El Salvador	57 %
64	Zimbabwe	56.9 %
65	Honduras	56.8 %
66	Sao Tome and Principe	56.7 %
67	Nepal	56.6 %
68	Saint Kitts and Nevis	56.6 %
69	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	56.6 %
70	Peru	56.5 %
71	Taiwan	56.3 %
72	South Korea	56.3 %
73	Dominica	55.5 %
74	Cabo Verde	55.2 %
75	Greece	55.2 %
76	Kenya	55.2 %
77	Uzbekistan	55.2 %
78	Congo	55.1 %
79	Bolivia	55 %
80	Hungary	54.9 %
81	Serbia	54.3 %
82	China, Hong Kong SAR	54.2 %
83	Belize	53.8 %
84	Slovenia	53.7 %
85	Malta	53.5 %
86	Albania	53.2 %
87	Mongolia	53 %
88	Lithuania	52.8 %
89	Kazakhstan	52.7 %
90	Turks and Caicos Islands	52.6 %
91	Croatia	52.4 %
92	India	52 %
93	Indonesia	51.9 %
94	Bahamas	51.8 %
95	Vanuatu	51.8 %
96	North Macedonia	51.3 %
97	Zambia	51.2 %
98	Liberia	51.1 %
99	Montserrat	51.1 %
100	Turkey	51.1 %
101	Madagascar	50.8 %
102	Grenada	50.7 %
103	Uganda	50.3 %
104	Curaçao	50.1 %
105	Anguilla	50.1 %
106	Gabon	49.9 %
107	Haiti	49.9 %
108	Sri Lanka	49.6 %
109	Marshall Islands	49.5 %
110	Guadeloupe	48.8 %
111	Martinique	48.8 %
112	Morocco	48.7 %
113	Thailand	48.7 %
114	Antigua and Barbuda	48.6 %
115	Egypt	48.6 %
116	Trinidad and Tobago	48.2 %
117	Tanzania	48.2 %
118	Guatemala	48.1 %
119	Suriname	47 %
120	Laos	46.5 %
121	Cambodia	46.3 %
122	Jamaica	46 %
123	Guyana	45.9 %
124	Kosovo	45.9 %
125	Bosnia and Herzegovina	45.7 %
126	Guam	45.7 %
127	Israel	45.7 %
128	Papua New Guinea	45.5 %
129	Bhutan	45.4 %
130	Togo	45.4 %
131	United Arab Emirates	45.2 %
132	State of Palestine	45 %
133	Nauru	44.9 %
134	Armenia	44.7 %
135	Ghana	44.6 %
136	Kuwait	44.4 %
137	Mauritius	44.4 %
138	Rwanda	44.2 %
139	Sierra Leone	44 %
140	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	43.6 %
141	Bahrain	43.5 %
142	Côte d'Ivoire	43.4 %
143	Philippines	43.3 %
144	Angola	43.1 %
145	Iraq	43.1 %
146	Guinea-Bissau	43.1 %
147	Samoa	43 %
148	Mozambique	42.9 %
149	Georgia	42.6 %
150	Syrian Arab Republic	42.2 %
151	Azerbaijan	42.1 %
152	Turkmenistan	42 %
153	Yemen	41.9 %
154	Burkina Faso	41.8 %
155	Ethiopia	41.6 %
156	Malaysia	41.2 %
157	Myanmar	40.8 %
158	Benin	40.7 %
159	Algeria	40.5 %
160	Palau	40.5 %
161	Lebanon	40.4 %
162	Cameroon	40.3 %
163	Fiji	40.2 %
164	Qatar	39.7 %
165	Central African Republic	39.6 %
166	Tunisia	39.4 %
167	Equatorial Guinea	39.3 %
168	Jordan	39.1 %
169	Singapore	38.5 %
170	Tuvalu	38.3 %
171	Kiribati	38 %
172	Montenegro	38 %
173	Northern Mariana Islands	37.2 %
174	Burundi	36.6 %
175	Maldives	36.6 %
176	Solomon Islands	35.7 %
177	Mali	35.7 %
178	Tajikistan	35.6 %
179	Comoros	34.4 %
180	Kyrgyzstan	34.3 %
181	Oman	34.3 %
182	Pakistan	34.3 %
183	Senegal	34.1 %
184	Tonga	32.1 %
185	Timor-Leste	31.7 %
186	Saudi Arabia	31.7 %
187	Afghanistan	31.6 %
188	Mauritania	31.1 %
189	Nigeria	30.1 %
190	Libya	29.6 %
191	Guinea	29.1 %
192	Niger	28.1 %
193	South Sudan	28.1 %
194	Sudan	27.1 %
195	Gambia	26.9 %
196	Djibouti	25.9 %
197	Chad	24.6 %
198	Eritrea	23.3 %
199	Somalia	21.7 %

