Total fertility rate 2015

The total fertility rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, reflecting population growth and demographic trends. Understanding this statistic is crucial for analyzing economic development, healthcare needs, and societal changes across countries.

236 data points•Updated 11/4/2025•World•United Nations Population Division•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Niger	7.215 per woman
2	Somalia	6.975 per woman
3	Chad	6.706 per woman
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	6.437 per woman
5	Mali	6.385 per woman
6	Central African Republic	6.126 per woman
7	Angola	5.774 per woman
8	Burundi	5.695 per woman
9	Afghanistan	5.652 per woman
10	Nigeria	5.503 per woman
11	Burkina Faso	5.478 per woman
12	Benin	5.32 per woman
13	Uganda	5.251 per woman
14	Mozambique	5.245 per woman
15	Mauritania	5.211 per woman
16	Tanzania	5.025 per woman
17	Gambia	5.003 per woman
18	Guinea	5.002 per woman
19	Côte d'Ivoire	4.97 per woman
20	Sudan	4.898 per woman
21	Cameroon	4.841 per woman
22	Zambia	4.775 per woman
23	Equatorial Guinea	4.774 per woman
24	Senegal	4.751 per woman
25	South Sudan	4.695 per woman
26	Mayotte	4.675 per woman
27	Togo	4.662 per woman
28	Guinea-Bissau	4.661 per woman
29	Yemen	4.617 per woman
30	Congo	4.607 per woman
31	Sierra Leone	4.548 per woman
32	Ethiopia	4.529 per woman
33	Liberia	4.523 per woman
34	Comoros	4.42 per woman
35	Malawi	4.384 per woman
36	Sao Tome and Principe	4.354 per woman
37	Samoa	4.344 per woman
38	Madagascar	4.335 per woman
39	Solomon Islands	4.291 per woman
40	Eritrea	4.217 per woman
41	Rwanda	4.108 per woman
42	Iraq	4.08 per woman
43	Nauru	4.075 per woman
44	Pakistan	3.988 per woman
45	Ghana	3.982 per woman
46	State of Palestine	3.977 per woman
47	Vanuatu	3.952 per woman
48	Gabon	3.921 per woman
49	Zimbabwe	3.911 per woman
50	Timor-Leste	3.779 per woman
51	Kenya	3.766 per woman
52	Namibia	3.604 per woman
53	Papua New Guinea	3.558 per woman
54	French Guiana	3.547 per woman
55	Tonga	3.54 per woman
56	Egypt	3.5 per woman
57	Tajikistan	3.459 per woman
58	Kiribati	3.438 per woman
59	Tuvalu	3.308 per woman
60	Lesotho	3.217 per woman
61	Kyrgyzstan	3.208 per woman
62	Jordan	3.141 per woman
63	Northern Mariana Islands	3.134 per woman
64	Marshall Islands	3.131 per woman
65	Eswatini	3.122 per woman
66	Haiti	3.11 per woman
67	Israel	3.093 per woman
68	Algeria	3.091 per woman
69	Syrian Arab Republic	3.067 per woman
70	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	3.049 per woman
71	Djibouti	3.041 per woman
72	Turkmenistan	3.033 per woman
73	Guatemala	3.029 per woman
74	Mongolia	3.01 per woman
75	Botswana	3.008 per woman
76	Oman	2.965 per woman
77	Guam	2.933 per woman
78	Tokelau	2.924 per woman
79	Bolivia	2.886 per woman
80	Niue	2.879 per woman
81	Philippines	2.829 per woman
82	Laos	2.796 per woman
83	American Samoa	2.78 per woman
84	Kazakhstan	2.755 per woman
85	Honduras	2.746 per woman
86	Cambodia	2.729 per woman
87	Libya	2.711 per woman
88	Guyana	2.667 per woman
89	Saint Martin (French part)	2.665 per woman
90	Paraguay	2.645 per woman
91	Saudi Arabia	2.63 per woman
92	Uzbekistan	2.583 per woman
93	Suriname	2.57 per woman
94	Fiji	2.567 per woman
95	Panama	2.53 per woman
96	Monaco	2.503 per woman
97	Nicaragua	2.434 per woman
98	Belize	2.433 per woman
99	Dominican Republic	2.43 per woman
100	Faroe Islands	2.42 per woman
101	Western Sahara	2.417 per woman
102	Morocco	2.406 per woman
103	Lebanon	2.382 per woman
104	South Africa	2.359 per woman
105	Argentina	2.35 per woman
106	Indonesia	2.346 per woman
107	Tunisia	2.306 per woman
108	India	2.289 per woman
109	Nepal	2.273 per woman
110	Myanmar	2.266 per woman
111	Venezuela	2.253 per woman
112	Réunion	2.235 per woman
113	Peru	2.229 per woman
114	Bangladesh	2.227 per woman
115	United States Virgin Islands	2.218 per woman
116	Seychelles	2.217 per woman
117	Georgia	2.214 per woman
