South Africa Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
South Africa's fertility rate was 2.19 in 2025, ranked 88th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's fertility rate stood at 2.19 in 2025, a decline of +0.02 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.19 by 2025. South Africa ranked 88th globally.
South Africa's fertility rate has undergone a significant decline over the past six and a half decades, from its all-time peak of 6.11 children per woman in 1960 to a current rate of 2.19 children per woman as of 2025, ranking 88th globally. This substantial decrease in fertility rate is notable, especially when compared to its peer countries, such as Lebanon, where the fertility rate stands at 2.20 children per woman. South Africa's fertility rate has been trending downward since the 1960s, a time when the country's population began to urbanize and access to family planning services expanded. The World Bank data indicates that the fertility rate in South Africa has been steadily decreasing, with no signs of reversal. A continued decline in fertility rate may be influenced by factors such as improved access to education and family planning resources, as well as shifts in social norms regarding family size and structure.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 2.18 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.19 | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.19 | −0.02 | #88 |
| 2023 | 2.22 | −0.01 | #124 |
| 2022 | 2.23 | −0.02 | #125 |
| 2021 | 2.25 | −0.01 | #123 |
| 2020 | 2.26 | −0.01 | #121 |
| 2019 | 2.26 | −0.01 | #120 |
| 2018 | 2.27 | −0.01 | #118 |
| 2017 | 2.28 | +0.02 | #118 |
| 2016 | 2.26 | −0.10 | #114 |
| 2015 | 2.36 | −0.07 | #119 |
| 2014 | 2.42 | −0.00 | #120 |
| 2013 | 2.43 | −0.02 | #120 |
| 2012 | 2.45 | +0.01 | #119 |
| 2011 | 2.44 | −0.01 | #120 |
| 2010 | 2.45 | −0.06 | #120 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's fertility rate was 2.19 in 2025. Ranked 88th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's fertility rate peaked at 6.11 in 1960.
The lowest fertility rate in South Africa was 2.19 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 88th globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's fertility rate is projected to reach 2.19 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of South Africa in 2025 was 2.19. This ranks 88th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_fertility-rate,
title = {South Africa Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}