Total fertility rate 2024
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.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | Chad | 6.028 per woman |
2 | Somalia | 6.013 per woman |
3 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 5.981 per woman |
4 | Central African Republic | 5.954 per woman |
5 | Niger | 5.935 per woman |
6 | Mali | 5.51 per woman |
7 | Angola | 5.048 per woman |
8 | Burundi | 4.789 per woman |
9 | Afghanistan | 4.761 per woman |
10 | Mozambique | 4.69 per woman |
11 | Mauritania | 4.625 per woman |
12 | Mayotte | 4.562 per woman |
13 | Tanzania | 4.541 per woman |
14 | Yemen | 4.499 per woman |
15 | Benin | 4.48 per woman |
16 | Nigeria | 4.382 per woman |
17 | Sudan | 4.264 per woman |
18 | Cameroon | 4.261 per woman |
19 | Côte d'Ivoire | 4.23 per woman |
20 | Uganda | 4.165 per woman |
21 | Guinea | 4.131 per woman |
22 | Togo | 4.122 per woman |
23 | Equatorial Guinea | 4.116 per woman |
24 | Burkina Faso | 4.11 per woman |
25 | Congo | 4.109 per woman |
26 | Zambia | 4.036 per woman |
27 | Madagascar | 3.912 per woman |
28 | Ethiopia | 3.909 per woman |
29 | Gambia | 3.907 per woman |
30 | Liberia | 3.864 per woman |
31 | Comoros | 3.822 per woman |
32 | Samoa | 3.801 per woman |
33 | South Sudan | 3.785 per woman |
34 | Senegal | 3.765 per woman |
35 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.757 per woman |
36 | Sierra Leone | 3.703 per woman |
37 | Eritrea | 3.68 per woman |
38 | Zimbabwe | 3.674 per woman |
39 | Rwanda | 3.645 per woman |
40 | Sao Tome and Principe | 3.596 per woman |
41 | Gabon | 3.592 per woman |
42 | Malawi | 3.59 per woman |
43 | Vanuatu | 3.569 per woman |
44 | Pakistan | 3.547 per woman |
45 | Solomon Islands | 3.513 per woman |
46 | Uzbekistan | 3.486 per woman |
47 | Ghana | 3.344 per woman |
48 | French Guiana | 3.341 per woman |
49 | Nauru | 3.29 per woman |
50 | State of Palestine | 3.25 per woman |
51 | Iraq | 3.221 per woman |
52 | Namibia | 3.211 per woman |
53 | Tuvalu | 3.174 per woman |
54 | Kenya | 3.167 per woman |
55 | Kiribati | 3.124 per woman |
56 | Tonga | 3.1 per woman |
57 | Papua New Guinea | 3.072 per woman |
58 | Tajikistan | 3.036 per woman |
59 | Kazakhstan | 2.984 per woman |
60 | Marshall Islands | 2.864 per woman |
61 | Israel | 2.785 per woman |
62 | Kyrgyzstan | 2.779 per woman |
63 | Guam | 2.748 per woman |
64 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 2.743 per woman |
65 | Egypt | 2.735 per woman |
66 | Algeria | 2.723 per woman |
67 | Eswatini | 2.718 per woman |
68 | Botswana | 2.703 per woman |
69 | Syrian Arab Republic | 2.7 per woman |
70 | Saint Martin (French part) | 2.673 per woman |
71 | Lesotho | 2.664 per woman |
72 | Turkmenistan | 2.661 per woman |
73 | Mongolia | 2.632 per woman |
74 | Timor-Leste | 2.627 per woman |
75 | Haiti | 2.625 per woman |
76 | Djibouti | 2.618 per woman |
77 | Jordan | 2.604 per woman |
78 | Tokelau | 2.599 per woman |
79 | Cambodia | 2.548 per woman |
80 | Bolivia | 2.523 per woman |
81 | Oman | 2.508 per woman |
82 | Niue | 2.488 per woman |
83 | Honduras | 2.476 per woman |
84 | Paraguay | 2.416 per woman |
85 | Laos | 2.397 per woman |
86 | Guyana | 2.395 per woman |
87 | Northern Mariana Islands | 2.324 per woman |
88 | Saudi Arabia | 2.308 per woman |
89 | Libya | 2.298 per woman |
90 | Guatemala | 2.287 per woman |
91 | Fiji | 2.27 per woman |
92 | American Samoa | 2.267 per woman |
93 | Suriname | 2.231 per woman |
94 | Lebanon | 2.227 per woman |
95 | Faroe Islands | 2.223 per woman |
96 | Dominican Republic | 2.222 per woman |
97 | Morocco | 2.208 per woman |
98 | Nicaragua | 2.206 per woman |
99 | South Africa | 2.205 per woman |
100 | Western Sahara | 2.177 per woman |
101 | Réunion | 2.151 per woman |
102 | Bangladesh | 2.138 per woman |
103 | Indonesia | 2.115 per woman |
