Total fertility rate 2017

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	6.874 per woman
2	Somalia	6.766 per woman
3	Chad	6.537 per woman
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	6.349 per woman
5	Mali	6.251 per woman
6	Central African Republic	6.127 per woman
7	Angola	5.6 per woman
8	Burundi	5.481 per woman
9	Afghanistan	5.433 per woman
10	Nigeria	5.182 per woman
11	Burkina Faso	5.17 per woman
12	Benin	5.155 per woman
13	Mozambique	5.128 per woman
14	Mauritania	5.106 per woman
15	Tanzania	4.988 per woman
16	Uganda	4.987 per woman
17	Cameroon	4.804 per woman
18	Guinea	4.793 per woman
19	Sudan	4.761 per woman
20	Côte d'Ivoire	4.757 per woman
21	Mayotte	4.66 per woman
22	Gambia	4.614 per woman
23	Yemen	4.61 per woman
24	Equatorial Guinea	4.599 per woman
25	Togo	4.576 per woman
26	Zambia	4.567 per woman
27	Congo	4.496 per woman
28	Senegal	4.489 per woman
29	South Sudan	4.483 per woman
30	Ethiopia	4.401 per woman
31	Liberia	4.396 per woman
32	Sierra Leone	4.389 per woman
33	Guinea-Bissau	4.347 per woman
34	Comoros	4.278 per woman
35	Madagascar	4.259 per woman
36	Samoa	4.196 per woman
37	Malawi	4.113 per woman
38	Eritrea	4.112 per woman
39	Rwanda	4.084 per woman
40	Sao Tome and Principe	4.069 per woman
41	Solomon Islands	4.06 per woman
42	Gabon	3.913 per woman
43	Pakistan	3.9 per woman
44	French Guiana	3.884 per woman
45	Nauru	3.879 per woman
46	Vanuatu	3.875 per woman
47	State of Palestine	3.771 per woman
48	Zimbabwe	3.768 per woman
49	Ghana	3.715 per woman
50	Iraq	3.64 per woman
51	Kenya	3.609 per woman
52	Namibia	3.511 per woman
53	Papua New Guinea	3.432 per woman
54	Timor-Leste	3.399 per woman
55	Tonga	3.388 per woman
56	Kiribati	3.339 per woman
57	Egypt	3.31 per woman
58	Tuvalu	3.301 per woman
59	Tajikistan	3.29 per woman
60	Israel	3.123 per woman
61	Lesotho	3.105 per woman
62	Algeria	3.09 per woman
63	Guam	3.088 per woman
64	Marshall Islands	3.064 per woman
65	Kyrgyzstan	3.044 per woman
66	Eswatini	3.018 per woman
67	Jordan	2.994 per woman
68	Haiti	2.985 per woman
69	Syrian Arab Republic	2.972 per woman
70	Botswana	2.969 per woman
71	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	2.957 per woman
72	Turkmenistan	2.934 per woman
73	Oman	2.923 per woman
74	Djibouti	2.916 per woman
75	Mongolia	2.891 per woman
76	Guatemala	2.857 per woman
77	Tokelau	2.811 per woman
78	Bolivia	2.777 per woman
79	Niue	2.765 per woman
80	Northern Mariana Islands	2.762 per woman
81	Kazakhstan	2.745 per woman
82	Cambodia	2.719 per woman
83	Laos	2.691 per woman
84	Saudi Arabia	2.67 per woman
85	Honduras	2.663 per woman
86	Saint Martin (French part)	2.657 per woman
87	Libya	2.626 per woman
88	American Samoa	2.598 per woman
89	Guyana	2.593 per woman
90	Paraguay	2.591 per woman
91	Uzbekistan	2.57 per woman
92	Philippines	2.525 per woman
93	Faroe Islands	2.495 per woman
94	Panama	2.462 per woman
95	Fiji	2.461 per woman
96	Suriname	2.431 per woman
97	Monaco	2.418 per woman
98	Dominican Republic	2.398 per woman
99	Nicaragua	2.378 per woman
100	Morocco	2.375 per woman
101	Lebanon	2.372 per woman
102	Belize	2.368 per woman
103	Western Sahara	2.352 per woman
104	Seychelles	2.313 per woman
105	South Africa	2.283 per woman
106	Indonesia	2.253 per woman
107	Myanmar	2.252 per woman
108	Réunion	2.226 per woman
109	Bangladesh	2.205 per woman
110	Tunisia	2.205 per woman
111	India	2.193 per woman
112	United States Virgin Islands	2.193 per woman
113	Venezuela	2.183 per woman
114	Nepal	2.173 per woman
115	Argentina	2.168 per woman
116	Cook Islands	2.167 per woman
117	Kuwait	2.16 per woman
118	Peru	2.152 per woman
119	Georgia	2.136 per woman
120	Ecuador	2.128 per woman
121	Guadeloupe	2.082 per woman
122	Turkey	2.082 per woman
123	Greenland	2.065 per woman
124	Sri Lanka	2.044 per woman
125	New Caledonia	2.043 per woman
126	Mexico	2.041 per woman
127	Wallis and Futuna Islands	2.027 per woman
128	Iran	2.023 per woman
129	Palau	2.019 per woman
130	Vietnam	1.985 per woman
