The information graph below illustrates the annual birth rate – the number of children born and surviving per year per 1,000 people – in the six most populous countries in the world, based on data from the United Nations (UN) World Population Prospects 2022 report…
According to the graph, the birth rates in most of these countries are trending downward. The UN reports that in 1990, the global average number of children born per woman was 3.2, which decreased to 2.5 in 2019. This figure is projected to continue declining to 2.2 children per woman by 2050. Experts estimate that a birth rate of 2.1 children per woman is necessary to maintain a stable population in the long term (excluding net immigration).
In recent years, China has recorded the fastest decline in birth rates among the analyzed countries. In 2021, China had only 7.6 children born and surviving per 1,000 people. This figure represents a significant drop from 24.4 children in 1990 and 41 children in 1950.
Experts suggest that with this trend, China may face challenges similar to those experienced by Japan – an Asian country currently grappling with a large aging population, leading to various economic and social issues.
Meanwhile, the United States recorded a birth rate of 11.1 in 2021, down from 16.7 in 1990 and 22.8 in 1950. However, it is noteworthy that the U.S. population continues to grow annually due to immigration. This sets the U.S. apart from the other countries on the list. The U.S. is also the only country in the list that saw a slight increase in its birth rate in 2021 compared to 2020, mainly due to a baby boom trend during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nigeria, which has the highest birth rate on the list, recorded 37.1 children born and surviving per 1,000 people in 2021, a slight decrease from 43.8 children in 1990 and 45.6 children in 1950.
India has recently surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world. However, the birth rate in India is also on a downward trend. In 2021, the birth rate for this South Asian country was 16.4, down from 31.8 in 1990 and 43.8 in 1950.
