In 2022, the number of live births in the European Union hit a record low since 1960, falling below 4 million for the first time. The fertility rate also declined, with the EU having one of the lowest rates in the world at 1.46 live births per woman. Fertility rates varied across Europe, with France having the highest rate at 1.79 and Malta the lowest at 1.08.
While some countries like France and Romania saw slight increases in fertility rates, others like Ireland and Finland reported significant decreases. The EU’s fertility rate has been on a downward trend since 1970, with a recent peak at 1.57 in 2016 before dropping to 1.46 in 2022. Comparatively, the global average fertility rate is 2.27.
The EU’s fertility rate of 1.52 in 2021 was one of the lowest in the world, after East Asia and the Pacific. Western and Central Africa had the highest rates at 4.98, while North America was just above the OECD average at 1.64. Since 1970, fertility rates have been declining globally, although the decline has been slower in Africa.
Overall, fertility rates in all 41 European countries, including EU, EFTA, and candidate countries, are below the global average. This trend highlights the need for policymakers to address declining birth rates and promote policies that support families and encourage population growth in Europe.
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