104 | Seychelles | 2.109 per woman |
105 | Panama | 2.106 per woman |
106 | Monaco | 2.102 per woman |
107 | Myanmar | 2.098 per woman |
108 | United States Virgin Islands | 2.081 per woman |
109 | Venezuela | 2.077 per woman |
110 | Guadeloupe | 2.073 per woman |
111 | Cook Islands | 2.021 per woman |
112 | Belize | 2.021 per woman |
113 | Martinique | 1.992 per woman |
114 | Peru | 1.965 per woman |
115 | New Caledonia | 1.964 per woman |
116 | India | 1.962 per woman |
117 | Nepal | 1.961 per woman |
118 | Sri Lanka | 1.952 per woman |
119 | Greenland | 1.931 per woman |
120 | Vietnam | 1.895 per woman |
121 | Philippines | 1.894 per woman |
122 | Mexico | 1.892 per woman |
123 | Gibraltar | 1.885 per woman |
124 | Palau | 1.883 per woman |
125 | Tunisia | 1.818 per woman |
126 | Ecuador | 1.806 per woman |
127 | Bahrain | 1.805 per woman |
128 | Georgia | 1.802 per woman |
129 | Montenegro | 1.799 per woman |
130 | North Korea | 1.784 per woman |
131 | El Salvador | 1.768 per woman |
132 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1.761 per woman |
133 | Bulgaria | 1.745 per woman |
134 | Brunei Darussalam | 1.731 per woman |
135 | Republic of Moldova | 1.726 per woman |
136 | Qatar | 1.717 per woman |
137 | Armenia | 1.716 per woman |
138 | Romania | 1.711 per woman |
139 | Barbados | 1.708 per woman |
140 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 1.694 per woman |
141 | Iran | 1.684 per woman |
142 | Azerbaijan | 1.667 per woman |
143 | New Zealand | 1.659 per woman |
144 | Saint Helena | 1.639 per woman |
145 | Australia | 1.638 per woman |
146 | France | 1.636 per woman |
147 | Colombia | 1.634 per woman |
148 | United States | 1.622 per woman |
149 | Turkey | 1.621 per woman |
150 | Brazil | 1.614 per woman |
151 | Aruba | 1.606 per woman |
152 | Ireland | 1.597 per woman |
153 | Antigua and Barbuda | 1.582 per woman |
154 | Slovenia | 1.576 per woman |
155 | Slovakia | 1.563 per woman |
156 | Maldives | 1.56 per woman |
157 | United Kingdom | 1.551 per woman |
158 | Isle of Man | 1.544 per woman |
159 | Malaysia | 1.543 per woman |
160 | Kosovo | 1.538 per woman |
161 | Liechtenstein | 1.537 per woman |
162 | Trinidad and Tobago | 1.536 per woman |
163 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 1.526 per woman |
164 | Cayman Islands | 1.525 per woman |
165 | Iceland | 1.517 per woman |
166 | Denmark | 1.517 per woman |
167 | Kuwait | 1.515 per woman |
168 | Portugal | 1.514 per woman |
169 | Cabo Verde | 1.511 per woman |
170 | Argentina | 1.504 per woman |
171 | Serbia | 1.499 per woman |
172 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1.492 per woman |
173 | French Polynesia | 1.491 per woman |
174 | Hungary | 1.491 per woman |
175 | Dominica | 1.48 per woman |
176 | Grenada | 1.472 per woman |
177 | Croatia | 1.472 per woman |
178 | North Macedonia | 1.467 per woman |
179 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 1.463 per woman |
180 | Russia | 1.457 per woman |
181 | Czech Republic | 1.456 per woman |
182 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 1.452 per woman |
183 | Bhutan | 1.449 per woman |
184 | Germany | 1.448 per woman |
185 | Montserrat | 1.447 per woman |
186 | Cuba | 1.445 per woman |
187 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 1.44 per woman |
188 | Switzerland | 1.438 per woman |
189 | Sweden | 1.434 per woman |
190 | Netherlands | 1.434 per woman |
191 | Norway | 1.41 per woman |
192 | Bermuda | 1.405 per woman |
193 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | 1.405 per woman |
194 | Luxembourg | 1.399 per woman |
195 | Uruguay | 1.397 per woman |
196 | Saint Lucia | 1.385 per woman |
197 | Belgium | 1.383 per woman |
198 | Cyprus | 1.38 per woman |
199 | Bahamas | 1.374 per woman |
200 | Jersey | 1.374 per woman |
201 | Guernsey | 1.366 per woman |
