Total fertility rate 2022

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	Somalia	6.255 per woman
2	Chad	6.215 per woman
3	Niger	6.135 per woman
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	6.106 per woman
5	Central African Republic	6.023 per woman
6	Mali	5.692 per woman
7	Angola	5.209 per woman
8	Burundi	4.98 per woman
9	Afghanistan	4.932 per woman
10	Mozambique	4.84 per woman
11	Mauritania	4.77 per woman
12	Tanzania	4.671 per woman
13	Mayotte	4.661 per woman
14	Benin	4.634 per woman
15	Yemen	4.593 per woman
16	Nigeria	4.552 per woman
17	Cameroon	4.397 per woman
18	Uganda	4.388 per woman
19	Sudan	4.384 per woman
20	Côte d'Ivoire	4.349 per woman
21	Guinea	4.303 per woman
22	Burkina Faso	4.275 per woman
23	Togo	4.253 per woman
24	Congo	4.215 per woman
25	Zambia	4.175 per woman
26	Equatorial Guinea	4.17 per woman
27	Ethiopia	4.082 per woman
28	Gambia	4.078 per woman
29	Madagascar	4.036 per woman
30	Liberia	4.016 per woman
31	South Sudan	3.964 per woman
32	Comoros	3.935 per woman
33	Guinea-Bissau	3.911 per woman
34	Samoa	3.883 per woman
35	Sierra Leone	3.876 per woman
36	Senegal	3.864 per woman
37	Eritrea	3.786 per woman
38	Rwanda	3.778 per woman
39	Zimbabwe	3.767 per woman
40	Malawi	3.72 per woman
41	Gabon	3.712 per woman
42	Sao Tome and Principe	3.695 per woman
43	Pakistan	3.662 per woman
44	Vanuatu	3.647 per woman
45	Solomon Islands	3.62 per woman
46	French Guiana	3.436 per woman
47	Ghana	3.434 per woman
48	Uzbekistan	3.396 per woman
49	Nauru	3.379 per woman
50	State of Palestine	3.375 per woman
51	Iraq	3.294 per woman
52	Kenya	3.262 per woman
53	Namibia	3.248 per woman
54	Tuvalu	3.244 per woman
55	Kiribati	3.182 per woman
56	Tonga	3.171 per woman
57	Papua New Guinea	3.165 per woman
58	Tajikistan	3.127 per woman
59	Kazakhstan	3.05 per woman
60	Marshall Islands	2.936 per woman
61	Israel	2.936 per woman
62	Guam	2.819 per woman
63	Algeria	2.817 per woman
64	Kyrgyzstan	2.81 per woman
65	Eswatini	2.801 per woman
66	Timor-Leste	2.801 per woman
67	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	2.785 per woman
68	Botswana	2.785 per woman
69	Saint Martin (French part)	2.763 per woman
70	Egypt	2.75 per woman
71	Syrian Arab Republic	2.746 per woman
72	Mongolia	2.746 per woman
73	Turkmenistan	2.728 per woman
74	Lesotho	2.716 per woman
75	Haiti	2.699 per woman
76	Jordan	2.679 per woman
77	Djibouti	2.653 per woman
78	Tokelau	2.646 per woman
79	Cambodia	2.616 per woman
80	Bolivia	2.584 per woman
81	Niue	2.543 per woman
82	Honduras	2.522 per woman
83	Laos	2.455 per woman
84	Oman	2.449 per woman
85	Paraguay	2.444 per woman
86	Guyana	2.437 per woman
87	Libya	2.402 per woman
88	Northern Mariana Islands	2.388 per woman
89	Guatemala	2.343 per woman
90	American Samoa	2.305 per woman
91	Fiji	2.305 per woman
92	Suriname	2.274 per woman
93	Dominican Republic	2.267 per woman
94	Lebanon	2.263 per woman
95	Faroe Islands	2.261 per woman
96	Morocco	2.256 per woman
97	Nicaragua	2.24 per woman
98	South Africa	2.227 per woman
99	Western Sahara	2.189 per woman
100	Réunion	2.187 per woman
101	Bangladesh	2.179 per woman
102	Seychelles	2.166 per woman
103	Indonesia	2.149 per woman
104	Saudi Arabia	2.14 per woman
105	Panama	2.139 per woman
106	Myanmar	2.131 per woman
107	Monaco	2.114 per woman
108	Guadeloupe	2.11 per woman
109	United States Virgin Islands	2.101 per woman
110	Venezuela	2.088 per woman
111	Cook Islands	2.068 per woman
112	Martinique	2.024 per woman
113	Peru	2.004 per woman
114	Nepal	2.002 per woman
115	New Caledonia	1.998 per woman
116	India	1.994 per woman
117	Sri Lanka	1.984 per woman
118	Greenland	1.969 per woman
119	Belize	1.949 per woman
120	Mexico	1.94 per woman
121	Philippines	1.929 per woman
122	Vietnam	1.927 per woman
123	Palau	1.927 per woman
124	Gibraltar	1.895 per woman
125	Montenegro	1.881 per woman
126	Ecuador	1.861 per woman
127	Tunisia	1.847 per woman
128	Bahrain	1.839 per woman
129	Georgia	1.82 per woman
130	North Korea	1.797 per woman
131	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.791 per woman
