Belgium
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Belgium's total cohort replacement rate rose slightly to 33.4% in 2024, marking a modest recovery after years of gradual increase. Meanwhile, the total maternal replacement rate declined a little to 66.6%, continuing a subtle downward trend over the recent five-year period. The average number of children per mother remains stable at 2.17, a figure that stands slightly above levels seen in the 1990s.
- The average maternal age at childbirth edged up to 29.9 years, continuing a long-term rise of nearly three years since the 1990s.
- Birthgap generational indicator increased slightly to 30.2%, maintaining a level just below the 1990s baseline.
- Total births decreased by approximately 2,500 from the previous year, while the share of families with three or more children remains just under 28%.
In 2024, Belgium's fertility and birth patterns show stability near long-term norms with moderate declines and middle-range global ranks.
- Children per mother steady at 2.17, above 1990s average
- Mean age at childbearing remains near 30 years, rising over five years
- Fertility rate ranks 9th globally among 38 countries
- Household longevity high, ranked 8th in Europe
- Births forecasted to halve by 2085 if trends continue
Key fertility indicators — Belgium
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 33.4% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.17 |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 30.2% |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 34 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
Completed fertility among mothers in Belgium stands at 66.6% in 2024, showing a slight decline from 67.9% in 2023. The trend over the past five years indicates a decrease, with an average TMR of 67.7% between 2020 and 2024. This rate is remarkably close to the average recorded during the 1990s, which was 65.9%. Belgium's position on the global stage places it 9th out of 38 countries, while within Europe it also ranks 9th among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 82.9% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 67.8% |
| 1990 | 67.8% | 2023 | 67.9% |
| 2000 | 75.4% | 2024 | 66.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
Belgium's children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.168 in 2024, showing a slight decline from 2.171 in 2023. Over the past five years, the CPM has trended downward, with a five-year average of 2.2412. When compared to the 1990s average of 2.1112, the current rate is higher by roughly 0.06. Historical peaks and lows include a minimum three-year span from 1994 to 1996 at 2.08 and a maximum from 2017 to 2019 reaching 2.335. Within a global context, Belgium ranks 22nd among 38 countries, while in Europe, it holds the 18th position out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.22 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.28 |
| 1990 | 2.10 | 2023 | 2.17 |
| 2000 | 2.19 | 2024 | 2.17 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
In 2024, the average maternal age in Belgium reached 29.86 years, showing a slight increase of 0.09 years from 29.77 in 2023. The trend over the last five years points upward, with a five-year average sitting at 29.514 years. This marks an increase of about 2.7 years compared to the average maternal age of 27.129 years recorded in the 1990s. Belgium holds the 21st position among 38 countries worldwide and ranks 16th out of 31 European nations regarding maternal age.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 28.05 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 29.12 |
| 1990 | 26.48 | 2023 | 29.77 |
| 2000 | 26.97 | 2024 | 29.86 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 30.2% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.44. This represents a slight increase of 1.4 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the latest five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TFG has shown an upward trend, averaging 26.7%. When compared to the 1990s average of 32.6%, the current level remains about 2.4 percentage points lower. Belgium ranks 29th among 38 countries globally, and within Europe, it is positioned 23rd out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 10.9% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 25.5% |
| 1990 | 31.1% | 2023 | 28.8% |
| 2000 | 20.4% | 2024 | 30.2% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Belgium’s SHL stands at 61.3 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 3.5 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 70.9 years. Compared with the 1990s average (53.4 years), SHL is now longer by about 7.9 years.
Globally, Belgium ranks 9 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 8 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Belgium, there would be 34 great-grandchildren, representing a -66.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Belgium ranks 29 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 23 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
The 2024 birth patterns suggest a significant decline in total births over time, projecting a reduction from 108,150 in that year to 54,075 by 2085, reflecting a 50% decrease. Continuing this downward trend, births are expected to drop by 75% around 2147 and by a substantial 90% to just 10,815 by 2228, assuming no migration influences these figures.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, Belgium’s childlessness rate (TCR) stands at 33.4%, marking a slight increase of 1.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, this rate has shown an upward trend, averaging 32.3% between 2020 and 2024. When compared to the average in the 1990s, which was 34.1%, the current figure remains similarly high. On a global scale, Belgium is positioned 30th among 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 23rd out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 17.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 32.2% |
| 1990 | 32.2% | 2023 | 32.1% |
| 2000 | 24.6% | 2024 | 33.4% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
Belgium recorded 108,150 total births in 2024, which is 2,529 fewer than the number in 2023. The last five years have seen a downward trend, with an average annual total of 112,793 births. When looking back to the 1990s, the average yearly total was 103,817, meaning current figures are higher by 4,333 births.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 129.1k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 113.7k |
| 1990 | 109.4k | 2023 | 110.7k |
| 2000 | 115.1k | 2024 | 108.2k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Belgium's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 28.5% in 2024, showing minimal change from the 2023 figure. The indicator has been on an upward trend over the last five years, with an average of 27.7% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 1990s average of 11.1%, the BRI has increased by approximately 17.4 percentage points. On the global stage, Belgium holds the 25th position out of 35 countries, while within Europe, it stands at 22nd place among 30 nations.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 19.5% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 27.5% |
| 1990 | 4.4% | 2023 | 28.8% |
| 2000 | 16.7% | 2024 | 28.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