202 | Estonia | 1.363 per woman |
203 | Anguilla | 1.358 per woman |
204 | Jamaica | 1.351 per woman |
205 | Canada | 1.343 per woman |
206 | Latvia | 1.342 per woman |
207 | Albania | 1.341 per woman |
208 | Greece | 1.336 per woman |
209 | Austria | 1.321 per woman |
210 | Costa Rica | 1.318 per woman |
211 | Poland | 1.304 per woman |
212 | Finland | 1.291 per woman |
213 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 1.273 per woman |
214 | Mauritius | 1.225 per woman |
215 | Spain | 1.221 per woman |
216 | Belarus | 1.217 per woman |
217 | Japan | 1.217 per woman |
218 | United Arab Emirates | 1.213 per woman |
219 | Lithuania | 1.211 per woman |
220 | Italy | 1.206 per woman |
221 | Thailand | 1.204 per woman |
222 | San Marino | 1.158 per woman |
223 | Chile | 1.14 per woman |
224 | Malta | 1.106 per woman |
225 | Andorra | 1.087 per woman |
226 | Curaçao | 1.071 per woman |
227 | British Virgin Islands | 1.048 per woman |
228 | China | 1.013 per woman |
229 | Ukraine | 0.988 per woman |
230 | Singapore | 0.952 per woman |
231 | Puerto Rico | 0.939 per woman |
232 | Taiwan | 0.863 per woman |
233 | Saint Barthélemy | 0.815 per woman |
234 | South Korea | 0.734 per woman |
235 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 0.727 per woman |
236 | China, Macao SAR | 0.676 per woman |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
Chad
- #2
Somalia
- #3
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #4
Central African Republic
- #5
Niger
- #6
Mali
- #7
Angola
- #8
Burundi
- #9
Afghanistan
- #10
Mozambique
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236
China, Macao SAR
- #235
China, Hong Kong SAR
- #234
South Korea
- #233
Saint Barthélemy
- #232
Taiwan
- #231
Puerto Rico
- #230
Singapore
- #229
Ukraine
- #228
China
- #227
British Virgin Islands
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 vital demographic metric that gauges the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime. This figure not only indicates population growth but also reflects broader societal trends and potential future demands on resources. As we explore the global total fertility rate for 2024, it becomes evident how various factors like economic development, cultural practices, and healthcare access shape these numbers across different regions.
Demographic Trends in 2024
In 2024, the total fertility rate continues to reveal stark contrasts between different parts of the world. With data from 200 countries, the TFR ranges from a low of 1.37 in Jersey to a high of 6.03 in Chad. The global average stands at 2.54 children per woman, highlighting a gradual decline in fertility rates as nations advance in economic and social terms. The median value of 2.18 underscores the varying demographic stages countries are experiencing. Notably, the highest fertility rates are concentrated in African nations like Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with values exceeding 5 children per woman. These figures indicate robust population growth driven by high birth rates, impacting everything from infrastructure needs to education systems.
Economic and social factors play critical roles in shaping fertility rates worldwide. In 2024, countries with the highest fertility rates, such as Chad and Niger, often face economic challenges and limited access to education and healthcare. These factors contribute to higher fertility as families rely on more children for economic support and social security in the absence of formal systems. Conversely, nations with lower fertility rates, including Belgium and Norway, benefit from strong social welfare systems and widespread access to contraception and family planning education. This access contributes to more women delaying childbirth in favor of career opportunities, further driving down fertility rates.
