Fødselsraten

Fødselsraten is a demographic measure that describes how frequently births occur in a population. In demography the term is commonly used to refer to the crude birth rate (CBR) — the number of live births per 1,000 people in a year. Demographers also use the total fertility rate (TFR) to estimate the average number of children a woman would bear over her lifetime given current age-specific birth rates.

Calculation and data: The CBR is calculated by dividing annual births by the population and multiplying by 1,000. The TFR is obtained by summing the age-specific birth rates across the reproductive ages, typically 15–49. Data come from civil registration, censuses, and surveys; accuracy varies by country, and migration and late registration can bias the measures.

Determinants and dynamics: Birth rates respond to socioeconomic conditions, education, urbanization, women's empowerment, access to contraception and reproductive healthcare, costs associated with childrearing, and public policy. Typically, fertility declines with rising income and education, while policy measures such as parental leave and child care can influence childbearing decisions.

Implications: Very low or declining birth rates can contribute to aging populations and higher old-age dependency, affecting labor markets and public finances. Higher birth rates may sustain a younger population but place demands on resources and services. Policy responses commonly target family support, healthcare access, and education.

Regional patterns: Birth rates vary widely by region. Many high-income countries have CBRs well below 12 per 1,000 and TFR around or below replacement level, while several Sub-Saharan African countries exhibit higher fertility. The demographic transition explains much of this variation.