Total fertility rate 2023

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	6.132 per woman
2	Chad	6.12 per woman
3	Niger	6.061 per woman
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	6.051 per woman
5	Central African Republic	6.012 per woman
6	Mali	5.614 per woman
7	Angola	5.124 per woman
8	Burundi	4.878 per woman
9	Afghanistan	4.84 per woman
10	Mozambique	4.763 per woman
11	Mauritania	4.697 per woman
12	Mayotte	4.616 per woman
13	Tanzania	4.606 per woman
14	Yemen	4.59 per woman
15	Benin	4.556 per woman
16	Nigeria	4.482 per woman
17	Sudan	4.323 per woman
18	Cameroon	4.322 per woman
19	Uganda	4.283 per woman
20	Côte d'Ivoire	4.283 per woman
21	Guinea	4.217 per woman
22	Togo	4.192 per woman
23	Burkina Faso	4.186 per woman
24	Congo	4.157 per woman
25	Zambia	4.101 per woman
26	Equatorial Guinea	4.081 per woman
27	Gambia	4.006 per woman
28	Ethiopia	3.989 per woman
29	Madagascar	3.972 per woman
30	Liberia	3.95 per woman
31	Comoros	3.878 per woman
32	South Sudan	3.864 per woman
33	Guinea-Bissau	3.836 per woman
34	Samoa	3.829 per woman
35	Senegal	3.818 per woman
36	Sierra Leone	3.791 per woman
37	Zimbabwe	3.724 per woman
38	Eritrea	3.714 per woman
39	Rwanda	3.698 per woman
40	Malawi	3.648 per woman
41	Gabon	3.647 per woman
42	Sao Tome and Principe	3.644 per woman
43	Pakistan	3.605 per woman
44	Vanuatu	3.596 per woman
45	Solomon Islands	3.557 per woman
46	Uzbekistan	3.5 per woman
47	Ghana	3.397 per woman
48	French Guiana	3.388 per woman
49	Nauru	3.331 per woman
50	State of Palestine	3.311 per woman
51	Iraq	3.249 per woman
52	Namibia	3.212 per woman
53	Tuvalu	3.208 per woman
54	Kenya	3.208 per woman
55	Kiribati	3.147 per woman
56	Tonga	3.129 per woman
57	Papua New Guinea	3.099 per woman
58	Tajikistan	3.072 per woman
59	Kazakhstan	3.012 per woman
60	Marshall Islands	2.919 per woman
61	Israel	2.83 per woman
62	Kyrgyzstan	2.8 per woman
63	Guam	2.781 per woman
64	Algeria	2.766 per woman
65	Eswatini	2.753 per woman
66	Egypt	2.75 per woman
67	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	2.748 per woman
68	Botswana	2.732 per woman
69	Saint Martin (French part)	2.718 per woman
70	Syrian Arab Republic	2.712 per woman
71	Timor-Leste	2.707 per woman
72	Lesotho	2.694 per woman
73	Turkmenistan	2.69 per woman
74	Mongolia	2.685 per woman
75	Haiti	2.656 per woman
76	Jordan	2.639 per woman
77	Tokelau	2.612 per woman
78	Djibouti	2.609 per woman
79	Cambodia	2.579 per woman
80	Bolivia	2.547 per woman
81	Oman	2.525 per woman
82	Niue	2.514 per woman
83	Honduras	2.5 per woman
84	Paraguay	2.422 per woman
85	Laos	2.421 per woman
86	Guyana	2.412 per woman
87	Libya	2.355 per woman
88	Northern Mariana Islands	2.348 per woman
89	Guatemala	2.311 per woman
90	American Samoa	2.286 per woman
91	Fiji	2.281 per woman
92	Saudi Arabia	2.28 per woman
93	Suriname	2.249 per woman
94	Dominican Republic	2.243 per woman
95	Faroe Islands	2.24 per woman
96	Lebanon	2.239 per woman
97	Morocco	2.23 per woman
98	Nicaragua	2.218 per woman
99	South Africa	2.216 per woman
100	Réunion	2.174 per woman
101	Western Sahara	2.164 per woman
102	Bangladesh	2.163 per woman
103	Seychelles	2.133 per woman
104	Indonesia	2.127 per woman
105	Panama	2.119 per woman
106	Myanmar	2.115 per woman
107	Monaco	2.11 per woman
108	United States Virgin Islands	2.09 per woman
109	Guadeloupe	2.089 per woman
110	Venezuela	2.079 per woman
111	Cook Islands	2.045 per woman
112	Martinique	2.009 per woman
113	Belize	2.007 per woman
114	Nepal	1.984 per woman
115	New Caledonia	1.98 per woman
116	Peru	1.98 per woman
117	India	1.975 per woman
118	Sri Lanka	1.974 per woman
119	Greenland	1.95 per woman
120	Philippines	1.916 per woman
121	Vietnam	1.913 per woman
122	Mexico	1.91 per woman
123	Palau	1.907 per woman
124	Gibraltar	1.888 per woman
125	Tunisia	1.832 per woman
126	Bahrain	1.824 per woman
127	Ecuador	1.823 per woman
128	Georgia	1.81 per woman
129	Montenegro	1.803 per woman
130	North Korea	1.78 per woman
131	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.775 per woman
