Hungary
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Hungary experienced a notable drop in its total maternal rate in 2024, declining by 6.3 percentage points from the previous year. Meanwhile, the lifetime childlessness rate rose sharply by 6.3 points, pushing it to 37.5%, well above historical levels. Despite these shifts, the completion parity measure remains just above the long-term average, and the average maternal age continues its gradual rise, reaching 29.4 years in 2024.
- The total maternal rate fell to 62.5% in 2024, continuing a downward trend since the 1970s when it was 95%.
- Lifetime childlessness increased significantly to 37.5%, indicating a growing share of women not having children over their lifetimes.
- The completion parity measure rose slightly to 2.18, close to its 1970s average of 2.20, suggesting family sizes among those bearing children have remained stable.
- Average maternal age at birth edged up to 29.4 years, nearly seven years older than the 1970s average, reflecting a trend toward later childbearing.
In 2024, Hungary's fertility and birth rates show continued decline, with childlessness rates rising and maternal age increasing.
- Total maternal rate down sharply, ranking 20th in Europe
- Children per mother stable near long-term norm
- Average maternal age slightly up, ranking 21st in Europe
- Lifetime childlessness high and increasing, 12th highest in Europe
- Birthgap generational indicator improved but still low, 14th in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Hungary
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 62.5% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 37.5% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 29.4 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 34.2% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 52.2 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 28 |
| Total births (latest year) | 77,511 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, Hungary's total maternal rate (TMR) stands at 62.5%, marking a significant drop of 6.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the TMR has shown a downward trend, averaging 70.2% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 1970s average of 95.0%, the current rate is approximately 32.5 percentage points lower. On the global stage, Hungary holds the 22nd position out of 38 countries, while within Europe it ranks 20th among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 94.4% | 2010 | 60.7% |
| 1980 | 90.6% | 2020 | 74.1% |
| 1990 | 81.8% | 2023 | 68.8% |
| 2000 | 58.2% | 2024 | 62.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, Hungary's children per mother (CPM) stands at 2.18, showing a small increase of 0.02 from the previous year. Over the past five years, the CPM has been on an upward trend, averaging 2.15. This current figure is quite near the long-term average from the 1970s, which was 2.20. On the global stage, Hungary holds the 23rd position out of 38 countries, while in Europe, it ranks 19th out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.10 | 2010 | 2.06 |
| 1980 | 2.11 | 2020 | 2.11 |
| 1990 | 2.28 | 2023 | 2.16 |
| 2000 | 2.27 | 2024 | 2.18 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth reached 29.45 years in 2024, marking a modest increase of 0.19 years from 2023. AMA has shown a rising trend over the last five years, with an average of 29.07 years during this period. Compared to the 1970s, the current AMA is 6.86 years higher. On the global stage, Hungary holds the 26th position among 38 countries, and within Europe, it ranks 21st out of 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 22.82 | 2010 | 27.67 |
| 1980 | 22.44 | 2020 | 28.36 |
| 1990 | 23.09 | 2023 | 29.26 |
| 2000 | 25.10 | 2024 | 29.45 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 34.2% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.36. This marks a significant rise of 5.9 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the last five years from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has been on an upward trend, averaging 27.2%. When compared to the 1970s average of 2.6%, the current figure is higher by approximately 31.6 percentage points. Historically, the lowest TFG was recorded during the mid-1970s, specifically from 1974 to 1978, averaging 0.0%. On the global stage, Hungary holds the 19th position out of 38 countries and ranks 14th among 31 European nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 4.0% | 2010 | 39.7% |
| 1980 | 7.7% | 2020 | 24.6% |
| 1990 | 9.9% | 2023 | 28.3% |
| 2000 | 36.2% | 2024 | 34.2% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Hungary’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 52.2 years. It has decreased by 13.1 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been rising, averaging 69.3 years. Compared with the 1970s average (973.7 years), SHL is now shorter by about 921.5 years.
Globally, Hungary ranks 19 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 17 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Hungary, there would be 28 great-grandchildren, representing a -72.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Hungary ranks 19 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 14 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
Looking at the birth trend for 2024, the total number of births, recorded at 77,511, is projected to decline sharply over time if migration is not considered. By 2076, births are expected to decrease by 50%, dropping to 38,756. This downward trend continues dramatically, with a 75% reduction anticipated by 2128. Eventually, by 2197, births could fall by 90%, reaching as low as 7,751.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, Hungary's lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) reached 37.5%, marking a significant increase of 6.3 percentage points from the previous year. The TCR has been on an upward trend over the last five years (2020–2024), averaging 29.8%. This current rate stands markedly above the 1970s level of 5.0%, showing a rise of approximately 32.5 percentage points since then. Among 38 countries worldwide, Hungary holds the 17th position in this measure, while within Europe, it ranks 12th out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 5.6% | 2010 | 39.3% |
| 1980 | 9.4% | 2020 | 25.9% |
| 1990 | 18.2% | 2023 | 31.2% |
| 2000 | 41.8% | 2024 | 37.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
Hungary saw 77,511 total births in 2024, marking a decrease of 6,886 compared to the previous year. The trend over the last five years shows a decline in births, with an average of 86,882 annually. When contrasted with the 1970s average of 168,220 births, the current figure is lower by 90,709, which represents a 53.9% drop.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 151.6k | 2010 | 90.3k |
| 1980 | 148.4k | 2020 | 92.3k |
| 1990 | 125.4k | 2023 | 84.4k |
| 2000 | 97.5k | 2024 | 77.5k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Hungary's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 46.8% in 2024, marking an increase of 5.7 percentage points from the previous year. This metric has shown a steady upward trend over the last five years, with the average from 2020 to 2024 at 39.3%. Compared to the 1970s average of -19.1%, the current level is about 65.9 percentage points higher. On a global scale, the country holds the 13th position out of 35 nations, while within Europe it ranks 10th out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -19.9% | 2010 | 28.5% |
| 1980 | -7.1% | 2020 | 35.7% |
| 1990 | -2.5% | 2023 | 41.2% |
| 2000 | 33.9% | 2024 | 46.8% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
