World Population Day

The number of births is determined by two key factors: the number of women in their reproductive age and the average number of children those women have (total fertility rate, TFR). Globally, total fertility rates started to decline in the 1960s. Factors contributing to this decline include: Increased access to education , particularly for women. Economic factors, such as the Cost of raising children . Shifts in societal norms and values regarding family size .

Fertility trends vary significantly across different regions of the world. Currently, the Sub-Saharan Africa region has the highest total fertility rates in the world. Despite some decline in recent years, the average number of children a woman was 4.3 children in 2023, higher than other regions. Total fertility rates in Europe and Central Asia, and in North America , have been among the lowest globally since 1960, and it was 1.6 children on average, in 2023. In other regions, total fertility rates were high in the 1960s but have sharply declined since. Fertility decline in East Asia and Pacific was drastic, and the fertility rate was lowest (1.3 children on average) in 2023.

Currently , economies across the world are in different phases of Demographic transition , and total fertility rates vary significantly. Fertility decline is particularly pronounced in some places, where total fertility rates have fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman (the replacement level fertility is the average number of children per woman needed to maintain a stable population size ). In 2023, in seven economies, on average, a woman gave birth to less than one child. On the other hand, there were five economies where, on average, a woman gave birth to more than six children. These economies with fertility rates higher than six were all in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

  The demographic transition model explains the stages of population growth and decline, with some economies experiencing declining fertility rates and aging populations , while some others still experience high fertility and rapid population growth. In conclusion, these demographic changes herald significant shifts in population dynamics . Global population has grown substantially over the past decades, driven by relatively high birth rates and low death rates. Regional variations in fertility rates and age distribution underscore the diverse demographic situations faced by different economies. World Population Day is an opportunity to recognize the impact of these trends, and to create strategies address the challenges and opportunities they present, for a sustainable future. These population and demographic figures at global, regional and economy levels are produced and available on the World Population Prospects database by the United Nations Population Division, the Popu...

As the world continues to experience growing demographic diversity, with more countries expected to experience rapidly declining fertility rates, alongside ethno-nationalist impulses and “overpopulation” concerns in places with persistently high fertility rates, we must exercise maximum caution – and maximum optimism. Leaders would be wise to keep the last 60 years of history in mind as they deliberate policies that might, if poorly designed, be ineffective or yield unintended consequences, with only temporary impacts but potentially terrible human rights costs. They must also recognize the legitimate concerns of young people, who need not only conditions enabling them to make free, informed reproductive choices, but also hope for a future in which those choices are supported (Gessen, 2014). Young people overwhelmingly report worries and uncertainty about their futures. Many expect to experience worse outcomes than their parents did. Their concerns about climate change, economic instab...

The observance of the World Population Day 2025 will highlight challenge concerning the Global fertility rates by focusing on the largest-ever generation of young people. The theme, “ Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world ,” calls for ensuring youth have the rights, tools, and opportunities to shape their futures.