Belgium Birth Rate
Crude birth rate per 1,000 people SP.DYN.CBRT.IN
Belgium's birth rate was 9.2 in 2025, ranked 164th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Belgium's birth rate stood at 9.2 in 2025, a decline of +0.2 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 9.2 by 2025. Belgium ranked 164th globally.
Belgium’s birth rate has fallen dramatically over the 65‑year span from 16.80 births per 1,000 people in 1960 to a trough of 9.22 in 2025, the lowest level recorded and placing the country 164th in the world. The all‑time peak of 17.30 occurred in 1961, shortly after the post‑war baby boom, after which a steady decline set in as fertility rates fell across much of Europe. By 2025 Belgium’s rate is marginally lower than that of Serbia (9.24) and Uruguay (9.24) and slightly above Liechtenstein (9.20) and the Netherlands (9.12), reflecting a regional convergence toward sub‑replacement fertility. The long‑term downward trajectory is driven by factors such as delayed family formation, higher female labour participation and limited immigration of young families. If policies that improve work‑life balance and support child‑rearing are expanded, the decline could be moderated, but absent such interventions the birth rate is likely to remain near the current trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Birth Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 9.1 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 9.2 | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.2 | −0.2 | #164 |
| 2023 | 9.4 | −0.4 | #50 |
| 2022 | 9.8 | −0.4 | #53 |
| 2021 | 10.2 | +0.3 | #49 |
| 2020 | 9.9 | −0.3 | #46 |
| 2019 | 10.2 | −0.2 | #47 |
| 2018 | 10.4 | −0.1 | #45 |
| 2017 | 10.5 | −0.3 | #41 |
| 2016 | 10.8 | +0.0 | #46 |
| 2015 | 10.8 | −0.4 | #45 |
| 2014 | 11.2 | −0.1 | #47 |
| 2013 | 11.3 | −0.2 | #46 |
| 2012 | 11.5 | −0.2 | #44 |
| 2011 | 11.7 | −0.2 | #48 |
| 2010 | 11.9 | +0.1 | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw birth rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's birth rate was 9.2 in 2025. Ranked 164th globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
Belgium's birth rate peaked at 17.3 in 1961.
The lowest birth rate in Belgium was 9.2 in 2025.
Belgium ranks 164th globally in birth rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.CBRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's birth rate is projected to reach 9.2 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The birth rate of Belgium in 2025 was 9.2. This ranks 164th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_birth-rate,
title = {Belgium Birth Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/birth-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}