Niger Tops Global Fertility Rate as Women Average Seven Children; Afghanistan Among Top 20
However, when it comes to which country’s women give birth to the most children, the answer may surprise you.
In 2024, reports revealed that six countries in Africa have women who, on average, give birth to six or more children. When discussing the world's most populous countries, India ranks first, followed by China. However, when it comes to which country’s women give birth to the most children, the answer may surprise you.
Contrary to popular belief, the countries with the largest populations do not necessarily have women giving birth to the most children. According to a report from Statista, several African countries lead the list in fertility rates, with 19 of the top 20 countries being from the African continent.
Countries with the Highest Birth Rates
The women of Niger, a country in West Africa, give birth to the most children in the world. Statista's 2024 report shows that women in Niger have an average of seven children each. This fertility rate is the highest of any country globally. Despite this, Niger is an extremely poor country, where many people struggle to afford even basic necessities like food.
Niger, officially known as the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa with a total area of 1.27 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in Africa by land area. It shares borders with seven countries, including Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria. As of 2023, Niger’s population is estimated to be around 25 million.
India's Neighbor Also on the List
India’s neighbor, Afghanistan, also appears in the top 20 countries with the highest fertility rates, ranking 15th. Women in Afghanistan give birth to an average of 4 to 5 children. Afghanistan has a population of about 40 million, comprising ethnic groups like Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.
The high fertility rate in Afghanistan is attributed to factors such as low education levels, lack of women's empowerment, and traditional family structures. In 2023, Afghanistan’s total fertility rate was approximately 4.55 children per woman, reflecting a high birth rate driven by social and economic factors.