World’s declining birth rates

Japan posted the fewest births in its history last year, with estimates that four in 10 women may never have children. Birthrates are critical in developed countries with rapidly ageing population

Crude birth rates (Change 1950-2021)

Births per 1,000 population (mid-year) 1950 2021

Japan 28.34  6.57  Down -76.8%
Poland 30.85  9.49  -69.2%
Italy  19.70  6.93  -64.8%
Canada  26.80  9.82  -63.4%
Spain  20.01  7.55  -62.3%
Greece  20.02  7.57  -62.2%
Netherlands 22.82  10.32  -54.8%
Russia  20.80  9.64  -53.7%
U.S.  22.81  11.06  -51.5%
Norway  18.95  9.98  -47.3%
Finland 15.38  8.48  -44.9%
Germany  16.22  9.17  -43.5%
Denmark  18.60  10.81  -41.9%
UK  16.44  10.08  -38.7%

Births per woman 
5 in 1950 2.3 in 2021

Sources: Bloomberg, UN World Population Prospects Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS