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Average fertility rate per woman: 3.92
Despite economic development, the fertility rate in Ethiopia has remained in the high range because of partly socio-cultural norms, patriarchy, and the lower status of women.
Average fertility rate per woman: 3.85
Located in Oceania, Papua New Guinea also has one of the highest fertility rates.
Average fertility rate per woman: 3.99
Because of high fertility rates, around 48% of the Central African Republic's population is less than 14 years old, adding more pressure to the country's economy.
Average fertility rate per woman: 3.86
The Republic of Congo's fertility rate keeps it high on the global ranking.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.03
In 2006, Liberia had the highest population growth rate in the world (4.50%). This has declined since, however; it stood at 2.37% in 2023.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.19
A lack of female education has contributed to the country's high birth rates.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.17
In low-income countries such as Senegal, more children mean more future providers, which is one of the reasons behind its high fertility rate.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.18
Togo has seen a stark decline in fertility rate when compared to 1966 (6.51).
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.09
Timor-Leste is the country in Southeast Asia with the highest fertility rate.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.14
Burkina Faso is another country where more needs to be done to lower the fertility rate.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.33
Because of high poverty levels, many people in Tanzania get married early, which in turn leads to more kids.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.49
Zambia sees rapid population growth due to high levels of fertility. For example, the country's population has grown from 5.6 million in 1980 to 20 million in 2023.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.5
Cameroon is among several nations that adhere to pronatalist population policies, explaining the higher fertility rates in the country.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.54
Although Sudan's fertility rate is high, the nation has still seen birth rates fall significantly from more than 7.0 in the '70s.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.53
The population of Afghanistan in 2023 was 42,239,854, a 2.7% increase from 2022.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.57
Nigeria is forecasted to become among the most populated countries in the world by 2050, as the birth rate is still relatively high.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.65
Guinea-Bissau's fertility rate has decreased tremendously since 1985 (6.74).
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.74
While Mozambique has also seen its fertility rate decline, the country is still a long way away from reaching the rate needed to be in line with economic growth.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.22
Somalia has been plagued with several crises in the last few decades, but its long-term demographic issues continue at an all-time high.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.96
While still high, Burundi has also seen its fertility rate fall to some extent in the past decade.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.2
Since South Sudan's independence in 2011, it has faced a host of challenges, including its high fertility rate.
Average fertility rate per woman: 4.82
Recent declines in Guinea's birth rate have been very low, and a lot more needs to be done.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.26
As in most countries, the fertility rate is the highest in Uganda's rural areas.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.35
Chad's high fertility rate, combined with high maternal deaths, has made it especially dangerous for women.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.45
Mali's fertility rate has only declined slightly in the last few decades, which is why it's still ranking high.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.39
Benin has a relatively high teenage pregnancy rate, with 92 of every 1,000 girls from the ages of 15 to 19 giving birth.
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.56
The DRC is among the poorest countries in the world, which means that a high fertility rate is simply adding more pressure on its development.
Average fertility rate per woman: 6.73
With a fertility rate of almost seven children per woman, Niger is the country with the highest fertility rate in the world.
Sources: (CIA) (United Nations) (Insider Monkey)
See also: The countries with the best healthcare in the world
Average fertility rate per woman: 5.76
Contraceptive use and family planning education is low in Angola. On average, a woman gives birth to more than five kids in her lifetime.
Average fertility rate per woman: 3.71
With a high fertility rate, this West African nation sadly also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. For every 100 live-born children, one mother dies due to complications of giving birth.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the 30 countries with the highest fertility rates.
The countries with the highest fertility rates
These are the nations where women give birth the most
LIFESTYLE World
Measuring the fertility rate of different nations is one of the most important indicators for governments and global organizations to assess future requirements and resource allocation. Therefore, both really high or really low fertility rates can have devastating consequences. When it comes to the most fertile countries, the majority are located in Africa, a continent already suffering from high levels of poverty. Extremely high fertility rates simply add more pressure on the economy, as the resources needed to improve the standard of living far outweigh the local economy. This is one of the reasons why countries with higher fertility rates also face greater instances of starvation and malnutrition.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the 30 countries with the highest fertility rates.