131	Bahrain	1.984 per woman
132	Martinique	1.966 per woman
133	Azerbaijan	1.961 per woman
134	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.94 per woman
135	Gibraltar	1.93 per woman
136	Cabo Verde	1.93 per woman
137	El Salvador	1.896 per woman
138	Malaysia	1.893 per woman
139	Brunei Darussalam	1.881 per woman
140	France	1.859 per woman
141	North Korea	1.848 per woman
142	Qatar	1.834 per woman
143	Uruguay	1.824 per woman
144	New Zealand	1.811 per woman
145	Republic of Moldova	1.81 per woman
146	Maldives	1.798 per woman
147	China	1.795 per woman
148	Montenegro	1.79 per woman
149	Aruba	1.785 per woman
150	Sweden	1.785 per woman
151	Ireland	1.772 per woman
152	Romania	1.77 per woman
153	United States	1.753 per woman
154	Denmark	1.749 per woman
155	Australia	1.745 per woman
156	Brazil	1.74 per woman
157	United Kingdom	1.735 per woman
158	North Macedonia	1.725 per woman
159	Barbados	1.724 per woman
160	Colombia	1.717 per woman
161	Czech Republic	1.715 per woman
162	Costa Rica	1.714 per woman
163	Iceland	1.711 per woman
164	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	1.708 per woman
165	Turks and Caicos Islands	1.704 per woman
166	Latvia	1.698 per woman
167	Saint Helena	1.694 per woman
168	Montserrat	1.685 per woman
169	Isle of Man	1.674 per woman
170	French Polynesia	1.669 per woman
171	Belgium	1.641 per woman
172	Lithuania	1.633 per woman
173	Russia	1.627 per woman
174	Norway	1.624 per woman
175	Slovenia	1.622 per woman
176	Bhutan	1.621 per woman
177	Kosovo	1.618 per woman
178	Netherlands	1.617 per woman
179	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.61 per woman
180	Estonia	1.596 per woman
181	Trinidad and Tobago	1.594 per woman
182	Cuba	1.585 per woman
183	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	1.571 per woman
184	Germany	1.57 per woman
185	Chile	1.563 per woman
186	Armenia	1.561 per woman
187	Bulgaria	1.557 per woman
188	Belarus	1.55 per woman
189	Canada	1.548 per woman
190	Dominica	1.54 per woman
191	Hungary	1.524 per woman
192	Slovakia	1.521 per woman
193	Austria	1.521 per woman
194	Switzerland	1.519 per woman
195	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	1.5 per woman
196	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	1.49 per woman
197	Finland	1.487 per woman
198	Albania	1.486 per woman
199	Antigua and Barbuda	1.485 per woman
200	Serbia	1.483 per woman
201	Poland	1.472 per woman
202	Liechtenstein	1.458 per woman
203	Curaçao	1.455 per woman
204	Saint Lucia	1.448 per woman
205	Grenada	1.438 per woman
206	Jamaica	1.428 per woman
207	Bahamas	1.424 per woman
208	Croatia	1.423 per woman
209	Bermuda	1.419 per woman
210	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1.419 per woman
211	Jersey	1.419 per woman
212	Mauritius	1.395 per woman
213	Luxembourg	1.392 per woman
214	Japan	1.39 per woman
215	Guernsey	1.383 per woman
216	Portugal	1.377 per woman
217	Anguilla	1.374 per woman
218	Thailand	1.363 per woman
219	United Arab Emirates	1.35 per woman
220	Greece	1.35 per woman
221	Cyprus	1.323 per woman
222	Italy	1.317 per woman
223	Spain	1.305 per woman
224	Ukraine	1.3 per woman
225	Malta	1.271 per woman
226	Cayman Islands	1.222 per woman
227	China, Hong Kong SAR	1.136 per woman
228	Puerto Rico	1.133 per woman
229	Andorra	1.129 per woman
230	Taiwan	1.121 per woman
231	San Marino	1.054 per woman
232	South Korea	1.035 per woman
233	China, Macao SAR	1.019 per woman
234	Singapore	0.936 per woman
235	British Virgin Islands	0.873 per woman
236	Saint Barthélemy	0.809 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) is a crucial demographic indicator that measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. This metric provides insights into population growth patterns, economic development, and societal changes across the globe. In 2017, the total fertility rate displayed intriguing trends and variations across countries, significantly influencing policy decisions and future planning.