118	Ecuador	2.209 per woman
119	Cook Islands	2.208 per woman
120	Guadeloupe	2.179 per woman
121	Turkey	2.157 per woman
122	Mexico	2.137 per woman
123	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	2.133 per woman
124	Bahrain	2.113 per woman
125	Vietnam	2.1 per woman
126	Azerbaijan	2.092 per woman
127	Sri Lanka	2.09 per woman
128	New Caledonia	2.079 per woman
129	Greenland	2.076 per woman
130	Gibraltar	2.074 per woman
131	El Salvador	2.067 per woman
132	Uruguay	2.041 per woman
133	Kuwait	2.03 per woman
134	Iran	2.017 per woman
135	Malaysia	2.008 per woman
136	Maldives	2.004 per woman
137	Palau	2.002 per woman
138	New Zealand	1.982 per woman
139	Qatar	1.976 per woman
140	Wallis and Futuna Islands	1.972 per woman
141	Martinique	1.972 per woman
142	Cabo Verde	1.968 per woman
143	Brunei Darussalam	1.947 per woman
144	France	1.927 per woman
145	Aruba	1.899 per woman
146	Curaçao	1.896 per woman
147	French Polynesia	1.872 per woman
148	Republic of Moldova	1.87 per woman
149	North Korea	1.863 per woman
150	Ireland	1.861 per woman
151	Sweden	1.847 per woman
152	Bhutan	1.835 per woman
153	United States	1.832 per woman
154	Iceland	1.809 per woman
155	Australia	1.803 per woman
156	United Kingdom	1.801 per woman
157	Costa Rica	1.797 per woman
158	Russia	1.79 per woman
159	Brazil	1.777 per woman
160	Colombia	1.771 per woman
161	Kosovo	1.763 per woman
162	North Macedonia	1.758 per woman
163	Montenegro	1.756 per woman
164	Isle of Man	1.748 per woman
165	Chile	1.737 per woman
166	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	1.732 per woman
167	Norway	1.728 per woman
168	Belarus	1.728 per woman
169	Barbados	1.726 per woman
170	Turks and Caicos Islands	1.718 per woman
171	Grenada	1.715 per woman
172	Denmark	1.712 per woman
173	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	1.71 per woman
174	Latvia	1.706 per woman
175	Lithuania	1.705 per woman
176	Saint Helena	1.699 per woman
177	Belgium	1.69 per woman
178	Cuba	1.685 per woman
179	China	1.67 per woman
180	Netherlands	1.657 per woman
181	Dominica	1.648 per woman
182	Finland	1.645 per woman
183	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.643 per woman
184	Albania	1.631 per woman
185	Romania	1.621 per woman
186	Armenia	1.621 per woman
187	Canada	1.601 per woman
188	Trinidad and Tobago	1.598 per woman
189	Czech Republic	1.589 per woman
190	Estonia	1.58 per woman
191	Slovenia	1.576 per woman
192	Bahamas	1.574 per woman
193	Antigua and Barbuda	1.567 per woman
194	Switzerland	1.537 per woman
195	Bulgaria	1.528 per woman
196	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	1.519 per woman
197	Montserrat	1.512 per woman
198	Jersey	1.51 per woman
199	Jamaica	1.508 per woman
200	Germany	1.501 per woman
201	Austria	1.492 per woman
202	Guernsey	1.473 per woman
203	Saint Lucia	1.473 per woman
204	Luxembourg	1.465 per woman
205	Serbia	1.46 per woman
206	Thailand	1.451 per woman
207	Hungary	1.446 per woman
208	Bermuda	1.44 per woman
209	Liechtenstein	1.425 per woman
210	United Arab Emirates	1.417 per woman
211	Japan	1.415 per woman
212	Croatia	1.403 per woman
213	Slovakia	1.403 per woman
214	Anguilla	1.39 per woman
215	Ukraine	1.387 per woman
216	Malta	1.376 per woman
217	Puerto Rico	1.35 per woman
218	Italy	1.344 per woman
219	Spain	1.33 per woman
220	Greece	1.328 per woman
221	Poland	1.323 per woman
222	Cyprus	1.323 per woman
223	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1.322 per woman
224	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	1.32 per woman
225	Mauritius	1.319 per woman
226	Portugal	1.302 per woman
227	Cayman Islands	1.269 per woman
228	China, Hong Kong SAR	1.227 per woman
229	Andorra	1.223 per woman
230	South Korea	1.202 per woman
231	San Marino	1.196 per woman
232	British Virgin Islands	1.186 per woman
233	Taiwan	1.185 per woman
234	China, Macao SAR	1.142 per woman
235	Saint Barthélemy	1.052 per woman
236	Singapore	0.977 per woman

