Visual Capitalist has released an analysis based on data from The World Factbook, revealing that nearly all Western and allied countries have fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. According to the report, this trend points to a future of population decline and rapid aging, BANI.MD reports.
The only major exception is Israel, which has a fertility rate of 2.92 children per woman, ranking 50th globally. By contrast, most Western nations report fertility rates between 1.2 and 1.9, far below the level required to maintain population stability without immigration.
The data highlights a widespread demographic decline across the world’s major economies. Countries such as the United States, France, Iceland, and New Zealand remain below the optimal replacement rate, while the situation is even more critical in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland, Spain, Italy, and Moldova rank among the lowest globally, with fertility rates ranging from 1.26 to 1.32.
Moldova ranks 221st out of 227 countries, one of the lowest positions worldwide, underscoring the challenges of population aging and migration.
The analysis warns that the West is moving toward demographic stagnation, with significant economic and social implications. Pension systems will come under increasing strain, labor shortages will intensify, and there will be a growing demand for healthcare and social services. At the same time, the pace of economic growth could slow considerably.
Visual Capitalist concludes that the developed world is aging at an unprecedented rate, and low birth rates will remain one of the most pressing challenges of the coming decades.