Global Insights into 2017 Fertility Trends

In 2017, data from 200 countries revealed a wide range of total fertility rates, from a minimum of 1.48 to a maximum of 6.87, with an average global TFR of 2.82 per woman. This diversity in fertility rates highlights the complex demographic landscapes and cultural differences influencing family size across nations. Notably, countries like Niger topped the list with a TFR of 6.87, reflecting a high birth rate typical of regions with limited access to family planning and healthcare. Conversely, countries like Serbia and Finland had some of the lowest TFRs, both falling below 1.49, indicative of advanced economies where family planning and economic factors often result in smaller family sizes.

Regional Variations and Influencing Factors

Examining regional variations, 2017 saw African countries predominantly occupying the top ten slots for highest fertility rates. For instance, Somalia and Chad followed Niger with TFRs of 6.77 and 6.54, respectively. These high fertility rates are often associated with traditional societal norms favoring larger families and limited access to contraception. In contrast, European nations like Hungary and Slovakia recorded significantly lower fertility rates, around 1.52 per woman, driven by socio-economic factors such as increased urbanization, career prioritization, and financial considerations delaying childbirth.

Year-over-Year Changes and Trends

The year 2017 saw an average decrease in the global TFR by 0.05, representing a 1.8% decline from the previous year. This downtrend aligns with the long-term global pattern of declining fertility rates. However, exceptions existed, such as French Guiana, which experienced a notable increase of 0.24, reflecting a 6.7% rise, potentially due to societal shifts or government policies encouraging higher birth rates. On the other hand, Iraq's TFR declined by 0.20, marking a 5.3% reduction, possibly due to the socio-political instability impacting family growth decisions.

Understanding the total fertility rate is pivotal for economic and social planning. High fertility rates in developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa indicate potential challenges in managing population growth, which can strain resources such as education, healthcare, and employment. Conversely, countries with low fertility rates face issues related to an aging population, labor shortages, and potential economic stagnation. Policymakers must balance these demographic challenges by implementing strategies that support sustainable economic growth while addressing the specific needs of their populations.

