Hungary
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Hungary experienced a notable demographic shift in 2024, with a sharp decline in total maternal rate and a significant rise in lifetime childlessness rate, highlighting changing family patterns. Meanwhile, slight increases in average maternal age and the generational fertility indicator suggest evolving reproductive behavior against a backdrop of fewer births overall.
- Total maternal rate fell sharply by 6.3 percentage points to 62.5%, continuing a downward trend from an average of 70.2% over the past five years and well below the 1970s level of 95%.
- Lifetime childlessness rate rose markedly by 6.3 percentage points to 37.5%, a concerning increase from a recent five-year average of 29.8% and far above the 5% baseline in the 1970s.
- The Birthgap Generational Indicator increased by 5.9 percentage points to 34.2%, reflecting a modest rebound in generational fertility, though the absolute level remains relatively low.
- Average maternal age edged up 0.2 years to 29.4, now almost 7 years higher than in the 1970s, signaling delayed childbearing trends.
In 2024, Hungary's maternal and fertility metrics highlight ongoing demographic challenges with declines in total maternal rate and births, alongside rising childlessness.
- Total maternal rate fell sharply, ranking 20th in Europe
- Average children per mother rising slightly, near historical levels
- Maternal age at birth increased, now below European average
- High lifetime childlessness rate, among the highest in Europe
- Birthgap Retirement Indicator notably elevated, ranking 10th 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)
The total maternal rate (TMR) in Hungary stood at 62.5% in 2024, marking a significant drop of 6.3 percentage points from the previous year. Over the past five years, the TMR has shown a downward trend, with an average of 70.2% between 2020 and 2024. This current figure is notably lower than the 1970s average of 95.0%, representing a decrease of roughly 32.5 percentage points. On the international stage, Hungary is positioned 22nd out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it ranks 20th among 31 nations.
| 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, the number of children per mother (CPM) in Hungary reached 2.18, marking a modest increase of 0.02 from the previous year. The five-year average shows a gradual upward trend, with CPM at 2.15. This current figure is quite close to Hungary's average CPM of 2.20 recorded in the 1970s. On the global stage, Hungary holds the 23rd position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it stands 19th among 31 nations.
| 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 at birth has reached 29.45 years in 2024, showing a modest increase of 0.19 years from the previous year. Over the last five years, this figure has steadily climbed, with a five-year average of 29.07 years. Compared to the 1970s average of 22.59 years, the current average maternal age is nearly seven years older. Hungary holds the 26th position out of 38 countries worldwide and ranks 21st among 31 European nations in terms of average maternal age.
| 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)
By 2024, the Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 34.2%, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.36. This marks a significant rise of 5.9 percentage points compared to the previous year, 2023. Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, the TFG has shown an upward trend with an average value of 27.2%. When compared to the 1970s average of 2.6%, the current figure is about 31.6 percentage points higher. The lowest recorded TFG occurred between 1974 and 1978, with an average near zero. On a global scale, Hungary holds the 19th position out of 38 countries, while within Europe it ranks 14th out of 31.
| 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
According to the birth pattern in 2024, the total number of births is expected to decline significantly over time. By 2076, births could drop by 50%, falling from 77,511 in 2024 to 38,756. Projections further suggest a 75% decrease by 2128 and a 90% reduction by 2197, with births falling to 7,751, assuming no migration occurs.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in Hungary reached 37.5% in 2024, marking a significant increase of 6.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has shown a rising trend, averaging 29.8%. Compared to the 1970s baseline rate of 5.0%, the current figure is approximately 32.5 percentage points higher. In a global context, Hungary holds the 17th position among 38 countries, while within Europe it is ranked 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 recorded 77,511 total births in 2024, a decrease of 6,886 from the previous year. Birth numbers have been declining over the last five years, with an average of 86,882 births annually. When compared to the 1970s average of 168,220 births, the current figure represents a decrease of 90,709 births, which is 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 been climbing steadily 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 figure is approximately 65.9 percentage points higher. On the international stage, Hungary places 13th among 35 countries and holds the 10th position among 30 European nations.
| 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.
