Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
Definition
The average number of children a woman would bear over her lifetime if current age-specific birth rates remained constant. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the "replacement rate" needed to maintain a stable population.
Why It Matters
Fertility rates drive long-term population growth or decline. Countries below replacement face aging populations, labor shortages, and pension pressure. Those well above replacement face rapid population growth and resource strain.
How It's Measured
Calculated by summing age-specific fertility rates (births per woman at each age from 15 to 49). Published by the World Bank, UN, and national statistics agencies.
Current Value
US TFR: approximately 1.66; World average: approximately 2.3
Related Ranking
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Frequently Asked Questions
The average number of children a woman would bear over her lifetime if current age-specific birth rates remained constant. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the "replacement rate" needed to maintain a stable population.
Fertility rates drive long-term population growth or decline. Countries below replacement face aging populations, labor shortages, and pension pressure. Those well above replacement face rapid population growth and resource strain.
Calculated by summing age-specific fertility rates (births per woman at each age from 15 to 49). Published by the World Bank, UN, and national statistics agencies.