Montenegro
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Montenegro exhibited subtle demographic shifts from 2008 to 2009, with a slight decline in completed fertility and a rise in the lifetime childlessness rate. Although the total fertility measure (TMR) decreased by 1.4 percentage points to 81.3%, the childlessness rate climbed to 18.7%. These shifts highlight ongoing low fertility levels accompanied by incremental increases in childlessness.
- The total completed fertility fell slightly, but Montenegro retains one of Europe's lowest fertility levels, ranking last in the region as of 2009.
- The average maternal age remained steady at about 26.3 years, consistently the lowest in Europe, indicating earlier childbearing relative to continental averages.
- Lifetime childlessness rose marginally, yet it remains substantially lower than the 2000s average, suggesting fewer women remain childless compared to earlier years.
- Completed parity mean shows a small increase, offsetting longer-term declines, but total fertility growth remains below replacement levels.
In 2009, Montenegro exhibited unique demographic traits with some of the lowest maternal age and childlessness metrics in Europe.
- Lowest total maternal rate in Europe (lowest globally)
- Average maternal age at birth youngest in Europe and globally
- Lowest birthrate intensity in Europe, ranked last
- Lowest childlessness rate in Europe
- Shortest societal half-life in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Montenegro
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 18.7% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 26.3 years |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 9.2% |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 75 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2009, the motherhood prevalence (TMR) in Montenegro stood at 81.3%, slightly decreasing by 1.4 percentage points from the previous year, 2008. Over the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, the TMR showed an upward trend, averaging 75.0%. Compared to the average of the 2000s, also 75.0%, the latest TMR reflects an increase of approximately 6.3 percentage points. On the global scale, Montenegro's TMR is the lowest, ranking 38th out of 38 countries. Similarly, within Europe, it ranks lowest at 31st among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 82.7% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 81.3% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2009, the number of children per mother in Montenegro reached 2.31, showing a slight rise of 0.06 from the 2.25 recorded in 2008. Over the past five years, this figure has been on a downward trend, with the average settling at 2.38. When compared to the norm throughout the 2000s, also measured at 2.38, the current rate is approximately 0.07 lower.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 2.25 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 2.31 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth was 26.3 years in 2009, showing little change compared to 2008. Throughout the last five years, the AMA has held steady, averaging 26.2 years, which aligns closely with the overall average for the 2000s. Montenegro's maternal age remains notably low, holding the lowest position both globally and within Europe.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 26.40 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 26.34 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) in 2009 stands at 9.2%, which corresponds to a total fertility rate of 1.88. This represents a slight decline from 2008, falling by 0.8 percentage points. Over the five-year span from 2005 to 2009, the indicator has been decreasing, averaging 14.0%. Compared to the average during the 2000s, Montenegro's current level is roughly 4.8 percentage points lower. It holds the lowest TFG values worldwide and within Europe, ranking 38th out of 38 countries globally and 31st out of 31 in Europe.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 10.0% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 9.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Montenegro’s SHL stands at 202.9 years years in 2009. It has increased by 16.1 years compared with 2008. Over the past five years, SHL has been rising, averaging 142.7 years. Compared with the 2000s average (142.7 years), SHL is now longer by about 60.2 years.
Globally, Montenegro has the shortest Societal Half-Life (ranked 38/38).Within Europe, Montenegro has the shortest SHL value (ranked 31/31).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Montenegro, there would be 75 great-grandchildren, representing a -25.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Montenegro has the lowest TGI drop (ranked 38/38). Within Europe, Montenegro has the lowest TGI drop (ranked 31/31).
Birth trajectory
The birth pattern observed in 2009 suggests a significant decline in total births over the coming centuries, with numbers dropping from 8,204 in 2009 to 4,102 by the year 2212, representing a 50% decrease. This downward trend continues sharply, as by 2683, births are projected to reduce by 90% to just 820, assuming there is no migration influence.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
Montenegro’s lifetime childlessness rate reached 18.7% in 2009, marking a slight increase of 1.4 percentage points from 2008. Over the period from 2005 to 2009, this rate has been trending downward, averaging 25.0%. Compared to the 2000s average of 25.0%, the rate in 2009 is approximately 6.3 percentage points lower. Among European countries, Montenegro has the lowest childlessness rate, placing it 31st out of 31, and it also holds the lowest rate globally, ranked 38th out of 38.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 17.3% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 18.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Total births
Montenegro saw a total of 8,204 births in 2009, marking a slight increase of 67 from the previous year, which registered 8,137 births. During the last five years, the number of births has shown an upward trend, averaging 7,764 annually. This recent value represents a 5.7% rise compared to the average number of births recorded throughout the 2000s.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 8,137 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 8,204 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
In 2009, Montenegro’s Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) stood at 9.0%, marking an increase of 2.8 percentage points from 2008. Over the recent five-year span from 2005 to 2009, the BRI has shown a downward trend, averaging 12.9%. When compared to the 2000s average of 12.9%, the latest figure is lower by approximately 3.8 percentage points. On the global stage, Montenegro holds the lowest BRI value, positioned at 35 out of 35 countries. Similarly, within Europe, it ranks last out of 30, maintaining the lowest BRI in the region.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2008 | 6.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2009 | 9.0% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 2000 | n/a | 2020 | n/a |
Source: Eurostat.