Total demand for family planning (Percent) 2019
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.
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Complete Data Rankings
↑Top 10 Countries
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #199
Somalia - #198
Eritrea - #197
Chad - #196
Djibouti - #195
Sudan - #194
Niger - #193
South Sudan - #192
Libya - #191
Gambia - #190
Guinea
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) in 2019 serves as a critical barometer for understanding global access to reproductive health services. Measuring the percentage of individuals seeking these services sheds light on efforts to manage population growth and improve health outcomes worldwide. Addressing this demand is vital for achieving sustainable development goals and promoting societal well-being.
Global Demand Highlights
In 2019, the demand for family planning varied significantly across 199 countries, with percentages ranging from a low of 22.9% in Somalia to a high of 81.8% in Finland. On average, 51.16% of individuals globally were shown to be seeking family planning services, with a median value of 51.8%. The data reflects stark contrasts in access and societal attitudes towards reproductive health services.
Regional Contrasts and Influences
Analyzing the top and bottom countries in terms of family planning demand underscores striking regional disparities. For instance, high demand in countries like Finland (81.8%), Switzerland (77.1%), and Canada (76%) indicates robust healthcare systems and progressive policies supporting reproductive rights. Conversely, countries such as Somalia (22.9%) and Eritrea (23.7%) show far lower demand, influenced by socio-political instability and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Implications for Public Health
The total demand for family planning is closely tied to public health outcomes. High demand often correlates with reduced unintended pregnancies, lower maternal and infant mortality rates, and improved economic conditions as women gain more control over their reproductive lives. In countries like Cuba (74.9%) and Brazil (72.6%), comprehensive family planning services contribute to better overall health metrics. In contrast, low demand in countries such as Chad (25.8%) and Djibouti (26.8%) highlights areas where increased access could lead to significant public health improvements.
Year-over-Year Trends
The year 2019 saw modest changes in family planning demand globally, with an average increase of 0.11% from the previous year. India experienced the most notable rise, with a 1.8% increase, reflecting progressive policy shifts and efforts to expand access to reproductive health services. Conversely, Indonesia and Gabon saw the largest decreases, each dropping by 0.8%, suggesting potential barriers to access or policy changes that may need addressing.
Policy and Societal Influences
Policy decisions and societal norms play pivotal roles in shaping the demand for family planning. Countries with progressive reproductive health policies and robust healthcare systems tend to exhibit higher demand. For example, the United Kingdom, with a demand of 75.7%, benefits from comprehensive public health strategies that prioritize reproductive health. In contrast, nations with restrictive policies or limited healthcare access, such as Libya (28.4%), face challenges in meeting family planning needs.
Understanding the total demand for family planning in 2019 provides valuable insights into the global landscape of reproductive health. The data reveals significant opportunities for improvement, especially in regions with low demand. By addressing these gaps, countries can foster healthier populations and contribute to broader development goals.
Insights by country
Suriname
In 2019, Suriname ranked 121 out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning, with a reported rate of 46.8%. This statistic indicates that nearly half of the population in need of family planning services expressed a desire for access to such resources.
The relatively low percentage of total demand for family planning in Suriname can be attributed to several factors, including cultural attitudes towards family size, access to reproductive health services, and educational outreach on family planning options. Additionally, economic considerations and healthcare infrastructure may affect the availability and acceptance of family planning methods.
It is noteworthy that family planning demand is influenced by various socio-economic factors, including women's empowerment, education levels, and health policies. In many countries, increased education and access to healthcare have been correlated with higher demand and usage of family planning services.
Algeria
In 2019, Algeria ranked 161st out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning, with a reported demand of 40.3 percent. This statistic reflects the proportion of women who have an unmet need for family planning services, highlighting a significant gap in access to reproductive health resources.
The relatively low demand for family planning in Algeria can be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms, limited access to health services, and a lack of comprehensive sex education. Additionally, societal attitudes towards family size and gender roles may influence women's decisions regarding family planning.
It is noteworthy that despite the 40.3 percent demand, Algeria has made strides in improving reproductive health services, which may contribute to future increases in family planning utilization. Other countries in the region often report similar challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and programs to enhance family planning access and education.
Australia
In 2019, Australia ranked 25th out of 199 countries in total demand for family planning, with a reported demand of 65.2%. This statistic reflects the proportion of women of reproductive age who have expressed a desire to limit or space their births and are using, or would like to use, contraceptive methods.
The relatively high demand for family planning in Australia can be attributed to factors such as increased access to reproductive health services, widespread education on family planning options, and a societal emphasis on women's rights and health. Australia’s comprehensive healthcare system provides a variety of family planning resources, which contributes to informed decision-making among individuals and couples regarding their reproductive choices.
Additionally, the Australian government has implemented various policies and programs aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health, further supporting the high demand for family planning. Notably, Australia's ranking indicates a progressive approach toward family planning compared to many other nations, reflecting its commitment to ensuring reproductive health is accessible to all.