132	El Salvador	1.785 per woman
133	Bulgaria	1.767 per woman
134	Brunei Darussalam	1.764 per woman
135	France	1.76 per woman
136	Qatar	1.739 per woman
137	Armenia	1.719 per woman
138	Romania	1.717 per woman
139	Barbados	1.712 per woman
140	Iran	1.704 per woman
141	Republic of Moldova	1.694 per woman
142	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	1.69 per woman
143	Azerbaijan	1.687 per woman
144	New Zealand	1.665 per woman
145	United States	1.665 per woman
146	Colombia	1.663 per woman
147	Australia	1.638 per woman
148	Saint Helena	1.637 per woman
149	Brazil	1.629 per woman
150	Turkey	1.625 per woman
151	Czech Republic	1.618 per woman
152	Aruba	1.615 per woman
153	Ireland	1.594 per woman
154	Iceland	1.589 per woman
155	North Macedonia	1.588 per woman
156	Maldives	1.583 per woman
157	Antigua and Barbuda	1.58 per woman
158	Slovenia	1.568 per woman
159	Slovakia	1.56 per woman
160	United Kingdom	1.56 per woman
161	Denmark	1.559 per woman
162	Isle of Man	1.556 per woman
163	Kosovo	1.555 per woman
164	Hungary	1.55 per woman
165	Malaysia	1.55 per woman
166	Kuwait	1.547 per woman
167	Belgium	1.547 per woman
168	Montserrat	1.546 per woman
169	Trinidad and Tobago	1.544 per woman
170	Cayman Islands	1.541 per woman
171	Sweden	1.538 per woman
172	Cabo Verde	1.533 per woman
173	Croatia	1.53 per woman
174	Liechtenstein	1.529 per woman
175	Serbia	1.519 per woman
176	French Polynesia	1.515 per woman
177	Netherlands	1.514 per woman
178	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.512 per woman
179	Grenada	1.502 per woman
180	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	1.5 per woman
181	Dominica	1.482 per woman
182	Argentina	1.482 per woman
183	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1.481 per woman
184	Bhutan	1.478 per woman
185	Turks and Caicos Islands	1.477 per woman
186	Latvia	1.47 per woman
187	Germany	1.46 per woman
188	Portugal	1.453 per woman
189	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	1.453 per woman
190	Russia	1.452 per woman
191	Uruguay	1.425 per woman
192	Wallis and Futuna Islands	1.423 per woman
193	Norway	1.415 per woman
194	Cuba	1.412 per woman
195	Austria	1.41 per woman
196	Estonia	1.41 per woman
197	Bermuda	1.397 per woman
198	Switzerland	1.395 per woman
199	Cyprus	1.393 per woman
200	Luxembourg	1.39 per woman
201	Saint Lucia	1.387 per woman
202	Bahamas	1.379 per woman
203	Anguilla	1.374 per woman
204	Jamaica	1.372 per woman
205	Guernsey	1.367 per woman
206	Canada	1.366 per woman
207	Jersey	1.365 per woman
208	Albania	1.355 per woman
209	Costa Rica	1.335 per woman
210	Belarus	1.326 per woman
211	Finland	1.318 per woman
212	Greece	1.308 per woman
213	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	1.275 per woman
214	Mauritius	1.27 per woman
215	Lithuania	1.27 per woman
216	Poland	1.261 per woman
217	Japan	1.256 per woman
218	Chile	1.255 per woman
219	Italy	1.24 per woman
220	Thailand	1.221 per woman
221	Spain	1.205 per woman
222	United Arab Emirates	1.148 per woman
223	San Marino	1.136 per woman
224	Malta	1.101 per woman
225	Curaçao	1.074 per woman
226	Andorra	1.071 per woman
227	China	1.034 per woman
228	British Virgin Islands	1.025 per woman
229	Singapore	0.943 per woman
230	Puerto Rico	0.94 per woman
231	Ukraine	0.897 per woman
232	Taiwan	0.87 per woman
233	Saint Barthélemy	0.789 per woman
234	South Korea	0.78 per woman
235	China, Hong Kong SAR	0.708 per woman
236	China, Macao SAR	0.662 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 pivotal measure in understanding demographic dynamics and predicting future population trends. In 2022, this metric, expressed as the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, offers crucial insights into global population growth, healthcare planning, and societal evolution. Analyzing these statistics reveals both regional disparities and shifting demographic patterns that have significant implications for economic development and policy-making.