↑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 fertility rate (TFR) serves as a critical demographic indicator, measuring the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime. In 2015, this statistic offered valuable insights into population growth dynamics, economic development, and societal transformations across the globe. Understanding these trends is paramount for policymakers, economists, and public health officials as they navigate the complexities of global development.

Global Demographic Trends in 2015

In 2015, the total fertility rate varied significantly across 200 countries, with a minimum value of 1.50 and a maximum of 7.21. The average TFR was 2.91, a figure that highlights substantial regional disparities. High fertility rates were predominantly observed in African nations, with Niger topping the list at 7.21 children per woman, followed closely by Somalia and Chad. Such high rates are indicative of the ongoing population growth in these regions, driven by cultural norms, economic conditions, and access to health care and education.

Conversely, countries in Europe, such as Germany and Slovenia, displayed some of the lowest fertility rates, both below 1.6. These figures point to a trend of aging populations and potential challenges related to workforce sustainability and economic support systems.

The TFR is closely linked to economic and social factors that influence family planning decisions. In countries with high fertility rates, like Niger and Chad, economic constraints often limit access to education and healthcare, leading to larger family sizes. However, these nations face significant challenges in providing adequate resources and services to their rapidly growing populations.

On the other hand, low fertility rates in developed nations, such as Germany and Switzerland, raise concerns about the long-term economic implications of shrinking labor forces. These countries often experience increased demand for immigration to sustain their economies and provide for aging populations. As a result, fertility rates play a crucial role in shaping not only demographic profiles but also economic strategies and immigration policies.

Public Health Concerns and Fertility Rates

The variations in fertility rates also highlight distinct public health challenges. In high-fertility countries, maternal and child health are central concerns, requiring substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure and services. Efforts to improve maternal health and reduce infant mortality are crucial for sustainable development in these regions.

In contrast, low-fertility countries face the challenge of supporting an aging population, necessitating investments in healthcare services for the elderly and policies to encourage higher birth rates or accommodate increased immigration. For instance, countries like Japan and Italy have implemented various incentives to boost fertility rates, although with varying degrees of success.

Historical Context and Changes Over Time

From a historical perspective, the global fertility rate has seen a gradual decline over past decades, reflecting shifts in societal norms and improvements in women's education and healthcare access. In 2015, this trend continued, with many countries experiencing further decreases in fertility rates, influenced by urbanization and changing family structures.

Interestingly, some nations, such as China, have witnessed significant policy-driven changes. The relaxation of China's one-child policy in 2015 marked a pivotal moment, aiming to balance population control with economic needs. Such policy shifts demonstrate the dynamic relationship between governance and demographic outcomes.

Exploring Regional Disparities

Regional disparities in fertility rates are stark, with Africa and parts of the Middle East exhibiting the highest rates, while Europe and East Asia remain at the lower end of the spectrum. These differences are often rooted in cultural, economic, and political factors that shape reproductive behavior and family planning practices.

In Africa, high fertility rates are typically associated with limited access to contraception and education, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote sustainable development. In contrast, low fertility rates in Europe are often linked to economic pressures and lifestyle choices that prioritize career advancement and personal freedom over traditional family structures.

The total fertility rate in 2015 provides a lens through which to view the complexities of global demographic shifts. As countries navigate these changes, understanding the implications of fertility rates becomes essential for crafting effective policies and fostering sustainable growth. By examining these trends, we gain insights into the future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in managing population dynamics worldwide.

Insights by country

Serbia

In 2015, Serbia ranked 205th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a value of 1.460113 children per woman. This statistic indicates a below-replacement level of fertility, which is often defined as a total fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.

The low fertility rate in Serbia can be attributed to various factors, including economic instability, urbanization, and changing societal norms regarding family size and roles. Many young couples in Serbia face challenges such as high unemployment rates, which can deter them from starting families or having more children.

Additionally, Serbia has experienced significant demographic changes due to emigration and an aging population, which further compounds the fertility issue. As a result, the government has implemented various policies aimed at encouraging childbirth, such as financial incentives and parental leave, to combat this declining trend.

Laos

In 2015, Laos had a total fertility rate of 2.80 children per woman, ranking it 82nd out of 236 countries globally. This figure indicates a moderately high level of fertility compared to many other nations, reflecting cultural norms and socio-economic factors that influence family size.

The total fertility rate in Laos can be influenced by several factors, including access to education, healthcare, and family planning services. Rural areas typically exhibit higher fertility rates due to limited access to contraceptives and lower educational attainment, while urbanization tends to correlate with lower fertility rates.

Additionally, Laos is characterized by a young population, with a significant proportion under the age of 15, which contributes to a higher potential for future births. The country's fertility rate has implications for its demographic transition and economic development, as a higher number of births can lead to increased pressure on resources and services.

Afghanistan

In 2015, Afghanistan had the ninth-highest total fertility rate in the world, recorded at 5.65 children per woman. This high fertility rate reflects the country's socio-cultural norms, where larger families are often preferred and seen as a source of economic support.

The high total fertility rate in Afghanistan can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to family planning services, high infant mortality rates, and cultural traditions that favor larger families. Additionally, ongoing conflicts and instability have affected women's education and health care access, which in turn influences reproductive choices.

As a point of comparison, the global average fertility rate was approximately 2.5 children per woman in 2015, highlighting Afghanistan's significantly higher rate. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to improve health outcomes and economic conditions in the region.

Eswatini

In 2015, Eswatini ranked 65th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 3.12 children per woman. This rate reflects a moderately high level of fertility compared to global averages, indicating a demographic trend that can influence future population growth and socio-economic dynamics within the country.

The relatively high fertility rate in Eswatini can be attributed to several factors, including cultural norms that favor larger families, along with limited access to family planning services and education about reproductive health. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as poverty and rural living conditions often contribute to higher birth rates.

It is noteworthy that Eswatini's total fertility rate has been gradually declining over recent decades, demonstrating a shift towards smaller family sizes, which is consistent with trends observed in many developing nations as they undergo economic and social transformations.