Angola
In 2019, Angola ranked 149th out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning, which stood at 43.1%. This figure indicates that less than half of the population expresses a desire for family planning services, reflecting both social and economic factors influencing reproductive health in the country.
The relatively low demand for family planning in Angola can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to healthcare services, cultural norms surrounding family size, and a lack of education regarding reproductive health. Additionally, the country's ongoing economic challenges may hinder the government's ability to provide comprehensive family planning resources.
Interestingly, as of 2019, Angola's total fertility rate was among the highest in the world, often exceeding five children per woman. This discrepancy between high fertility rates and demand for family planning underscores the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and educational initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with knowledge and access to family planning resources.
Jamaica
In 2019, Jamaica ranked 136 out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning, with a reported figure of 45.3 percent. This statistic indicates the proportion of women of reproductive age who express a desire to avoid pregnancy but are not using contraception.
The relatively low demand for family planning can be influenced by several factors, including cultural attitudes towards family size, access to contraceptive methods, and the level of education surrounding reproductive health. In Jamaica, traditional beliefs and social norms may affect the acceptance and use of family planning services.
Additionally, access to healthcare services, including family planning resources, can vary significantly within the country, potentially leading to disparities in the availability and use of contraceptive methods. Notably, the Caribbean region faces unique challenges in reproductive health, with varying levels of government support and funding for family planning programs.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic ranks 156th out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning in 2019. The country recorded a total demand for family planning at 41.4%, indicating that a significant portion of the population expresses a desire to control their reproductive health.
This statistic reflects broader challenges in the Central African Republic, including limited access to healthcare services, ongoing political instability, and economic hardships that hinder the implementation of effective family planning programs. Cultural factors and lack of education also contribute to the low uptake of contraceptive methods, despite the expressed demand.
Family planning demand is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes, as well as for enhancing economic stability. Related statistics indicate that countries with higher family planning access often experience lower rates of maternal mortality and improved overall health indicators.
El Salvador
El Salvador ranks 63rd out of 199 countries regarding total demand for family planning as of 2019. The total demand for family planning in the country is recorded at 57.8%, indicating a significant portion of the population expresses a desire for family planning services.
This statistic reflects broader demographic trends and highlights the country's ongoing efforts to improve reproductive health services. Factors contributing to this demand include a high rate of adolescent pregnancies, socioeconomic challenges, and a cultural shift towards family planning as a means to enhance quality of life.
Furthermore, the prevalence of family planning can be influenced by government policies, access to contraceptive methods, and educational programs aimed at informing the population about reproductive health. In the context of Central America, El Salvador's statistic is indicative of a region that is increasingly recognizing the importance of family planning in addressing issues related to poverty and maternal health.
Finland
Finland ranks first out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning, with a striking value of 81.8% in the year 2019. This statistic indicates that a significant majority of the population expresses a desire for family planning services, reflecting a high level of awareness and accessibility to reproductive health options.
The high demand for family planning in Finland can be attributed to several factors, including extensive public health education, comprehensive healthcare services, and a strong emphasis on gender equality. Finnish policies support women's rights and access to contraception, making it easier for individuals to make informed choices regarding reproduction.
Furthermore, Finland's commitment to family planning is evident through its well-established healthcare infrastructure, which includes subsidized contraceptive services and counseling. This approach contributes to lower rates of unintended pregnancies and supports the overall health and well-being of families in the country.
China
In 2019, China ranked ninth out of 199 countries in terms of total demand for family planning, with a reported value of 71.2%. This statistic reflects the proportion of women of reproductive age who want to avoid or delay pregnancy, underscoring the significant interest in family planning resources and education within the country.
The high demand for family planning in China can be attributed to several factors, including the historical legacy of the One-Child Policy, implemented from 1979 to 2015, which has shaped societal attitudes towards family size and reproductive health. Moreover, increasing urbanization, economic development, and greater access to education for women have contributed to a shift in reproductive preferences and practices.
It is noteworthy that the emphasis on family planning aligns with China's efforts to manage population growth and promote reproductive health services, which have been essential in addressing public health and social welfare challenges. In a broader context, the global average for total demand for family planning is lower than China's, indicating that many countries still face significant gaps in access and education related to family planning services.
Latvia
In 2019, Latvia ranked 27th out of 199 countries regarding the total demand for family planning, with a reported demand of 64.5%. This statistic reflects the percentage of women of reproductive age who wish to avoid pregnancy but are not using any form of contraception.
The relatively high demand for family planning in Latvia can be attributed to several factors, including increased awareness and accessibility of reproductive health services, as well as a culture that supports family planning initiatives. Additionally, the country has implemented various policies aimed at improving maternal and child health, which have contributed to public acceptance of family planning practices.
Moreover, Latvia's focus on gender equality and women's rights has also played a significant role in empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. In a broader context, the statistic aligns with trends observed in the Baltic region, where there is a growing emphasis on family planning and reproductive health services.
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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