132	El Salvador	1.775 per woman
133	Bulgaria	1.749 per woman
134	Brunei Darussalam	1.747 per woman
135	Republic of Moldova	1.731 per woman
136	Qatar	1.729 per woman
137	Armenia	1.714 per woman
138	Romania	1.713 per woman
139	Barbados	1.708 per woman
140	Iran	1.695 per woman
141	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	1.685 per woman
142	Azerbaijan	1.67 per woman
143	New Zealand	1.667 per woman
144	Colombia	1.645 per woman
145	France	1.639 per woman
146	Australia	1.638 per woman
147	Saint Helena	1.636 per woman
148	Turkey	1.625 per woman
149	United States	1.624 per woman
150	Brazil	1.619 per woman
151	Aruba	1.602 per woman
152	Ireland	1.598 per woman
153	Antigua and Barbuda	1.578 per woman
154	Slovenia	1.576 per woman
155	Maldives	1.575 per woman
156	Slovakia	1.56 per woman
157	United Kingdom	1.56 per woman
158	Malaysia	1.55 per woman
159	Isle of Man	1.548 per woman
160	Kosovo	1.545 per woman
161	Iceland	1.54 per woman
162	Liechtenstein	1.537 per woman
163	Trinidad and Tobago	1.532 per woman
164	Cayman Islands	1.531 per woman
165	Kuwait	1.525 per woman
166	Cabo Verde	1.522 per woman
167	Denmark	1.511 per woman
168	Portugal	1.508 per woman
169	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.505 per woman
170	French Polynesia	1.501 per woman
171	Argentina	1.5 per woman
172	Serbia	1.5 per woman
173	Grenada	1.487 per woman
174	Hungary	1.486 per woman
175	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1.486 per woman
176	Dominica	1.484 per woman
177	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	1.473 per woman
178	Croatia	1.468 per woman
179	North Macedonia	1.465 per woman
180	Turks and Caicos Islands	1.463 per woman
181	Bhutan	1.462 per woman
182	Russia	1.449 per woman
183	Czech Republic	1.448 per woman
184	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	1.447 per woman
185	Montserrat	1.444 per woman
186	Germany	1.441 per woman
187	Cuba	1.439 per woman
188	Switzerland	1.433 per woman
189	Sweden	1.43 per woman
190	Netherlands	1.43 per woman
191	Wallis and Futuna Islands	1.41 per woman
192	Uruguay	1.409 per woman
193	Norway	1.405 per woman
194	Bermuda	1.401 per woman
195	Luxembourg	1.396 per woman
196	Cyprus	1.389 per woman
197	Belgium	1.379 per woman
198	Saint Lucia	1.379 per woman
199	Bahamas	1.373 per woman
200	Jersey	1.371 per woman
201	Anguilla	1.364 per woman
202	Guernsey	1.362 per woman
203	Jamaica	1.358 per woman
204	Estonia	1.35 per woman
205	Canada	1.349 per woman
206	Albania	1.348 per woman
207	Latvia	1.338 per woman
208	Greece	1.334 per woman
209	Costa Rica	1.33 per woman
210	Austria	1.317 per woman
211	Poland	1.299 per woman
212	Finland	1.28 per woman
213	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	1.267 per woman
214	Mauritius	1.241 per woman
215	Spain	1.213 per woman
216	Thailand	1.212 per woman
217	Japan	1.208 per woman
218	Belarus	1.208 per woman
219	Lithuania	1.201 per woman
220	United Arab Emirates	1.2 per woman
221	Italy	1.198 per woman
222	Chile	1.167 per woman
223	San Marino	1.149 per woman
224	Malta	1.098 per woman
225	Andorra	1.082 per woman
226	Curaçao	1.073 per woman
227	British Virgin Islands	1.045 per woman
228	China	0.999 per woman
229	Ukraine	0.977 per woman
230	Singapore	0.943 per woman
231	Puerto Rico	0.941 per woman
232	Taiwan	0.87 per woman
233	Saint Barthélemy	0.801 per woman
234	South Korea	0.72 per woman
235	China, Hong Kong SAR	0.717 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) is a crucial demographic indicator that measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. This statistic offers invaluable insights into population growth, economic development, healthcare needs, and societal changes worldwide. In 2023, understanding these dynamics is more important than ever as countries navigate through complex global challenges. This article delves into the current state of total fertility rates across the globe, examining regional patterns, demographic implications, and the impact of recent socio-economic changes.

