Belgium Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
Belgium's fertility rate was 1.44 in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Belgium's fertility rate stood at 1.44 in 2025, a decline of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.44 by 2025. Belgium ranked 158th globally.
Belgium’s fertility rate has fallen sharply over the 65‑year span from 2.54 in 1960 to a trough of 1.44 in 2025, placing the country 158th globally. The all‑time peak of 2.71 occurred in 1964, shortly after the post‑war baby boom, but successive declines have outpaced many European peers. By 2025 Belgium’s rate is marginally lower than Liechtenstein’s 1.46 and closely aligned with Cyprus’s 1.43, reflecting a broader regional trend toward sub‑replacement fertility. The persistent drop is tied to factors such as delayed family formation, higher female labor participation, and limited child‑bearing incentives. If policies that expand affordable childcare, improve work‑life balance, and encourage immigration‑driven demographic renewal are strengthened, the downward trajectory could be moderated; otherwise the fertility rate is likely to remain below replacement levels for the foreseeable future.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.41 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.44 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.44 | −0.03 | #158 |
| 2023 | 1.47 | −0.06 | #54 |
| 2022 | 1.53 | −0.07 | #57 |
| 2021 | 1.60 | +0.05 | #66 |
| 2020 | 1.55 | −0.05 | #54 |
| 2019 | 1.60 | −0.02 | #61 |
| 2018 | 1.62 | −0.03 | #61 |
| 2017 | 1.65 | −0.03 | #61 |
| 2016 | 1.68 | −0.02 | #57 |
| 2015 | 1.70 | −0.04 | #56 |
| 2014 | 1.74 | −0.02 | #60 |
| 2013 | 1.76 | −0.04 | #63 |
| 2012 | 1.80 | −0.01 | #63 |
| 2011 | 1.81 | −0.05 | #63 |
| 2010 | 1.86 | +0.02 | #66 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's fertility rate was 1.44 in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Belgium's fertility rate peaked at 2.71 in 1964.
The lowest fertility rate in Belgium was 1.44 in 2025.
Belgium ranks 158th globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's fertility rate is projected to reach 1.44 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of Belgium in 2025 was 1.44. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_fertility-rate,
title = {Belgium Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}