Barbados

In 2015, Barbados ranked 169th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a value of 1.725554 children per woman. This figure is indicative of a declining trend in fertility rates, which reflects broader demographic changes in the region.

The relatively low fertility rate in Barbados can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education and family planning services, higher participation of women in the workforce, and changing societal norms regarding family size. Additionally, economic conditions and urbanization have influenced lifestyle choices, leading many couples to delay childbirth or opt for smaller families.

Notably, the total fertility rate in Barbados is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size in the absence of immigration. This trend aligns with patterns observed in other Caribbean nations and highlights the need for policymakers to address potential implications for future population growth and socioeconomic stability.

Brunei Darussalam

In 2015, Brunei Darussalam had a total fertility rate of 1.947095 children per woman, ranking it 143rd out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This relatively low fertility rate is indicative of broader trends in the region, where many Southeast Asian countries are experiencing declining birth rates due to various socioeconomic factors.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including increased access to education and healthcare, higher participation of women in the workforce, and changing societal values regarding family size and child-rearing. The government of Brunei has also promoted family planning and reproductive health services, which have further influenced fertility trends.

Notably, Brunei's fertility rate is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, a situation that could have implications for future demographic trends and economic sustainability. As of 2015, this trend aligns with global patterns, where many developed and developing nations are witnessing similar declines in fertility rates.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranked 116 out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate in 2015. The country recorded a total fertility rate of 2.217112 children per woman, reflecting a transitional demographic stage characteristic of many small island nations.

Several factors influence this fertility rate, including access to education and family planning services, economic development, and cultural attitudes towards family size. In Seychelles, increased educational attainment, especially among women, has contributed to a decline in fertility rates as women delay childbirth to pursue careers and higher education.

Interestingly, Seychelles has also seen improvements in healthcare, which can impact fertility rates; better maternal and child health services tend to reduce the number of desired children as families focus on quality of life and child upbringing.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranks 32nd out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a notable rate of 4.53 children per woman in the year 2015. This statistic highlights the country's relatively high level of fertility compared to global averages, which were approximately 2.5 children per woman around the same time.

The high fertility rate in Ethiopia can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to family planning services, cultural norms favoring larger families, and a relatively low level of female education. Additionally, rural areas tend to have higher fertility rates due to traditional practices and a reliance on agriculture, where more children are often viewed as beneficial for labor.

In contrast, urban areas typically exhibit lower fertility rates, reflecting differences in lifestyle, education, and access to healthcare. The Ethiopian government has made efforts to reduce the fertility rate through various health initiatives aimed at improving maternal health and increasing access to reproductive health services.

San Marino

In 2015, San Marino had a total fertility rate of 1.195767 children per woman, ranking it 231 out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates globally. This figure indicates a significantly low birth rate, reflective of trends observed in many developed nations.

The low fertility rate in San Marino can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to education for women, economic considerations, and a shift in societal values towards smaller family sizes. As women pursue higher education and careers, the age of first-time motherhood tends to rise, contributing to fewer children being born.

Additionally, San Marino's demographic profile is characterized by an aging population, which further exacerbates the challenges associated with low fertility rates. In comparison, other European nations face similar trends, with many experiencing fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

Venezuela

In 2015, Venezuela had a total fertility rate of 2.252867 children per woman, ranking it 111th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This statistic reflects a moderate level of fertility compared to global averages, indicating a trend toward smaller family sizes.

Several factors contribute to this fertility rate in Venezuela, including economic instability, access to family planning resources, and shifting societal norms regarding family size. Economic challenges have led to increased urbanization and women’s participation in the workforce, which often correlates with lower fertility rates.

Additionally, Venezuela's healthcare system has faced significant challenges, which can affect reproductive health services and family planning. In comparison to other countries in the region, Venezuela's fertility rate was relatively high, suggesting that cultural and socioeconomic factors play a critical role in family planning decisions.

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

Explore Total fertility rate data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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