Future Outlook on Global Fertility Patterns

As we look toward the future, the global trend of declining fertility rates is expected to continue, influenced by increased access to education, healthcare improvements, and changing societal norms regarding family size. Countries with persistently high fertility rates may focus on enhancing family planning services and education to manage population growth sustainably. Meanwhile, nations with low fertility rates might explore policies that encourage higher birth rates, such as parental leave incentives and child care support, to ensure a balanced demographic structure and economic vitality.

In summary, the total fertility rate in 2017 underscores the diverse demographic patterns and challenges faced by nations worldwide. Understanding these trends is essential for developing well-informed policies that address both the economic and social dimensions of population dynamics.

Insights by country

Albania

In 2017, Albania had a total fertility rate of 1.485796 children per woman, ranking it 198th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility. This figure is indicative of a declining trend in birth rates, reflecting broader demographic shifts within the country.

Several factors contribute to this low fertility rate, including increased urbanization, higher levels of education among women, and greater participation of women in the workforce. Additionally, economic considerations, such as the cost of raising children and access to family planning services, play significant roles in family planning decisions.

As a comparison, the global average fertility rate has been decreasing, with many European countries experiencing similar trends. In the context of the Balkans, Albania's fertility rate is relatively low, which may have implications for population aging and future labor market dynamics.

Aruba

In 2017, Aruba had a total fertility rate of 1.785258 children per woman, ranking it 149th out of 236 countries worldwide. This rate is indicative of a population that is experiencing low fertility levels, which is reflective of broader trends observed in many developed regions.

The low fertility rate in Aruba can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education and employment opportunities for women, urbanization, and a shift in societal values towards smaller family sizes. Additionally, the availability of family planning services and a focus on economic stability also play significant roles in influencing reproductive choices among the population.

As a related observation, the total fertility rate in Aruba is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which suggests potential challenges related to population aging and labor force sustainability in the future. This trend is consistent with many Caribbean nations, where similar demographic shifts are noted.

Denmark

In 2017, Denmark ranked 154th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a value of 1.748925 births per woman. This figure is notably below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size without immigration.

The total fertility rate in Denmark has been influenced by a variety of factors, including societal norms that prioritize education and career over early childbearing, as well as access to family planning and reproductive health services. Additionally, the high cost of living and housing can deter larger families.

Denmark is known for its comprehensive welfare system, which includes parental leave and child care support, potentially encouraging higher birth rates compared to countries with less supportive policies. However, the trend towards smaller families has become increasingly common across many developed nations, reflecting changing attitudes towards family size and child-rearing.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2017, Hong Kong SAR had a total fertility rate of 1.135634 children per woman, ranking it 227th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This figure indicates a significantly low level of population replacement, as the generally accepted replacement rate is approximately 2.1 children per woman.

The low fertility rate in Hong Kong can be attributed to several factors, including high living costs, career-focused lifestyles, and late marriages. Many couples in Hong Kong prioritize their careers and financial security over starting families, leading to a decline in birth rates. Additionally, urbanization and limited living space further contribute to the reluctance to have more children.

As a point of comparison, the overall fertility rate in mainland China also reflects a declining trend, influenced by policies and socio-economic conditions similar to those in Hong Kong. The implications of such low fertility rates could lead to potential challenges in sustaining the workforce and addressing an aging population in the coming decades.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

The Congo, Democratic Republic of the has one of the highest total fertility rates in the world, ranking 4th out of 236 countries in 2017. The total fertility rate in this country was approximately 6.35 children per woman, reflecting a significant trend of high birth rates that persists in many regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.

This elevated fertility rate can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to family planning services, cultural norms that favor large families, and a lack of education, particularly among women. Additionally, socio-economic conditions, such as poverty and high infant mortality rates, often lead families to have more children as a means of ensuring that some survive to adulthood.

