Netherlands
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2024, the Netherlands shows a slight increase in total births and a continuing gradual rise in average maternal age, reflecting ongoing demographic shifts. Total fertility growth saw a modest uptick, while lifetime childlessness remains notably high compared to historic norms, underscoring persistent patterns in family formation.
- Total births increased by 1,695 from 2023, reaching 166,143 in 2024.
- The average maternal age rose slightly to 30.45 years, continuing a trend of delayed childbirth compared to the 1970s.
- Lifetime childlessness rate holds steady at 33.7%, about 9 percentage points above the 1970s level.
- Children per mother decreased marginally to 2.16, remaining below the 1970s average of 2.48, while the total fertility growth edged up to 30.8%.
In 2024, the Netherlands shows stable but declining fertility rates and an aging childbearing population, with demographic patterns continuing shifts seen over recent decades.
- Children per mother slightly above European average at 2.16, ranking mid-range globally and in Europe
- Mean age at childbearing higher than Europe average at 30.4 years, ranking in top third…
- Generational birthgap growing, with birth rates expected to halve by 2085
- Lifetime childlessness rate rising, now above a third of the population
Key fertility indicators — The The Netherlands
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 33.7% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.16 |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 61.2 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 33 |
| Total births (latest year) | 166,143 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
Completed fertility among mothers in the Netherlands stands at 66.3% in 2024, showing minimal change from the 66.0% recorded in 2023. During the recent five-year span from 2020 to 2024, the total motherhood prevalence rate (TMR) has been on a decline, averaging 68.9%. Compared with the average in the 1970s of 75.3%, the current level is about 9.0 percentage points lower. The lowest three-year average occurred between 1982 and 1984 at 63.9%, while the peak average was observed in the mid-1960s (1965–1967) at around 1.01. The Netherlands ranks 10th globally among 38 countries and also holds the 10th position within 31 European countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 90.5% | 2010 | 84.1% |
| 1980 | 68.0% | 2020 | 69.9% |
| 1990 | 72.3% | 2023 | 66.0% |
| 2000 | 82.6% | 2024 | 66.3% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
The children per mother (CPM) in the Netherlands stood at 2.16 in 2024, showing a small decrease of 0.02 from the previous year. Over the last five years, the CPM has been on a downward trend, averaging 2.18. When looking back to the 1970s, the current figure is about 0.31 lower than the average of 2.48 recorded then. Among 38 countries worldwide, the Netherlands holds the 21st position, while within Europe, it is ranked 17th out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.84 | 2010 | 2.13 |
| 1980 | 2.36 | 2020 | 2.21 |
| 1990 | 2.23 | 2023 | 2.18 |
| 2000 | 2.08 | 2024 | 2.16 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age in the Netherlands reached 30.45 years in 2024, showing a slight increase of 0.1 years from 2023. This upward trend has been consistent over the past five years, with the average settling around 30.32 years. Compared to the 1970s, when the average maternal age was just over 25, it has risen by about 5.3 years. Among 38 countries worldwide, the Netherlands holds the 14th position, and within Europe, it ranks 9th out of 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 24.78 | 2010 | 29.24 |
| 1980 | 25.74 | 2020 | 30.19 |
| 1990 | 27.61 | 2023 | 30.35 |
| 2000 | 28.63 | 2024 | 30.45 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2024, the Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for the Netherlands stands at 0.308, translating to a total fertility rate of 1.43. This marks a slight increase of 0.004 from the previous year's 0.304 value, indicating relative stability. Over the past five years, the indicator has been on an upward trend, averaging 0.273 between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 1970s average of 0.1927, today's figure is higher by roughly 0.1153. A continuous generational birthgap has been present since 1973, with the TFG hitting its lowest point between 1970 and 1972 at an average of 0.0. In global rankings, the Netherlands is 26th among 38 countries, and in Europe, it holds the 20th position out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 13.2% |
| 1980 | 22.6% | 2020 | 25.4% |
| 1990 | 21.9% | 2023 | 30.4% |
| 2000 | 16.8% | 2024 | 30.8% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Netherlands’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 61.2 years. It has decreased by 0.7 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 71.8 years. Compared with the 1970s average (144.2 years), SHL is now shorter by about 83.1 years.
Globally, Netherlands ranks 10 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 9 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Netherlands, there would be 33 great-grandchildren, representing a -67.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Netherlands ranks 26 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 20 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
The birth trajectory for the Netherlands indicates a significant decline over the coming centuries. Starting from 166,143 births in 2024, the number is projected to decrease by 50% to 83,072 by the year 2085. This downward trend continues, with births expected to be 75% lower by 2146 and ultimately dropping 90% to just 16,614 by 2227. These projections do not account for migration effects and are based solely on the 2024 birth patterns.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in the Netherlands stands at 33.7% in 2024, showing only a slight decrease from 34.0% in 2023. Over the past five years, the TCR has been on the rise, with an average of 31.1% between 2020 and 2024. This figure is approximately 9.0 percentage points higher than the average rate of 24.7% observed in the 1970s. On a global scale, the country is placed 29th among 38 nations and ranks 22nd out of 31 European countries in terms of childlessness.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 9.5% | 2010 | 15.9% |
| 1980 | 32.0% | 2020 | 30.1% |
| 1990 | 27.7% | 2023 | 34.0% |
| 2000 | 17.4% | 2024 | 33.7% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
The Netherlands saw 166,143 total births in 2024, an increase of 1,695 compared to 2023. Over the last five years, annual births have been trending downward, with an average of 169,222. When compared to the 1970s average of 193,970 births, current numbers have decreased by 27,827, reflecting a 14.3% drop.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 238.9k | 2010 | 184.4k |
| 1980 | 181.3k | 2020 | 168.6k |
| 1990 | 197.9k | 2023 | 164.4k |
| 2000 | 206.6k | 2024 | 166.1k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
By 2024, the Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for the Netherlands reached 25.8%, showing a significant decline of 5.9 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the BRI has been on a downward trend, averaging 31.7% between 2020 and 2024. When compared with the 1970s average of -33.0%, the current level reflects an increase of approximately 58.8 percentage points. On the global stage, the Netherlands is among the countries with the lowest BRI values, ranking 31st out of 35, and it holds a similar position within Europe, ranking 28th out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -85.1% | 2010 | 25.1% |
| 1980 | -21.9% | 2020 | 36.6% |
| 1990 | -19.9% | 2023 | 31.7% |
| 2000 | 8.9% | 2024 | 25.8% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
