Congo, Democratic Republic of Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
Congo, Democratic Republic of's fertility rate was 5.95 in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's fertility rate stood at 5.95 in 2025, a decline of +0.10 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.95 by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 3rd globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s fertility rate has declined modestly over the 65‑year series, falling from an early‑record 6.11 in 1960 to a trough of 5.95 in 2025, the lowest level observed since data collection began. The rate peaked at 6.70 in 2000 before the gradual descent that has brought the country to the third‑highest fertility globally in 2025. Compared with its regional peers, the DRC’s 5.95 remains slightly above the Central African Republic’s 5.97 and just above Somalia’s 5.93, while still exceeding Chad’s 5.98 and Niger’s 5.79. The persistent high fertility reflects limited access to family‑planning services, high child mortality, and cultural preferences for larger families, factors that have cushioned the impact of urbanisation and education gains. Continued investment in reproductive health, female schooling and economic diversification would be required to accelerate the downward trajectory and bring the rate closer to the sub‑Saharan average in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.90 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5.95 | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.95 | −0.10 | #3 |
| 2023 | 6.05 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2022 | 6.11 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2021 | 6.16 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2020 | 6.21 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2019 | 6.25 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2018 | 6.30 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2017 | 6.35 | −0.04 | #213 |
| 2016 | 6.39 | −0.04 | #213 |
| 2015 | 6.44 | −0.05 | #213 |
| 2014 | 6.48 | −0.04 | #213 |
| 2013 | 6.53 | −0.03 | #213 |
| 2012 | 6.56 | −0.02 | #213 |
| 2011 | 6.58 | −0.00 | #213 |
| 2010 | 6.59 | −0.00 | #213 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's fertility rate was 5.95 in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's fertility rate peaked at 6.70 in 2000.
The lowest fertility rate in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 5.95 in 2025.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 3rd globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's fertility rate is projected to reach 5.95 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 5.95. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_fertility-rate,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}