It is noteworthy that the high fertility rates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have implications for the nation’s development, influencing population growth, resource allocation, and healthcare systems. Moreover, the country’s demographic profile is characterized by a young population, with a median age of around 18 years, which presents both challenges and opportunities for future economic growth and social development.

Bermuda

Bermuda ranks 209th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.419273 children per woman recorded in 2017. This statistic indicates that the population growth rate is below the replacement level, which is typically considered to be 2.1 children per woman.

Several factors contribute to Bermuda's low fertility rate, including a high cost of living, limited space for family expansion, and a trend towards delayed parenthood as individuals prioritize education and career advancement. Additionally, the availability of family planning services and changing societal norms regarding family size have influenced reproductive choices.

In the context of global fertility trends, Bermuda's rate aligns with patterns observed in many developed nations, where urbanization and economic factors often correlate with lower birth rates. Interestingly, the fertility rates in many Caribbean nations are generally higher, highlighting Bermuda's unique demographic challenges.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea had a total fertility rate of 3.43 children per woman in 2017, ranking it 53rd out of 236 countries. This relatively high fertility rate reflects a combination of cultural, social, and economic factors that influence family size and reproductive health in the country.

Several reasons contribute to this statistic, including limited access to family planning services, prevalent cultural norms favoring larger families, and lower levels of female education. Additionally, rural areas, which comprise a significant portion of the population, often have less access to healthcare resources, further influencing reproductive choices.

Interestingly, Papua New Guinea's fertility rate is higher than the global average, which has been declining due to increased urbanization and access to education. The country's fertility patterns highlight the ongoing need for improved maternal health services and family planning initiatives to support women's reproductive rights and health outcomes.

Saint Barthélemy

In 2017, Saint Barthélemy recorded a total fertility rate of 0.809353 children per woman, ranking 236 out of 236 countries globally. This exceptionally low fertility rate is indicative of the demographic trends prevalent in many developed territories, where factors such as increased access to education, family planning, and women's participation in the workforce play significant roles.

The low fertility rate in Saint Barthélemy may be influenced by its status as a high-income territory with a strong emphasis on tourism and a relatively small population. As urbanization increases and lifestyle choices shift, many residents opt for smaller families or delay childbirth, contributing to this declining rate. Additionally, the territory's healthcare system supports reproductive health, providing residents with comprehensive family planning services.

Interestingly, low fertility rates are a common trend in many Caribbean territories, often leading to concerns about long-term population sustainability and the potential economic implications of an aging population. As global demographics continue to evolve, understanding the factors contributing to such trends in regions like Saint Barthélemy is essential for policymakers and social planners.

Netherlands

In 2017, the Netherlands ranked 178th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate. The total fertility rate for the country stood at 1.61653 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman necessary for a stable population in the absence of immigration.

The relatively low fertility rate in the Netherlands can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to education and employment opportunities for women, a cultural shift towards smaller family sizes, and a focus on work-life balance. Additionally, the availability of comprehensive family planning services and a supportive social welfare system contribute to the demographic trends observed in the country.

Interestingly, the Netherlands exhibits a high life expectancy, which can also influence fertility rates; as families opt for fewer children, they tend to invest more resources into the upbringing of each child. Furthermore, the country is known for its progressive policies regarding parental leave and childcare, which may also play a role in shaping family dynamics and decisions regarding childbearing.

Brazil

In 2017, Brazil ranked 156th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.739878 children per woman. This figure is significantly below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size without immigration.

The decline in Brazil's fertility rate can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to education and employment opportunities for women, urbanization, and the widespread availability of contraceptive methods. Additionally, societal shifts towards smaller family sizes and changing perceptions of parenthood have influenced reproductive choices.

Interestingly, this trend mirrors that of several other nations in Latin America, where fertility rates have been decreasing over the past few decades. In comparison, Brazil's fertility rate was notably higher in the late 20th century, indicating a significant demographic transition within the country.

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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