Luxembourg
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Luxembourg's fertility landscape in 2024 shows a slight decline in the total maternal rate, decreasing by half a percentage point to 68.8%, continuing a longer downward trend from higher levels in previous decades. Meanwhile, the average maternal age at birth has increased marginally to nearly 32 years, maintaining one of the highest maternal ages in Europe.
- Total fertility per mother remains low and stable at 1.83 children, ranking Luxembourg among European countries with the lowest completed family sizes.
- Childlessness rate increased slightly to 31.2%, although it remains below the European average, signaling more adults remain without children compared to past decades.
- The birthgap generational indicator is stable at 39.1%, higher than the 2000s baseline, indicating demographic shifts with delayed or fewer births over generations.
In 2024, Luxembourg features one of Europe's highest average maternal ages alongside a total maternal rate well above global and regional averages.
- TMR ranks 5th highest in Europe at nearly 69%
- Average maternal age is 31.9 years, 3rd highest in Europe
- Total children per mother is low, ranked 3rd lowest in Europe
- Childlessness rate is among the lowest in Europe
- Projected births could halve by 2071 if trends persist
Key fertility indicators — Luxembourg
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 68.8% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 31.2% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 31.9 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 39.1% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 47.5 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 23 |
| Total births (latest year) | 6,459 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total maternal rate (TMR) in Luxembourg stands at 68.8%, showing a slight decrease of 0.5 percentage points from 2023. The TMR has declined over the past five years, with a 2020–2024 average of 72.0%. Compared to the 2000s average of 83.5%, this marks a reduction of about 14.7 percentage points.
Globally, Luxembourg remains among the countries with the highest TMR, ranked 5th out of 38, and it holds a similar position within Europe, ranking 5th out of 31.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 86.3% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 73.8% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 69.3% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 68.8% |
Source: Eurostat.
Children per mother (CPM)
The number of children per mother in Luxembourg stands at 1.83 in 2024, showing a slight increase of 0.02 from the previous year. Over the last five years, the CPM has remained fairly steady, averaging 1.83. When compared to the 2000s average of 1.94, this figure has dropped by roughly 0.11. Luxembourg's CPM ranks among the lowest globally, placed 4th out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it holds the 3rd lowest position out of 31 nations.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 1.89 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 1.85 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 1.81 |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 1.83 |
Source: Eurostat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth reached 31.9 years in 2024, marking a modest increase of 0.2 years from 2023. Over the last five years, the AMA has shown a rising trend, with a five-year average of 31.7 years. This figure stands 2.4 years above the average in the 2000s. Luxembourg consistently records one of the highest maternal ages, ranking fourth out of 38 countries globally and third out of 31 within Europe.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 30.02 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 31.39 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 31.74 |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 31.95 |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) stands at 39.1% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.26. This figure remains nearly unchanged from 2023, with a slight decrease of 0.4 percentage points. Over the past five years, the indicator has shown an upward trend, averaging 36.2% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 2000s average of 21.7%, the current level is approximately 17.4 percentage points higher. Internationally, Luxembourg holds the 14th position out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it is ranked 9th among 31 nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 21.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 34.0% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 39.5% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 39.1% |
Source: Eurostat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Luxembourg’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 47.5 years. It has increased by 0.9 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 52.3 years. Compared with the 2000s average (89.4 years), SHL is now shorter by about 41.9 years.
Globally, Luxembourg ranks 25 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 23 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Luxembourg, there would be 23 great-grandchildren, representing a -77.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Luxembourg ranks 14 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 9 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
Using the birth data from 2024 as a reference, the total number of births is projected to decrease significantly over the coming decades if migration is not considered. By 2071, births are expected to be reduced by half, dropping from 6,459 in 2024 to 3,230. The decline continues steadily, reaching a 75% reduction by 2119, and plunging further to just 646 births by 2182, which represents a 90% decrease compared to 2024 levels.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the childlessness rate (TCR) in Luxembourg reached 31.2%, marking a slight increase of 0.5 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years (2020–2024), the rate has trended upward, averaging 28.0%. This level is notably higher compared to the 2000s average of 16.5%, showing an increase of about 14.7 percentage points. On a global scale, Luxembourg ranks among the countries with the lowest childlessness rates, positioned 34th out of 38.
Within Europe, it is similarly placed, ranking 27th out of 31 countries for low childlessness rates.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 13.7% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 26.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 30.7% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 31.2% |
Source: Eurostat.
Total births
Total births in Luxembourg reached 6,459 in 2024, showing a slight increase of 182 from the 6,277 births recorded in 2023. Over the last five years, there has been an upward trend, with the average number of births reaching 6,468 per year. This marks a 16.6% rise compared to the average of 5,540 births in the 2000s.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 5,856 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 6,443 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 6,277 |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 6,459 |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for Luxembourg stands at 29.5% in 2024, marking a decrease of 3.5 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the BRI has shown a downward trend, averaging 30.8% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 2000s average of 19.2%, the current level is approximately 10.2 percentage points higher. Luxembourg holds the 22nd position out of 35 countries worldwide and ranks 19th out of 30 within Europe.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 20.7% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 31.6% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 32.9% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 29.5% |
Source: Eurostat.
