Chile
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Chile experienced a notable drop in its total maternal rate in 2020, declining by 5 percentage points from the previous year, reflecting a continuing downward trend over the years. At the same time, the lifetime childlessness rate rose significantly, now marking more than a third of women remaining childless, the highest level internationally. Despite these shifts, the average maternal age increased slightly, maintaining Chile's position with one of the youngest maternal ages globally.
- Total maternal rate fell to 64.3% in 2020, down from 69.3% in 2019, continuing a long-term decline from 92.3% in the 1990s.
- Lifetime childlessness rate climbed to 35.7%, up 5 percentage points from 2019 and well above the 7.6% level seen in the 1990s.
- Average maternal age rose modestly to 27.2 years, still the lowest internationally despite a 4-year increase since the 1990s.
- The fraction of firstborns decreased while two-child families remain most common, with three or more children accounting for about one-third of mothers.
In 2020, Chile showed the lowest fertility and related rates globally alongside notable demographic shifts in maternal age and childlessness.
- Lowest total maternal rate worldwide
- Average maternal age at birth lowest globally
- Lowest generational birthgap rate internationally
- Rising lifetime childlessness but still lowest globally
- Societal half-life shortest across the globe
Key fertility indicators — Chile
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 64.3% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 35.7% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 27.2 years |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 57.7 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 35 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2020, the total maternal rate (TMR) for Chile stood at 64.3%, marking a decrease of 5.0 percentage points compared to 2019. The trend over the last five years shows a decline, with an average TMR of 68.6% from 2016 to 2020. When contrasted with the 1990s average of 92.3%, the current figure is about 28.0 percentage points lower. The lowest recorded TMR occurred around 2003–2005, averaging 78.5%. On the global scale, Chile ranks last among 38 countries for this measure.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 82.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 69.3% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 64.3% |
| 2000 | 86.4% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2020, the number of children per mother in Chile stood at 2.27, showing negligible change from the previous year’s 2.27. Looking at the five years leading up to 2020, the average has remained fairly steady around 2.35. When compared to the 1990s average of 2.48, there has been a decrease of approximately 0.21 children per mother over this period.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.35 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 2.27 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 2.27 |
| 2000 | 2.40 |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age at birth in 2020 reached 27.2 years, marking an increase of 0.3 years from 2019. This upward trend has continued over the last five years, during which the average maternal age has been 26.4 years. Compared to the 1990s, the average maternal age is now higher by about 4.0 years. Among 38 countries, Chile ranks as having the lowest average maternal age.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 24.22 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 26.90 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 27.21 |
| 2000 | 23.34 |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2020, Chile's Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 29.6%, corresponding to a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.46. This represents a significant rise from the previous year, increasing by 5.4 percentage points. Over the five years from 2016 to 2020, the TFG has been steadily climbing, averaging 22.0%. This current figure shows an increase of approximately 29.6 percentage points compared to the 1990s average of 0.0%. Since 2001, Chile has consistently experienced a generational birthgap. The lowest TFG values were recorded in the early 1990s, specifically between 1992 and 1999, with an average of 0.0%. Among 38 countries globally, Chile holds the lowest TFG level.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 5.9% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 24.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 29.6% |
| 2000 | n/a |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2020, Chile’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 57.7 years. It has decreased by 14.8 years compared with 2019. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 83.2 years. Compared with the 1990s average (347.5 years), SHL is now shorter by about 289.8 years.
Globally, Chile has the shortest Societal Half-Life (ranked 38/38).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Chile, there would be 35 great-grandchildren, representing a -65.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Chile has the lowest TGI drop (ranked 38/38).
Birth trajectory
The birth trajectory starting from the 2020 pattern shows a significant population shift ahead. Total births are projected to decrease by 50%, dropping from 194,987 in 2020 down to 97,494 by the year 2078. Further into the future, this decline continues sharply, with births predicted to fall by 75% by 2135 and reach a 90% reduction at 19,499 around 2212. These figures do not account for any migration effects.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2020, Chile's lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) reached 35.7%, marking an increase of 5.0 percentage points from 2019. Over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020, the TCR has been on the rise, averaging 31.4%. This contrasts sharply with the 1990s average of 7.6%, showing an increase of about 28.0 percentage points. The lowest childlessness rates were recorded between 1992 and 1994, averaging only 5.6%. On a global scale, Chile's childlessness rate remains the lowest, ranking 38th out of 38 countries.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 17.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 30.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 35.7% |
| 2000 | 13.6% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2020, Chile recorded 194,987 total births, showing a decrease of 15,120 from the previous year, 2019. The number of births has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average annual count of 215,544. When comparing this to the average in the 1990s, which was 273,712 births, there has been a significant decline of 78,725 births, marking a 28.8% reduction.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 250.2k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 210.1k |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 195.0k |
| 2000 | 251.1k |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
By 2020, the Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) in Chile reached 13.4%, marking a notable increase of 4.7 percentage points from 2019. Over the last five years, from 2016 to 2020, the BRI showed a rising trend, averaging 7.6%. When compared to the 1990s average of -114.0%, the indicator is higher by approximately 127.5 percentage points. Worldwide, Chile holds the lowest BRI score, ranking 35th out of 35 countries.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | -10.4% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2019 | 8.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2020 | 13.4% |
| 2000 | -52.7% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.