↑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

The "Total demand for family planning (Percent)" statistic for 2016 offers a vital glimpse into global reproductive health trajectories. By measuring the percentage of individuals seeking access to family planning services, this metric highlights the demand for reproductive autonomy and health services. With substantial implications for population growth, health outcomes, and societal development, understanding these statistics is crucial for global policy formulation and public health strategies.

Global Insights and Statistical Overview

The 2016 data reveals significant disparities across nations, with a total of 199 countries contributing data. The global average demand for family planning stood at 50.82%, with a median value of 51.10%. The highest demand was observed in Finland, at 81.9%, while Somalia recorded the lowest at 21.7%. These figures indicate a broad spectrum of demand, influenced by cultural, economic, and policy factors.

The top-ranking countries like Finland and Switzerland, with demands of 81.9% and 77.2% respectively, demonstrate well-established reproductive health systems accessible to a majority of the population. In contrast, countries such as Somalia and Eritrea, with demands below 25%, highlight critical areas needing attention to improve access to reproductive health services.

Demographic Variations and Influencing Factors

Demographic factors play a significant role in the variations observed in family planning demand. Developed countries generally show higher percentages, driven by better healthcare infrastructure, higher levels of education, and more progressive gender norms. For instance, nations like Canada and the United Kingdom, both exceeding 76%, benefit from robust public health policies and widespread health literacy.

Conversely, countries like Chad and Djibouti face challenges such as limited healthcare facilities, economic instability, and sociocultural barriers that curtail access to family planning. The demand in these regions, represented by figures like 24.6% and 25.9%, underscores the pressing need for international support and policy intervention to enhance reproductive health access.

Recent Changes and Year-over-Year Trends

When examining the year-over-year changes, the average global increase in family planning demand was a modest 0.13%, translating to a 0.3% rise. Mozambique led with an increase of 1.20%, reflecting significant efforts in improving healthcare access and education. Burkina Faso's similar growth of 1.00% suggests effective policy implementations and international partnerships aiming at expanding reproductive health services.

Conversely, a few countries witnessed declines, with Cameroon and Gabon each experiencing a 0.90% decrease. Such declines may be attributed to political instability, economic challenges, or shifts in policy focus that deprioritize reproductive health services. Monitoring these trends is essential for identifying areas where interventions can restore or enhance progress in family planning.

Public Health Implications and Policy Impact

The disparities and changes observed in the 2016 family planning demand highlight significant public health implications. High demand percentages correlate with improved maternal and child health outcomes, reduced unintended pregnancies, and more empowered populations. Countries with higher demands typically enjoy better overall health metrics, emphasizing the importance of accessible family planning services.

Policy impacts are evident in regions with substantial improvements or declines. Countries making strides often benefit from international aid programs and non-governmental organizations advocating for reproductive rights. Conversely, regions lagging behind may need policy overhauls, increased funding, and enhanced education initiatives to address systemic barriers to family planning access.

International Comparison and Future Outlook

The international landscape of family planning demand in 2016 underscores vast differences between regions, offering insights into potential pathways for improvement. In continents like Europe and North America, where demand is generally high, continued investment in public health systems and education is crucial to maintain these standards.

