North Macedonia
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
North Macedonia saw a notable shift in 2024 with a decline in total maternal rate to 62.0%, down 4.2 percentage points from 2023, reflecting a recent broader downward trend after a prior rise. Contrarily, the total childlessness rate increased significantly by 4.2 points to 38.0%, marking a reversal from its recent declining trajectory. These changes hint at evolving reproductive behaviors in the country.
- Average maternal age remains low at 28.2 years, one of the youngest averages within Europe, rising only slightly since last year but substantially over the past decades.
- Population childlessness (TFG) edged up to 31.2% in 2024, continuing a longer-term rise contrasting with 1990s levels.
- Children per mother (CPM) increased marginally to 2.30, maintaining one of the highest CPM values both globally and in Europe despite a recent downward trend.
- Total births slightly declined by 635 to 15,948, continuing a subtle reduction compared to previous years.
In 2024, North Macedonia shows a declining yet still moderate fertility with notable shifts in maternal age and birth trends.
- Total maternal rate below global and European averages, ranked mid-range globally and in Europe
- High children per mother compared to most countries, among highest in Europe
- Average maternal age one of the lowest in Europe and globally, though rising steadily
- Childlessness is increasing, now well above 1990s levels with mid-European ranking
Key fertility indicators — North Macedonia
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 62.0% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 38.0% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 28.2 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 33 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
The total maternal rate (TMR) stands at 62.0% in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 4.2 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years (2020–2024), this rate has shown an upward trend, averaging 63.5%. When compared to the 1990s average of 77.4%, the current figure is lower by approximately 15.4 percentage points.
Globally, North Macedonia holds the 23rd position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it is ranked 21st out of 31.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 69.3% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 59.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 66.2% |
| 2000 | 79.7% | 2024 | 62.0% |
Source: Eurostat.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, the children per mother (CPM) in North Macedonia reached 2.30, marking an increase of 0.09 from 2023. The average CPM over the last five years has been on the rise, standing at 2.21. This current value is quite close to the long-term average seen in the 1990s, which was 2.32. When compared globally, North Macedonia ranks 34th out of 38 countries in CPM, placing it among the higher values worldwide. Within the European context, the country holds a similarly high position, ranking 28th out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.23 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.16 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 2.21 |
| 2000 | 2.26 | 2024 | 2.30 |
Source: Eurostat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth in North Macedonia reached 28.2 years in 2024, showing little change from 28.16 years in 2023. This age has been steadily increasing over the last five years, with a five-year average of 27.8 years. Compared with the 1990s, the AMA is now 4.3 years higher than the average of 23.89 years recorded during 1997–1999. The current three-year average from 2022 to 2024 is the highest at 28.03 years. Despite these increases, the country’s average maternal age remains among the lower values both globally and within Europe.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 26.02 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 27.50 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 28.16 |
| 2000 | 24.21 | 2024 | 28.19 |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for North Macedonia reached 31.2% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.42. This figure shows a slight increase from 2023, rising by 1.9 percentage points. Childlessness has seen an upward trend over the last five years, with the average from 2020 to 2024 standing at 32.3%. When looking back to the 1990s, the current level is significantly higher by approximately 17.8 percentage points compared to the 13.4% average during that decade. On the worldwide scale, North Macedonia holds the 25th position among 38 countries, while within Europe it ranks 19th among 31 nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 25.3% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 37.8% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 29.3% |
| 2000 | 13.0% | 2024 | 31.2% |
Source: Eurostat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
North Macedonia’s SHL stands at 56.0 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 4.2 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been rising, averaging 54.8 years. Compared with the 1990s average (131.9 years), SHL is now shorter by about 75.9 years.
Globally, North Macedonia ranks 16 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 15 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in North Macedonia, there would be 33 great-grandchildren, representing a -67.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, North Macedonia ranks 25 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 19 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
According to the birth trends observed in 2024, the total number of births is projected to decline from 15,948 that year to 7,974 by 2080, reflecting a 50% decrease. Looking further ahead, births are expected to drop by 90%, reaching 1,595 by 2210, assuming no migration occurs during this period.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The childlessness rate (TCR) in North Macedonia reached 38.0% in 2024, marking an increase of 4.2 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the last five years from 2020 to 2024, the average TCR has actually been on a downward trend, sitting at 36.5%. When looking back to the 1990s, the rate was significantly lower, averaging 22.6%, making the recent figure about 15.4 percentage points higher. On a global scale, North Macedonia holds the 15th position out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it ranks 10th among 31 nations.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 30.7% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 40.3% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 33.8% |
| 2000 | 20.3% | 2024 | 38.0% |
Source: Eurostat.
Total births
In 2024, North Macedonia recorded 15,948 total births, showing a slight decrease from 16,583 in 2023. The trend over the last five years indicates a gradual decline, with an average of 17,562 births annually during this period. When compared to the 1990s average of 27,443 births, the current figures reflect a significant reduction of 11,495 births, marking a 41.9% decrease.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 24.1k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 18.9k |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 16.6k |
| 2000 | 27.9k | 2024 | 15.9k |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for North Macedonia reached 35.1% in 2024, showing a slight increase of 1.7 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years, the BRI has shown a consistent upward trend, with the average from 2020 to 2024 standing at 32.8%. Compared to the 1990s average of -23.0%, the current value represents a significant rise of approximately 58.1 percentage points. On a global scale, North Macedonia is positioned 21st among 35 countries, while in Europe, it holds the 18th spot out of 30 countries.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 17.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 35.1% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 33.5% |
| 2000 | -13.0% | 2024 | 35.1% |
Source: Eurostat.
