Top 10 countries with lowest birth rate

 

The birth rate of a country is typically measured by the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime. A TFR of approximately 2.1 is considered the "replacement rate" – the level needed to maintain a stable population, assuming no migration.

Many developed countries and some rapidly developing economies are experiencing TFRs well below this replacement level, leading to aging populations and potential future demographic challenges.

Based on recent estimates (primarily from 2024 data from sources like Visual Capitalist, CIA World Factbook, and others), here are 10 countries and territories with some of the lowest birth rates in the world:

1. South Korea: Consistently holds the lowest fertility rate globally, often below 0.8 children per woman.
2. Taiwan: Also among the very lowest, often reported around 1.1 children per woman.
3. Hong Kong SAR (China): Experiences extremely low fertility rates, often around 1.2 children per woman.
4. Macau SAR (China): Similar to Hong Kong, with a very low birth rate.
5. Singapore: Another Asian economic hub with a TFR typically around 1.2 children per woman.
6. Ukraine: The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already low birth rate, with figures often reported around 1.2 children per woman.
7. Italy: One of the European countries with a consistently low birth rate, often around 1.2-1.3 children per woman.
8. Spain: Similar to Italy, Spain has a TFR typically in the 1.2-1.3 range.
9. Japan: Facing significant demographic challenges due to a long-standing low birth rate, often around 1.2-1.3 children per woman.
10. Poland: Another European nation experiencing a low birth rate, often around 1.3 children per woman.