For many African and some Asian countries, the figures indicate urgent needs for strategic interventions. Enhancements in healthcare infrastructure, community-based programs, and international collaborations could significantly elevate family planning access. Moving forward, global commitment to reproductive health and equity in service distribution remains essential to address these disparities and promote sustainable development.

Insights by country

Uruguay

In 2016, Uruguay ranked 39th out of 199 countries regarding the total demand for family planning, with a notable 61.6% of the population expressing this demand. This statistic reflects the country's commitment to reproductive health and the accessibility of family planning resources.

The high percentage of demand can be attributed to several factors, including a comprehensive healthcare system, widespread sex education, and cultural acceptance of family planning methods. Additionally, Uruguay has made significant strides in gender equality, which empowers women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Interestingly, Uruguay is recognized for its progressive policies in Latin America, including the legalization of abortion and the promotion of contraceptive methods, contributing to lower rates of unintended pregnancies. These factors collectively enhance the overall reproductive health landscape in the country.

Gabon

In 2016, Gabon ranked 106 out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning, with a reported demand of 49.9 percent. This statistic indicates that nearly half of the population expressed a need for family planning services, reflecting a significant awareness of reproductive health issues among the Gabonese populace.

The relatively high demand for family planning in Gabon can be attributed to several factors, including increasing education levels, particularly among women, and growing access to information about reproductive health. Additionally, government and non-governmental organization initiatives aimed at promoting family planning and reproductive rights have contributed to this awareness.

Despite the demand, challenges remain in meeting the needs of the population, such as limited access to contraceptive methods and services, particularly in rural areas. Gabon’s health infrastructure faces constraints, which may hinder the realization of family planning goals, emphasizing the need for continued investment in health services and education.

Montenegro

In 2016, Montenegro ranked 172nd out of 199 countries regarding the total demand for family planning, with a rate of 38%. This statistic highlights the significant need for family planning services within the country, suggesting that many individuals and couples express a desire to control their reproductive health but may lack access to necessary resources.

Several factors contribute to this situation in Montenegro, including cultural attitudes towards family size, limited access to reproductive health services, and socio-economic challenges. The combination of traditional views on family and inadequate healthcare infrastructure can hinder effective family planning initiatives.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Montenegro's family planning demand reflects broader trends seen in the region, where many countries grapple with similar challenges in reproductive health and rights. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving public health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for families in Montenegro.

Iraq

Iraq ranks 145th out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning as of 2016, with a reported demand rate of 43.1%. This statistic indicates that less than half of the population has access to or uses family planning methods, reflecting significant challenges in reproductive health services across the country.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including ongoing conflicts, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural attitudes towards family size and contraception. The instability in Iraq has severely impacted the delivery of comprehensive health services, particularly in rural areas where access to family planning resources is constrained.

Additionally, it is important to note that the global average for demand for family planning is higher, indicating a potential area for improvement in Iraq’s public health policy. Efforts to enhance education about reproductive health and increase the availability of contraceptive methods could help to improve this statistic in future years.

Guyana

In 2016, Guyana ranked 123rd out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning, with a notable 45.9 percent of the population expressing a need for family planning services. This statistic reflects the growing awareness and acceptance of family planning methods among the populace, which is critical for addressing issues related to reproductive health and population growth.

Several factors contribute to this demand, including educational initiatives aimed at promoting reproductive health, as well as increasing access to contraceptive methods. Additionally, socio-economic challenges, such as poverty and limited healthcare infrastructure, may drive the need for effective family planning to manage family size and improve living conditions.

Interestingly, across the Caribbean region, family planning demand varies significantly, with some countries reporting much higher percentages, thus highlighting regional disparities in access to and attitudes towards family planning services. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers to effectively address reproductive health needs in Guyana.

Kiribati

In 2016, Kiribati ranked 171 out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning, with a reported value of 38%. This figure reflects a relatively low demand for family planning services compared to global standards, indicating potential gaps in access to reproductive health resources.

Several factors may contribute to this statistic, including limited availability of family planning services, cultural attitudes towards contraception, and a lack of comprehensive education on reproductive health. Additionally, economic constraints and geographic isolation may hinder the effective distribution of family planning resources across the islands.

It is noteworthy that the low demand for family planning in Kiribati can lead to challenges such as higher rates of unplanned pregnancies, which may further strain the country's healthcare system and exacerbate issues related to poverty and resource allocation. Enhancing access to family planning services and education could be crucial for improving reproductive health outcomes in the nation.

Lebanon

In 2016, Lebanon ranked 161 out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning, with a reported 40.4 percent of women expressing a need for family planning services. This statistic highlights significant challenges in access to reproductive health services and reflects broader issues within the country's healthcare infrastructure.

The relatively low demand for family planning in Lebanon can be attributed to various factors, including cultural attitudes towards family size, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic conditions. Many families prioritize larger offspring due to cultural norms, while others may face barriers such as limited access to contraceptive methods and inadequate reproductive health education.

Moreover, Lebanon's complex political landscape and ongoing economic challenges may further exacerbate the situation, leading to a lack of governmental support for family planning initiatives. Notably, global trends indicate that countries with higher educational attainment and women's empowerment typically exhibit greater demand for family planning services, an area where Lebanon may see potential for improvement.

Jamaica

In 2016, Jamaica ranked 122nd out of 199 countries regarding the total demand for family planning, with a reported rate of 46%. This statistic reflects the proportion of the population that expressed a desire to prevent or delay pregnancy, highlighting the importance of access to family planning services in the country.

The relatively moderate demand for family planning in Jamaica can be attributed to several factors, including cultural attitudes towards family size, economic considerations, and the availability of reproductive health services. Additionally, historical trends in education and women's empowerment have influenced family planning choices, as increased awareness and access to information often correlate with higher demand for such services.

Moreover, Jamaica's health policies and programs aimed at improving reproductive health have been pivotal in addressing family planning needs. The country has made strides in enhancing access to contraceptive methods and education, which are essential components in meeting the demands of the population. Similar nations in the Caribbean region often exhibit comparable patterns in family planning demands, reflecting shared socio-economic challenges and cultural contexts.

Ireland

Ireland has a total demand for family planning of 70.5%, ranking 11th out of 199 countries in 2016. This statistic reflects a significant interest among the population in accessing family planning services and options, indicative of a broader trend towards reproductive health awareness and empowerment.

The relatively high demand for family planning in Ireland can be attributed to various factors, including increased educational attainment, particularly among women, and a growing recognition of the importance of family planning in improving health outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, legislative changes and greater accessibility of contraceptive methods have likely contributed to this trend.

In comparison to other countries, Ireland's ranking highlights a commitment to reproductive health, though it also underscores ongoing discussions regarding access to services and rights related to family planning. For context, global demand for family planning varies widely, influenced by cultural, religious, and economic factors, with some countries facing significant challenges in meeting these needs.

Vanuatu

In 2016, Vanuatu had a total demand for family planning of 51.8%, ranking 95 out of 199 countries in this regard. This statistic reflects a significant portion of the population seeking access to family planning services, highlighting the importance of reproductive health in the region.

The demand for family planning in Vanuatu can be influenced by various factors, including cultural attitudes towards family size, access to education, and the availability of healthcare services. Traditionally, many communities in Vanuatu have valued large families, but changing socioeconomic conditions and increased awareness of reproductive health can shift these perspectives, leading to higher demand for family planning resources.

Moreover, the challenges faced by Vanuatu, such as geographical isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure, can impact the effectiveness of family planning programs. Interestingly, the Pacific region often faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery due to its diverse and often remote island populations, making targeted family planning initiatives crucial for improving overall health outcomes.

Data Source

United Nations Population Division

The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes at the United Nations in the area of population and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyse population data and information. The Division brings population issues to the attention of the international community by highlighting the central role of demographic trends in all aspects of sustainable development. The Division publishes datasets on the world’s population and analyzes global demographic trends.

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Historical Data by Year

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