Dominican Republic Fertility Rate

The fertility rate in the Dominican Republic has undergone a significant decline over the past six decades, falling from an all-time peak of 7.55 in 1960 to 2.18 in 2025, according to World Bank data. This represents a reduction of more than 70% and reflects broader demographic shifts associated with urbanization, increased access to education, and expanded reproductive health services. The 2025 rate of 2.18, ranking the country 89th globally, is nearly on par with South Africa’s 2.19 and slightly above Nicaragua’s 2.16, suggesting convergence with peer nations undergoing similar transitions. The current level sits just below the replacement fertility threshold of approximately 2.1, indicating a potential long-term stabilization or gradual population decline if sustained. The trajectory has been consistently downward, with no notable reversals in recent decades, underscoring the entrenchment of lower fertility norms. Future changes in the trend could depend on shifts in economic opportunity, migration patterns, or public policies supporting family formation, though absent major socioeconomic disruptions, the rate is expected to remain near its current level or decline slightly further in the coming years.