Year-over-Year Changes
The year 2024 also marks notable shifts in fertility trends, with a general decline in global TFR by 0.03 or 0.8%. Among the most significant decreases are seen in countries like Niger and Uganda, with reductions of 0.13 and 0.12 respectively, reflecting a broader trend towards decreasing birth rates as these nations advance economically. On the other hand, certain regions like Equatorial Guinea and Saudi Arabia exhibit slight increases in fertility, up by 0.03, illustrating how cultural policies and economic conditions can create variances in demographic patterns. Understanding these shifts is essential for policymakers to anticipate and manage potential challenges related to healthcare, education, and workforce planning.
Public Health Implications
The total fertility rate is intricately linked to public health, influencing healthcare resource allocation and policy-making. High fertility rates in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa necessitate greater focus on maternal and child health services to reduce mortality rates and improve quality of life. The resource-intensive nature of high fertility societies requires strategic planning to ensure adequate healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, countries with low fertility rates face challenges related to aging populations, including increased demand for geriatric care and potential labor shortages. As fertility rates decline, the focus shifts towards sustaining population growth through immigration policies and fostering environments that support families.
Regional Disparities and Future Projections
Exploring regional disparities reveals the diverse factors contributing to fertility rate variations. Africa's high fertility rates stand in contrast to Europe's declining numbers, where cultural shifts and economic stability support smaller family units. With projections indicating continued fertility declines in many regions, the implications for global population dynamics are profound. These shifts necessitate proactive approaches in policy and planning to address potential demographic imbalances, such as labor shortages in low-fertility countries and infrastructure pressures in high-fertility areas. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering sustainable development and ensuring equitable resource distribution in the coming decades.
The total fertility rate in 2024 provides a critical lens through which to view demographic trends and their implications on global society. By analyzing this data, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the factors influencing population changes and strategize accordingly to address the challenges and opportunities that emerge.
Insights by country
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man has a total fertility rate of 1.54408 children per woman in the year 2024, ranking it 158th out of 236 countries. This figure indicates a relatively low level of fertility, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman necessary for a population to replace itself without immigration.
Several factors contribute to this statistic, including increased access to education and career opportunities for women, as well as a shift in societal norms that prioritize smaller family sizes. Additionally, economic factors such as housing costs and child-rearing expenses often influence family planning decisions.
In a broader context, the Isle of Man's fertility rate is reflective of trends observed in many developed regions, where fertility rates have generally declined over the past few decades. Interestingly, the Isle of Man also features a relatively high life expectancy and low infant mortality rate, which are indicators of a well-developed healthcare system and quality of life.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic ranks 96th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate for the year 2024. The total fertility rate in the country is measured at 2.22238 children per woman, indicating a moderate level of fertility compared to global standards.
This statistic reflects significant changes in reproductive behavior influenced by various factors, including increased access to education, particularly for women, and improvements in healthcare services. As urbanization continues to rise, many families are opting for smaller households, leading to a gradual decline in the fertility rate over the years.
In a broader context, the Dominican Republic has seen a decrease in its total fertility rate from higher levels in previous decades, which can be associated with enhanced family planning initiatives and shifts in societal norms regarding family size. Notably, this fertility rate is close to the replacement level of 2.1, suggesting that the population growth may stabilize in the coming years if current trends persist.
Saint Lucia
In 2024, Saint Lucia ranks 196th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.385145 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 Saint Lucia can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education and family planning services, changing societal norms regarding marriage and childbearing, and economic conditions that encourage smaller family sizes. Additionally, urbanization and women's participation in the workforce have led to a shift in priorities, with many opting to delay childbirth.
Interestingly, this trend mirrors patterns seen in many Caribbean nations, where similar socio-economic developments have resulted in declining fertility rates. The implications of such low fertility may include challenges related to an aging population and potential labor shortages in the future.
Western Sahara
In 2024, Western Sahara has a total fertility rate of 2.177 children per woman, ranking it 100th out of 236 countries. This figure reflects the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, highlighting demographic trends in the region.
The total fertility rate in Western Sahara is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, economic conditions, and access to education and healthcare. Higher fertility rates are often seen in regions where there is limited access to family planning services and education for women.
Additionally, the political situation and ongoing territorial disputes may impact socioeconomic conditions, which can further influence reproductive choices and family structures. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing the needs and rights of the population in this disputed territory.
