World: Highest Birth Rates, by country
CountryAvg. no. of births per 1000 pop.
NigerNiger46.86
AngolaAngola41.42
BeninBenin40.72
MaliMali40.54
UgandaUganda40.27
ChadChad39.85
Democratic Republic of CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo39.64
SomaliaSomalia37.71
South SudanSouth Sudan37.07
MozambiqueMozambique36.94
LiberiaLiberia36.26
Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau36.25
GuineaGuinea35.47
CameroonCameroon35.13
BurundiBurundi34.87
AfghanistanAfghanistan34.79
ZambiaZambia34.48
NigeriaNigeria34.00
SudanSudan33.32
TanzaniaTanzania32.90
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Mar 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 11, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

African countries dominate the list of highest birth rates

Seventeen out of the twenty countries with the highest average births per 1,000 population are located in Africa, showcasing the continent's significant contribution to global population growth. Niger leads with a remarkable 46.86 births per 1,000 population, highlighting the prevalent high fertility rates across the region. Countries like Angola, Benin, Mali, and Uganda follow closely, all with rates exceeding 40 births per 1,000 population, underscoring the demographic trends that influence socio-economic dynamics within these nations.

Niger boasts the highest birth rate globally

With an astounding 46.86 births per 1,000 population, Niger not only tops the chart among the listed countries but is also recognized globally for having the highest birth rate. This significant number reflects deep cultural, economic, and possibly healthcare-related factors that encourage larger family sizes, distinguishing Niger distinctly from its global counterparts.

Birth rates above 40 in five countries

Angola, Benin, Mali, Uganda, and Niger each have an average birth rate exceeding 40 births per 1,000 population. These figures not only highlight the substantial youth population in these countries but also signal potential challenges and opportunities in healthcare, education, and employment sectors to accommodate the growing demographic.

Afghanistan stands out in a predominantly African list

Afghanistan is one of the three countries outside of Africa to feature in the list, with an average birth rate of 34.79 births per 1,000 population. This positions Afghanistan as an outlier amidst a list predominantly composed of African nations, hinting at the unique socio-economic and cultural factors influencing fertility rates in the country.

Nigeria's birth rate represents a demographic heavyweight

Despite a slightly lower birth rate of 34 births per 1,000 population compared to its African counterparts, Nigeria's inclusion is significant due to its large population base. As Africa's most populous country, even a birth rate at this level contributes to substantial annual increases in population, underlining Nigeria's demographic impact both continentally and globally.

The variation in birth rates suggests diverse factors at play

The list demonstrates a range of average births per 1,000 population from 46.86 in Niger to 32.90 in Tanzania. This variation indicates that multiple factors, including cultural, economic, healthcare access, and educational levels, influence birth rates across different countries. Understanding these nuances is crucial for policy development and implementation aimed at addressing the specific needs and challenges of each country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which African country has the highest birth rate?

Niger has the highest birth rate, with 46.86 births per 1,000 population.

How many countries have a birth rate higher than 40 per 1,000 population?

There are five countries with a birth rate exceeding 40 births per 1,000 population: Niger, Angola, Benin, Mali, and Uganda.

Which non-African country has a high birth rate?

Afghanistan is a non-African country with an average birth rate of 34.79 births per 1,000 population.

Terms and Definitions

Birth rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 people per year. This fertility measure considers the total population, including males, females, infants, adults and the elderly, to give an overall estimate of the frequency at which births occur within the specified population.

Population refers to the total number of people living in a particular region, country or the world at a specific time. It is measured periodically by a census and includes all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.

Per capita is a Latin phrase that translates to 'per person'. It is used in statistics to present data in terms of each individual person in a population. This helps to universalize data by accounting for population differences in comparison across different geographic areas.

Demographics refer to statistical data relating to the population and the different groups within it. This could include data on age, gender, income, race and ethnicity. Demographics are often used to identify significant social changes over time and predict future trends.

Fertility rate is a demographic measure referring to the number of children born to women of childbearing age (typically aged 15-49) in a particular region or country. It provides insight into typical reproductive behavior and is often used in discussions about population growth.

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live, based on current mortality rates. This demographic statistic varies greatly between countries due to factors like healthcare access, education, nutrition, and socioeconomic status.
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Birth and Fertility
Birth and Fertility refer to the patterns in the number of births across populations, which often include analysis of the age women become mothers and the size of families. Read more »
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