Global Demographic Trends in 2023

The global average Total fertility rate currently stands at 2.57 children per woman, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year. This reduction continues a long-term trend of decreasing fertility rates, driven by various factors including increased access to education and healthcare, urbanization, and changing societal norms. Notably, regions such as sub-Saharan Africa still exhibit significantly higher fertility rates, with countries like Somalia (6.13) and Chad (6.12) topping the list. In contrast, many developed nations, including Jersey (1.37) and Belgium (1.38), report much lower fertility rates, aligning with trends of aging populations and lower birth rates.

Regional Contrasts and Their Implications

Examining the data reveals stark contrasts between regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, high fertility rates are often linked to socio-economic factors such as limited access to family planning and healthcare, as well as cultural practices that favor larger families. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.05) and Niger (6.06) exemplify these challenges. Meanwhile, European countries, grappling with aging populations, face the opposite issue. Nations like Belgium and Luxembourg (1.40) have implemented policies aimed at boosting birth rates through parental incentives and improved childcare support.

Economic development plays a critical role in shaping fertility rates. In countries where economic growth is sustained, such as Saudi Arabia, which saw a 6.6% increase in TFR, investments in education and women's workforce participation are positively influencing fertility patterns. Conversely, in countries like the Czech Republic and Belgium, experiencing notable declines in TFR, economic uncertainties and lifestyle preferences are contributing to reduced birth rates. These dynamics underscore the complex interplay between economic conditions and reproductive choices.

Policy Impacts and Future Projections

Government policies are instrumental in addressing fertility-related challenges. For instance, countries like Portugal, with a 3.7% increase in TFR, have seen the benefits of comprehensive family support policies. On the other hand, regions witnessing decreases, such as North Macedonia and France, may need to reassess their strategies to combat declining populations. Looking ahead, as global challenges such as climate change and economic instability persist, nations must adopt adaptive strategies to balance population dynamics with sustainable growth objectives.

Public Health and Fertility Considerations

The total fertility rate is closely tied to public health outcomes. In high-fertility regions, addressing maternal health, infant mortality, and access to reproductive health services remains a priority. For example, countries like Afghanistan (4.84) and Mozambique (4.76) are focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure to manage high birth rates effectively. Meanwhile, low-fertility countries are prioritizing health and wellness programs to support aging populations and ensure long-term societal well-being.

In conclusion, the Total fertility rate in 2023 reflects a tapestry of global demographic and socio-economic shifts. Understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and public health officials as they strive to create sustainable futures in a rapidly changing world. By closely examining regional variations, economic influences, and policy impacts, we can better anticipate and plan for the demographic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Insights by country

Republic of Moldova

The Republic of Moldova has a total fertility rate of 1.730637 children per woman in 2023, ranking it 135th out of 236 countries. This rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, which is typically necessary to maintain a stable population size in the absence of immigration.

This low fertility rate can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, urbanization, and changing social norms that prioritize education and career over early family formation. Additionally, many Moldovans migrate abroad for work, which can lead to family separation and lower birth rates.

Historically, Moldova has experienced fluctuating fertility rates, with a notable decline since the early 1990s. The country’s demographic trends reflect broader patterns observed in Eastern Europe, where many nations face similar issues of declining birth rates and aging populations.

Bermuda

Bermuda ranks 194 out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.401085 births per woman as of the year 2023. This statistic indicates a relatively low fertility level, suggesting that the population is not replacing itself at a sustainable rate.

The low total fertility rate in Bermuda can be attributed to various factors, including increased educational attainment among women, economic considerations, and access to family planning services. Additionally, the societal trend towards later marriage and childbearing has further contributed to this decline in fertility rates.

As a point of interest, the total fertility rate in Bermuda is below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 births per woman, which is necessary to maintain a stable population size in the absence of immigration. This trend is reflective of broader patterns observed in many developed nations, where urbanization and lifestyle choices significantly influence reproductive behavior.

Suriname

In 2023, Suriname has a total fertility rate of 2.249287 children per woman, ranking it 93rd out of 236 countries in terms of fertility. This rate is significant as it indicates a relatively stable population growth, as rates around 2.1 are considered to be the replacement level for a population.

The total fertility rate in Suriname reflects various social and economic factors, including access to education, healthcare, and family planning services. Improved maternal health care and education, particularly for women, have contributed to a decline in fertility rates over the decades.

Interestingly, Suriname's fertility rate remains higher than the global average, which has been declining over the years. The country’s diverse cultural and ethnic composition may also influence family size preferences and reproductive behaviors, as different communities may have varying norms regarding family structure and childbearing.

