Canada
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Canada's fertility landscape in 2024 remains largely stable with modest shifts in birth and demographic patterns. Total births increased by over 14,000 from the previous year, while key fertility rates such as total maternal rate and childlessness rate show minimal change but continue long-term trends of decline and rise respectively. The average maternal age continues its steady climb, marking a significant shift from historical norms.
- The total maternal rate is slightly lower year-over-year at 56.6%, continuing a downward trend from the 1970s peak of 75.8%.
- Lifetime childlessness remains high at 43.4%, notably above the 1970s average of 24.2%, reflecting persistent long-term increases.
- Average maternal age rose slightly to 30.5 years, about 6 years older than in the 1970s, indicating delayed childbearing.
- Total births increased to 365,737 in 2024, up by 14,022 from 2023, highlighting a short-term rise despite other fertility declines.
In 2024, Canada shows moderate fertility rates with little change from previous years, but rising average maternal age and increasing lifetime childlessness.
- Total maternal rate below global average, ranked 29th of 38 countries
- Average children per mother at 2.21, placing Canada 25th globally
- Average maternal age among the highest at 30.5 years, ranked 13th
- Lifetime childlessness rate among the highest worldwide, ranked 10th
- Birthgap generational indicator consistently high, ranking 12th globally
Key fertility indicators — Canada
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 56.6% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 43.4% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 30.5 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 39.6% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 44.6 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 22 |
| Total births (latest year) | 365,737 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total maternal rate (TMR) for Canada stands at 56.6%, showing little change from the 2023 figure of 56.8%. Over the recent five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TMR has seen a decline, averaging 58.6%. Compared to the 1970s, when it averaged 75.8%, the current TMR has decreased by approximately 19.2 percentage points. The rate reached one of its lower points in the early 2000s, averaging 68.3% between 2000 and 2002. On the global stage, Canada holds the 29th position out of 38 countries for this measure.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 83.7% | 2010 | 71.4% |
| 1980 | 73.3% | 2020 | 60.7% |
| 1990 | 77.7% | 2023 | 56.8% |
| 2000 | 68.3% | 2024 | 56.6%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, the average number of children per mother in Canada stands at 2.21, showing a slight decrease from 2.21 in 2023. Over the past five years, this figure has been gradually declining, with a five-year average of 2.27. Compared to the 1970s, when the average was 2.48, the current rate is approximately 0.28 lower. This measurement indicates a continuing downward trend in family size over recent decades.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.76 | 2010 | 2.30 |
| 1980 | 2.29 | 2020 | 2.32 |
| 1990 | 2.21 | 2023 | 2.21 |
| 2000 | 2.21 | 2024 | 2.21* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth in 2024 stands at 30.47 years, showing a modest increase of 0.18 years from 2023. During the last five years, AMA has been on an upward trend, with a five-year average of about 30.16 years. This figure is significantly higher—by 6.23 years—compared to the average in the 1970s, which was 24.24 years. Canada is positioned 13th among 38 countries in this metric.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 23.70 | 2010 | 28.37 |
| 1980 | 24.90 | 2020 | 29.79 |
| 1990 | 25.90 | 2023 | 30.29 |
| 2000 | 27.11 | 2024 | 30.47* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) in 2024 stands at 39.6%, corresponding to a TFR of 1.25, showing only a slight increase from 39.3% in 2023. Childlessness has steadily risen over the last five years, with the 2020–2024 average reaching 35.8%. When compared to the 1970s average of 10.4%, this represents an increase of approximately 29.2 percentage points. A continuous Generational Birthgap has been present since 1972, with the lowest TFG occurring between 1990 and 1992 at an average of 17.2%. Among 38 countries worldwide, Canada holds the 12th position in this measure.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 20.5% |
| 1980 | 18.9% | 2020 | 32.1% |
| 1990 | 17.2% | 2023 | 39.3% |
| 2000 | 27.1% | 2024 | 39.6%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Canada’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 44.6 years. It is essentially unchanged from the previous year. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 50.9 years. Compared with the 1970s average (196.3 years), SHL is now shorter by about 151.7 years.
Globally, Canada ranks 27 out of 38 countries.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Canada, there would be 22 great-grandchildren, representing a -78.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Canada ranks 12 out of 38 countries.
Birth trajectory
Using the birth pattern recorded in 2024, the number of births is projected to decrease significantly over the coming decades. By 2069, births are expected to drop 50% from 365,737 in 2024 to 182,868. This downward trend continues dramatically, with births falling 75% by 2113, and ultimately reaching a 90% reduction by 2172, resulting in just 36,574 births. These projections assume no impact from migration.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in Canada stands at 43.4%, showing very little change from 43.2% in 2023. Looking at the last five years from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has been on an upward trend, averaging 41.4%. This figure is significantly higher than the 1970s average of 24.2%, marking an increase of approximately 19.2 percentage points over that period. Canada ranks 10th among 38 countries globally in terms of childlessness rates.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 16.3% | 2010 | 28.6% |
| 1980 | 26.7% | 2020 | 39.3% |
| 1990 | 22.3% | 2023 | 43.2% |
| 2000 | 31.7% | 2024 | 43.4%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Total births
The number of total births in Canada reached 365,737 in 2024, marking an increase of 14,022 from the previous year. Although the five-year average stands at 359,940 births annually, reflecting a rising trend over this period, the current total surpasses the 1970s average of 346,046 by 19,691 births, which corresponds to a 5.7% increase.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 359.1k | 2010 | 379.0k |
| 1980 | 360.1k | 2020 | 360.7k |
| 1990 | 397.6k | 2023 | 351.7k |
| 2000 | 328.4k | 2024 | 365.7k* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
In 2024, Canada's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) stands at 23.7%, showing a decrease of 2.4 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years (2020–2024), the BRI has remained relatively steady, averaging 25.7%. This level is significantly above the 1970s baseline of -43.4%, exceeding it by roughly 67.0 percentage points. Internationally, Canada ranks near the lower end in BRI values, positioned 32nd out of 35 countries.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -67.1% | 2010 | 30.1% |
| 1980 | -42.9% | 2020 | 26.1% |
| 1990 | -46.7% | 2023 | 26.1% |
| 2000 | 22.4% | 2024 | 23.7%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Statistics Canada..