Bhutan
In 2024, Bhutan holds a rank of 183 out of 236 countries regarding its total fertility rate, which is recorded at 1.449291 children per woman. This figure indicates a declining trend in birth rates, reflective of broader demographic shifts experienced globally.
The low fertility rate in Bhutan can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education, particularly for women, urbanization, and a shift towards smaller family norms. Additionally, government policies promoting family planning and awareness regarding reproductive health have contributed to this trend.
As a country that has historically valued a balance between tradition and modernization, Bhutan's fertility rate aligns with its efforts to improve quality of life and economic stability. Interestingly, Bhutan is also known for its unique measure of Gross National Happiness, which incorporates well-being and social progress into its development agenda, further influencing family planning attitudes.
Albania
As of 2024, Albania has a total fertility rate of 1.340634 children per woman, ranking it 207th out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This figure indicates that the country is experiencing a below-replacement level of fertility, which is a significant demographic trend observed in many parts of Europe.
The decline in fertility rates in Albania can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to education, urbanization, and changing societal norms. Women in Albania are increasingly pursuing higher education and careers, leading to delayed childbirth and smaller family sizes.
Additionally, economic factors such as rising living costs and job market uncertainties may discourage larger families. This trend mirrors broader patterns seen across the Balkans and the European continent, where many countries are facing similar demographic challenges.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a total fertility rate of 2.307947 children per woman in the year 2024, ranking it 88th out of 236 countries. This statistic indicates a moderate level of fertility, suggesting a shift from higher birth rates in previous decades as the country undergoes significant social and economic transformations.
Several factors contribute to this fertility rate, including increased access to education, particularly for women, and urbanization, which often leads to smaller family sizes. Additionally, the government's focus on economic diversification and women’s empowerment programs has influenced family planning and reproductive health decisions.
Historically, Saudi Arabia experienced much higher fertility rates, but these have gradually declined due to modernization and changing cultural attitudes toward family size. As of 2024, this total fertility rate reflects a broader trend seen across the Gulf region, where nations are adapting to new socio-economic realities.
Congo
Congo ranks 25th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate for the year 2024, with an average of 4.11 children per woman. This high fertility rate reflects significant demographic trends and cultural practices prevalent in the country, where larger families are often seen as beneficial for economic support and social security.
Several factors contribute to this elevated fertility rate, including limited access to family planning resources, low levels of female education, and traditional societal norms that favor high birth rates. Additionally, health care systems in many regions may struggle to provide adequate reproductive health services, which can further impact family planning choices.
Interestingly, the total fertility rate in Congo is relatively common among nations in sub-Saharan Africa, where cultural and economic factors often lead to higher birth rates. As countries develop and access to education and healthcare improves, it is anticipated that fertility rates will gradually decline over time.
Slovenia
In 2024, Slovenia has a total fertility rate of 1.576327 children per woman, ranking it 154th out of 236 countries globally. This rate indicates a continuing trend of low fertility in Slovenia, which has been observed over the past few decades.
Several factors contribute to Slovenia's total fertility rate, including economic conditions, access to education, and family planning services. The country has experienced significant urbanization, and many young couples prioritize career advancement and personal development over starting families. Additionally, the cost of raising children in urban areas can deter larger families.
Interestingly, Slovenia's fertility rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, which is necessary for a population to replace itself without immigration. This low fertility rate may lead to long-term demographic challenges such as an aging population and potential labor shortages in the future.
Togo
Togo ranks 22nd out of 236 countries for its total fertility rate in 2024, with a rate of 4.12 births per woman. This high fertility rate reflects several socio-economic factors prevalent in the country, including limited access to family planning resources, cultural norms favoring larger families, and educational disparities, particularly among women.
The total fertility rate in Togo is indicative of the broader trends observed in many sub-Saharan African nations, where fertility rates tend to be higher due to factors such as early marriage, lower contraceptive prevalence, and a reliance on agrarian lifestyles that value larger families for labor support. Efforts to improve education and access to reproductive health services may influence future trends in fertility rates.
Interestingly, the fertility rate in Togo is higher than the global average, which was estimated at approximately 2.4 births per woman in recent years. As Togo continues to develop economically, shifts in fertility trends may occur, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and improved health care access.
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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