Gibraltar

In 2023, Gibraltar has a total fertility rate of 1.888105 children per woman, ranking it 124th out of 236 countries. This statistic indicates a relatively low fertility rate, which is consistent with trends observed in many developed regions where family planning and economic factors influence reproductive choices.

Several factors contribute to Gibraltar's fertility rate, including its status as a small, densely populated territory with a high standard of living, access to education, and career opportunities, which often lead to delayed family formation. Additionally, the cultural norms in Gibraltar may prioritize smaller family sizes, reflecting broader European trends.

It is noteworthy that the total fertility rate in Gibraltar is slightly below the replacement level of 2.1, which is necessary for a population to replace itself without immigration. This trend raises potential concerns regarding future population dynamics and workforce sustainability in the region.

Germany

Germany has a total fertility rate of 1.441433 children per woman in the year 2023, ranking 186th out of 236 countries. This figure indicates a continued trend of low fertility rates, which has been a concern for demographic sustainability in the country.

The low fertility rate in Germany can be attributed to several factors, including economic uncertainties, high living costs, and changing societal norms. Many couples are prioritizing career development and financial stability over starting families, leading to delayed parenthood and fewer children overall.

In addition, Germany has experienced significant migration, which can influence demographic statistics. While the influx of migrants can help mitigate some effects of a declining birth rate, the overall fertility rate remains below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This trend reflects broader patterns observed in many developed nations, where similar low fertility rates are prevalent.

Lithuania

Lithuania ranks 219th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate as of 2023, with a rate of 1.201006 children per woman. This figure is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, which is necessary for a population to maintain its size without immigration.

The low fertility rate in Lithuania can be attributed to several factors, including economic uncertainty, urbanization, and changing social norms. Many young couples prioritize education and career advancement over starting families, leading to delayed childbirth and fewer children overall.

Additionally, Lithuania has experienced significant demographic challenges, including population decline due to emigration and an aging population. These trends highlight the potential long-term implications for the country's labor market and social services, as a shrinking workforce may struggle to support an increasing number of retirees.

South Sudan

South Sudan has a total fertility rate of 3.86 children per woman in 2023, ranking it 32nd out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This high fertility rate reflects the country's demographic trends and socio-economic conditions, where family size is often influenced by cultural norms and the need for labor in agrarian societies.

Several factors contribute to this elevated fertility rate, including limited access to family planning services, low levels of female education, and a high prevalence of early marriage. In rural areas, larger families are often seen as beneficial for economic support, especially in agricultural communities.

Interestingly, the total fertility rate in South Sudan is significantly higher than the global average, which was estimated to be around 2.4 children per woman in 2021. This statistic underscores the challenges South Sudan faces in terms of population growth, health services, and women's rights, which are critical areas for development and policy intervention.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 161st out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.540107 children per woman in the year 2023. This figure is indicative of a broader trend in many developed nations, where fertility rates have been declining due to various socio-economic factors.

The relatively low fertility rate in Iceland can be attributed to several factors, including increased participation of women in the workforce, higher levels of education, and shifts in societal norms regarding family planning and child-rearing. Furthermore, many Icelandic families prioritize financial stability and personal development before expanding their households.

Despite the low fertility rate, Iceland is known for its robust social policies that support families, such as generous parental leave and childcare provisions. Interestingly, Iceland has consistently ranked high in gender equality, which also influences family dynamics and reproductive choices.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea ranks 26th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with an estimated rate of 4.08 children per woman in 2023. This relatively high fertility rate reflects both cultural norms and socio-economic factors prevalent in the country, where larger families are often viewed as beneficial for social and economic support.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including limited access to family planning resources, a lack of comprehensive education on reproductive health, and traditional beliefs that favor higher birth rates. Additionally, the country's relatively young population may also influence the overall fertility rate, as younger women are more likely to have more children.

Interestingly, the total fertility rate in Equatorial Guinea is significantly higher than the global average, which is approximately 2.4 children per woman. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in addressing population growth and the need for policies aimed at improving family planning and women's health services.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2023, Hong Kong SAR recorded a total fertility rate of 0.716861 children per woman, ranking it 235th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates globally. This exceptionally low fertility rate highlights a significant demographic trend where the population is not replacing itself, raising concerns about future population decline and aging.

Several factors contribute to this low fertility rate, including high living costs, limited housing availability, and the societal expectation of pursuing higher education and career advancement before starting a family. Additionally, the cultural shift towards smaller families and individualism has led many couples to delay or forgo having children.

In a broader context, Hong Kong's fertility challenges are reflective of similar trends observed in other developed regions, where urbanization and economic pressures have influenced family planning decisions. As of 2023, the fertility rate in Hong Kong remains significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary to maintain a stable population.

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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