Global Demographic Insights from 2022

The 2022 global landscape of Total Fertility Rate underscores a notable divergence between countries. The data showcases a wide range, with Somalia leading at a TFR of 6.26 children per woman, reflecting a high population growth potential. In stark contrast, countries like Luxembourg and Cyprus report low TFRs of approximately 1.39, indicative of aging populations and potentially shrinking workforces in the long term. The average global TFR in 2022 stood at 2.60, slightly above the replacement level of 2.1, yet the median is lower at 2.19, highlighting an overall downward trend.

Regional Variations and Challenges

Significant regional differences in TFR are evident, with Africa showing the highest rates. Countries like Chad and Niger continue to experience high fertility rates, over 6 children per woman, largely due to socio-economic factors such as limited access to education and contraception. In contrast, European nations, including Switzerland and Austria, are among the lowest, with TFRs around 1.4, influenced by urbanization, career prioritization, and advanced family planning services. These variations pose distinct challenges: while high TFRs in developing regions strain resources and infrastructure, low TFRs in developed regions lead to concerns over labor shortages and pension sustainability.

Policy and Economic Implications

Understanding TFR is vital for policy formulation and economic planning. Countries experiencing high fertility rates, like those in sub-Saharan Africa, face the challenge of providing adequate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities to their burgeoning populations. Conversely, nations with declining fertility rates are prompted to consider policies that encourage childbirth, such as parental leave and child subsidies, to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of an aging population. For instance, initiatives in France and Germany have aimed at boosting their birth rates through supportive family policies.

Notable Year-over-Year Trends

The year 2022 saw several significant shifts in TFR. Countries like Bulgaria experienced an increase of 0.18 (11.4%), potentially due to improved healthcare and economic stability. In stark contrast, Montserrat faced a drastic decline of 0.40 (-20.4%), possibly influenced by emigration and changing societal norms. Such variations underscore the sensitive nature of fertility rates to economic conditions, cultural shifts, and policy interventions.

Future Projections and Global Challenges

Looking ahead, the implications of current TFR trends are profound. High fertility rates in developing regions portend continued rapid population growth, necessitating strategic investments in education, healthcare, and economic infrastructure. Conversely, persistently low fertility rates in developed areas may necessitate immigration policies to sustain population levels, alongside innovations in automation and productivity to cope with potential labor shortages. The key challenge for global leaders lies in balancing these demographic trends to ensure sustainable development, social harmony, and economic prosperity.

The Total Fertility Rate in 2022 thus offers a window into the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and policy factors shaping the future of societies worldwide. As countries navigate these challenges, understanding and addressing the root causes of fertility trends will be crucial in crafting responsive and effective strategies for the future.

Insights by country

Iran

In 2022, Iran ranked 140th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with an average of 1.703507 children per woman. This figure indicates a significant decline in fertility rates over the past few decades, reflecting broader demographic trends in the region.

The decrease in the total fertility rate in Iran can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education and employment opportunities for women, urbanization, and a shift towards smaller family norms. Additionally, government policies promoting family planning and reproductive health have played a crucial role in shaping these demographic changes.

Notably, Iran's fertility rate is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size without immigration. This trend poses potential challenges for the country's future demographic structure, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

Trinidad and Tobago

In 2022, Trinidad and Tobago recorded a total fertility rate of 1.544061 children per woman, ranking it 169th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This figure is indicative of a declining trend in birth rates within the country, reflecting broader regional and global patterns of reduced fertility.

Several factors contribute to this low fertility rate, including increased access to education for women, greater participation of women in the workforce, and widespread availability of family planning services. Additionally, urbanization and changing social norms around marriage and childbearing have resulted in couples opting for smaller families.

Interestingly, this rate is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary to maintain a stable population without immigration. Such demographic shifts can have significant implications for the country's economy, labor market, and social services in the coming decades.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands has a total fertility rate of 2.388202 children per woman as of 2022, ranking it 88th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This figure reflects a relatively stable population growth within the islands, influenced by various social and economic factors.

Several elements contribute to this total fertility rate, including access to healthcare, cultural attitudes towards family size, and economic conditions. The islands have a unique demographic profile, with a mix of indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian populations, as well as a significant number of migrants, which can affect family planning practices and fertility decisions.

In comparison to global trends, the Northern Mariana Islands' fertility rate is higher than many developed regions, where rates often fall below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This situation may be indicative of the islands' developing economy and the social support systems that encourage larger families.

