Lower fertility rates indicate a decline in the average number of children born to women during their reproductive years. It is often measured by the total fertility rate (TFR), which represents the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime if current birth rates continue.
Related terms
Replacement Level Fertility: Replacement level fertility refers to the level at which each generation replaces itself without any increase or decrease in population size. It is typically around 2.1 children per woman in most countries.
Family Planning: Family planning involves making informed decisions about when, how many, and whether to have children through access to contraception methods and reproductive healthcare services.
Demographic Transition Model: The demographic transition model describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as countries undergo industrialization, urbanization, and socioeconomic development.