New Zealand Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
New Zealand's fertility rate was 1.53 in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's fertility rate stood at 1.53 in 2025, a decline of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.53 by 2025. New Zealand ranked 141st globally.
New Zealand's fertility rate has exhibited a significant decline over the past six and a half decades. From its all-time peak of 4.31 children per woman in 1961, the rate plummeted to an all-time low of 1.53 children per woman in 2025. This drastic decrease places New Zealand at the 141st position globally. The country's fertility rate has consistently lagged behind that of its peer nations, including Kosovo, which shares the same ranking of 1.53 children per woman. Compared to 1960, when the fertility rate stood at 4.24 children per woman, the current rate is approximately 63% lower. This drastic shift in fertility rates indicates a substantial change in demographic trends and societal values in New Zealand. As the population ages and the economy evolves, the government may need to reassess its social policies to address the implications of a shrinking workforce and increasing burden on the pension system.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.50 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.53 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.53 | −0.03 | #141 |
| 2023 | 1.56 | −0.10 | #78 |
| 2022 | 1.66 | +0.02 | #84 |
| 2021 | 1.64 | +0.03 | #76 |
| 2020 | 1.61 | −0.11 | #72 |
| 2019 | 1.72 | +0.01 | #82 |
| 2018 | 1.71 | −0.10 | #73 |
| 2017 | 1.81 | −0.06 | #86 |
| 2016 | 1.87 | −0.12 | #85 |
| 2015 | 1.99 | +0.07 | #90 |
| 2014 | 1.92 | −0.09 | #80 |
| 2013 | 2.01 | −0.09 | #91 |
| 2012 | 2.10 | +0.01 | #97 |
| 2011 | 2.09 | −0.08 | #97 |
| 2010 | 2.17 | +0.04 | #99 |
Analysis
New Zealand's fertility rate was 1.53 in 2025, a decline of −0.03 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 1.53 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's fertility rate was 1.53 in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
New Zealand's fertility rate peaked at 4.31 in 1961.
The lowest fertility rate in New Zealand was 1.53 in 2025.
New Zealand ranks 141st globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's fertility rate is projected to reach 1.53 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of New Zealand in 2025 was 1.53. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_fertility-rate,
title = {New Zealand Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}