Russia

In 2022, Russia recorded a total fertility rate of 1.452 children per woman, ranking 190th out of 236 countries in this demographic metric. This figure is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, which is necessary to maintain a stable population size without immigration.

The low fertility rate in Russia can be attributed to several interrelated factors, including economic uncertainty, urbanization, and shifting social norms. Many couples are delaying marriage and childbirth due to financial pressures and a preference for smaller family sizes.

Additionally, Russia has experienced substantial demographic challenges over the past few decades, including a declining population and an aging demographic, further exacerbating the low fertility rates. As a response, the government has implemented various policies aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, such as financial incentives for families and improved parental leave policies.

Luxembourg

In 2022, Luxembourg had a total fertility rate of 1.389625 children per woman, ranking it 200 out of 236 countries worldwide. This statistic reflects the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime, which is below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 children per woman necessary to maintain a stable population.

The relatively low fertility rate in Luxembourg can be attributed to several factors, including increasing urbanization, higher education levels among women, and a trend towards later family formation. Additionally, the high cost of living and housing in the country may discourage larger families.

Interestingly, Luxembourg's fertility rate has seen fluctuations over the years, but it has remained consistently below the replacement level since the early 2000s. This trend is part of a broader pattern observed in many European countries, where similar socio-economic factors contribute to lower birth rates.

Guam

Guam ranks 62nd out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate as of 2022. The total fertility rate for Guam is approximately 2.818525 children per woman, indicating a relatively high level of childbearing compared to many other regions globally.

This figure reflects various socio-economic and cultural factors on the island, including a mix of indigenous Chamorro traditions and influences from American culture, which can impact family size and reproductive choices. Additionally, Guam's unique geographical position and military presence may contribute to its demographic patterns, as well as access to healthcare and family planning services.

Interestingly, Guam's fertility rate is above the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, suggesting a potential for population growth. This contrasts with many Western nations experiencing declining fertility rates, highlighting Guam's distinct demographic dynamics.

Nauru

Nauru holds a notable position with a total fertility rate of 3.379113 children per woman, ranking it 49th out of 236 countries in 2022. This relatively high fertility rate is indicative of certain demographic trends and cultural factors prevalent on the island.

The total fertility rate in Nauru can be attributed to various factors, including a strong cultural emphasis on family and child-rearing, as well as limited access to family planning resources. Additionally, the island's small population and community-oriented lifestyle may encourage larger families.

Interestingly, Nauru's fertility rate contrasts with global trends, as many countries are experiencing declining fertility rates due to urbanization, increased education, and access to contraception. This statistic highlights the unique demographic characteristics of Nauru and its socio-economic landscape.

Montenegro

In 2022, Montenegro recorded a total fertility rate of 1.881423 children per woman, ranking it 125th out of 236 countries. This statistic indicates a fertility level that is below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size in the absence of immigration.

The relatively low fertility rate in Montenegro can be attributed to several factors, including urbanization, increased educational attainment among women, and shifts in societal values that prioritize career and personal development over early childbearing. Additionally, economic considerations, such as the cost of raising children and housing challenges, also play a significant role in family planning decisions.

Interestingly, Montenegro's fertility rate is reflective of broader trends observed in many European countries, where declining birth rates have raised concerns about potential population decline and its implications for economic sustainability and social services. In comparison, neighboring countries in the Balkans also show similar fertility patterns, indicating a regional trend towards lower birth rates.

Namibia

Namibia ranks 53rd out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate. In 2022, the total fertility rate in Namibia was recorded at 3.24754 children per woman, indicating a moderate level of fertility compared to global standards.

This statistic reflects various sociocultural and economic factors influencing family size in Namibia, including traditional views on family and childbearing, as well as access to education and reproductive health services. Higher fertility rates are often observed in rural areas, where cultural norms may favor larger families.

Additionally, Namibia's fertility rate has been gradually declining over the past few decades, a trend that can be attributed to increased educational attainment among women, improved access to contraception, and urbanization. As of 2022, the average total fertility rate in sub-Saharan Africa was approximately 4.4 children per woman, making Namibia's rate relatively lower in comparison.

Mauritania

Mauritania ranks 11th in the world for the total fertility rate, with an average of 4.77 children per woman in the year 2022. This high fertility rate reflects cultural factors, including the value placed on larger families and the socio-economic context where many families rely on children for support and labor.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including limited access to family planning services, educational opportunities, and healthcare. Additionally, traditional norms and religious beliefs play a significant role in promoting higher birth rates, particularly in rural areas where childbearing remains a central aspect of life.

Notably, Mauritania's fertility rate is indicative of broader trends in the Sahel region, where many countries experience similarly high birth rates due to comparable socio-economic conditions. Reducing the total fertility rate in Mauritania could have significant implications for its economic development and resource management in the coming decades.

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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