Fertility rates—defined as the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime—is a key measure of population growth.
The global population is undergoing a profound transformation, with birth patterns shifting faster than at any other time in modern history.
Families in many regions are choosing to have fewer children, a change driven by evolving social norms, economic pressures, and greater access to reproductive healthcare.
Across Africa, fertility rates have historically been among the highest in the world. Yet in recent decades, the continent has witnessed a steady decline.
Urbanisation, expanded education, improved healthcare, economic development, and shifting cultural values are at the heart of this transition.
According to the CIA World Factbook, the gap between the world’s highest and lowest fertility rates has never been wider.
While Africa remains home to some of the fastest-growing populations, a growing number of countries are seeing sharp declines in birth rates.
This demographic shift brings both challenges and opportunities: governments must prepare for future ageing populations while also harnessing the potential of a demographic dividend.
At one extreme, Niger tops global rankings in 2024 with an estimated 6.64 children per woman, followed closely by Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both above six.
In these nations, cultural traditions favouring large families and limited access to contraception continue to drive rapid population growth. These dynamics place enormous pressure on governments to expand education, healthcare, housing, and employment for their fast-rising populations.
At the other end of the spectrum, East Asia and Europe are grappling with fertility rates so low that populations are shrinking and ageing at unprecedented rates.
Taiwan is a stark example, averaging just over one child per woman in 2024—far below the replacement level of 2.1.
Such declines bring far-reaching consequences, from shrinking labour forces to mounting strains on pensions and healthcare systems.
This stark contrast highlights a new demographic divide. Wealthier nations are struggling with the consequences of falling birth rates, while many developing countries face the opportunities and risks of rapid population growth.
Both realities demand thoughtful planning and forward-looking policies to ensure social and economic stability in the decades ahead.
See the African countries with the lowest fertility rates:
