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In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 countries with highest fertility rates. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see 10 Countries With Highest Fertility Rates.
Being aware of the total fertility rate is not just important for countries but for international organizations as knowing this helps them estimate changes in population, including growth, decline or stabilization. This in turn allows these countries and organizations to assess future plans, in an attempt to ensure that sufficient resources are available regarding the change in population. If the total fertility rate declines, this can result in a more aging population, a major problem in Japan which has one of the lowest average birth rates globally at just 1.29.
Many governments are aware of the importance of fertility rates as well as birth rates and can establish policies and regulations to achieve the goal they want. China is perhaps the most famous example in this respect, with the one-child policy being enforced by the most populous nation in the world from 1980 - 2015 in an effort to curb population growth, which has achieved success.
Globally, fertility rates and birth rates are declining. South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world and the nation's birth rate has been declining for several consecutive years. Higher life expectancy combined with lower birth rates result in the average age of the population being considerably higher which in turn means a higher level of burden on healthcare and infrastructure.
A key reason behind the declining rate of child birth has its roots linked to the economic challenges the world is facing. Young couples are intentionally delaying child birth due to rising costs of living. The cost of groceries, rent, purchasing a house, transportation and many more basic necessities has increased at a much higher pace than wage increase which has led to fewer people being able to afford children.
This decline in fertility rates comes at a time when we possess advanced technology related to fertility processes. For example, Progyny, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGNY) offers more than 900 fertility specialists and provides information and services pertaining to IVG and egg freezing among others. The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO) is another player operating in this segment. The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO) is a global medical device company which manufactures fertility products for the women's healthcare industry, among other products. Another major company in the sector is Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), which claims that its "assays are designed to meet your core laboratory needs in fertility hormone testing with our fully automated and harmonized systems." Most of the other companies operating within this industry are private, with many being start-ups as this is still a relatively new field.
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The countries with the highest fertility rates are mostly based in Africa. In fact, of the 25 countries in our list, 24 are from Africa and one in Asia. On the other hand, Europe and North America have some of the lowest birth rates in the world. Our rankings are based on the 2020 and 2021 fertility rate for each country, based on data gathered from United Nations.
Note: The fertility rate score mentioned with each country shows births per woman.
25. Equatorial Guinea
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.35
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.27
While the rate of adolescent fertility has decreased since 2010, more focus needs to be given to female education and empowerment for a sustainable impact on the fertility rate.
24. Zambia
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.38
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.31
The average population of Zambia is quite young, which in turn encourages a much higher fertility rate.
23. Senegal
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.45
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.39
Senegal had a fertility rate of 6.5 births per woman in 1988, which shows that it has achieved a high level of success.
22. Mauritania
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.46
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.40
Mauritania has seen a high level of maternal deaths, which should result in more action by the nation to reduce the number of births per woman.
21. C?te d'Ivoire
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.47
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.42
While still high in fertility rate, Ivory Coast has done a lot to decrease its fertility rate from 6.6 children in 1990 to 4.42 right now.
20. Guinea
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.48
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.40
Guinea has seen a very minor decrease in fertility rates, which means more has to be done in this regard.
19. Sudan
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.54
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.46
A lack of sexual education in Sudan is one of the primary reasons why the country has a very high fertility rate.
18. Cameroon
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.54
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.46
Cameroon is one of many African nations which adheres to pro-natalist population policies.
17. South Sudan
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.54
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.47
A high infant mortality rate simply led to women birthing more children so more would survive childbirth, as there is high economic and psychological value placed on children.
16. Uganda
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.69
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.59
Uganda's fertility rate as of 2021 was 4.59 births per woman.
15. Mozambique
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.71
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.64
As is true for most countries in our list, Mozambique's fertility rate has declined slightly as compared to 2020.
14. Afghanistan
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.75
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.64
The only non-African nation in the list of countries with the highest fertility rates, Afghanistan has faced more than three decades of war which has led to families having more children with the hope that there would be a higher chance of children surviving the conflicts.
13. Gambia
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.78
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.68
Gambia has one of the highest fertility rates in West Africa mainly due to the low status afforded to women in the country.
12. United Republic of Tanzania
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.80
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.73
Relatively high levels of poverty in Tanzania has driven many young people out of school and into early marriages. This, combined with the lack of contraceptives especially for the younger population, has resulted in an adolescent fertility trait which is around three times the global average.
11. Burkina Faso
Total fertility rate of the country in 2020: 4.87
Total fertility rate of the country in 2021: 4.77
While the fertility rate of Burkina Faso is declining, it still needs to decline further for improved economic condition of the nation.
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Disclosure: None. 25 countries with highest fertility rates is originally published at Insider Monkey.
