Global Fertility Rates to Fall Dramatically, Sparking Major Demographic Shifts

By 2100, 97% of countries will have fertility rates below replacement levels, leading to shrinking populations and profound economic and societal impacts.

Fertility rates globally are projected to drop from 2.23 in 2021 to 1.59 by 2100, with significant declines in both high-income and low-income countries.
By 2050, over three-quarters of the world's countries will not be able to sustain their population sizes, escalating to over 97% by 2100.
Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to account for half of the world's births by 2100, while regions like Europe and Asia will see significant population declines.
The demographic shifts will necessitate major adaptations in economic, social, and immigration policies to manage aging populations and labor shortages.
Experts emphasize the need for policies that support reproductive rights and women's empowerment, cautioning against coercive measures to increase birth rates.