Northern Mariana Islands Fertility Rate

Northern Mariana Islands’ total fertility rate has fallen dramatically since the 1960s, sliding from an early‑record 5.96 in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 7.74 in 1968 before reaching a trough of 1.61 in 1999. By 2025 the rate stood at 2.23, placing the territory 83rd in the world and aligning it closely with peers such as Fiji (2.23) and American Samoa (2.22). The steep decline mirrors broader demographic transitions in many Pacific island economies, where urbanisation, increased female education and access to contraception have reduced birth rates. Nevertheless, the 2025 figure remains slightly above the replacement level of 2.10, suggesting that natural increase will continue modestly unless further social or economic shifts accelerate fertility decline. Continued improvements in health services and sustained economic development could keep the rate near its current level, while a resurgence of traditional family norms might push it upward.