North Macedonia
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
North Macedonia experienced a notable year-over-year decline in its total maternal rate, dropping by 4.2 percentage points to 62.0% in 2024, a reversal after a recent upward trend. Contrastingly, the proportion of two-child families increased by 4.2 percentage points, reaching 38.0%. The average maternal age remained stable around 28.2 years, making it one of the lowest in Europe, while childlessness marginally rose but remains elevated compared to the 1990s.
- The total fertility gap slightly increased to 31.2%, indicating a modest rise in childlessness since 2023 and a significant increase compared to the 1990s.
- Children per mother (CPM) edged up to 2.30, maintaining one of the highest levels among European countries despite a five-year declining trend.
- Mortality trends show a decrease in single-child family share, balanced by gains in two and three-plus child families, a shift aligning with Europe’s demographic patterns.
- In comparison to the 1990s, today's maternal age has increased by over four years, though it remains low relative to other European nations.
In 2024, North Macedonia experiences low and declining fertility levels with subtle rises in births and birth rates amid an aging demographic profile.
- Total maternal rate below both global and European averages, ranking 21st in Europe
- High children per mother (2.3), among Europe's highest for this metric
- Average maternal age is low (28.2 years), placing 26th in Europe
- Childlessness rising, with fertility gap ranking 19th in Europe
- Births projected to halve by 2080, continuing long-term decline
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) reached 62.0% in 2024, showing a decrease of 4.2 percentage points from 2023. Over the five years leading up to 2024, this rate has been on an upward trend, averaging 63.5%. When comparing to the 1990s average of 77.4%, the current TMR is lower by roughly 15.4 percentage points. Among 38 countries worldwide, North Macedonia sits in 23rd place, and within Europe, it ranks 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)
The children per mother (CPM) in North Macedonia reached 2.30 in 2024, marking an increase of 0.09 from 2023. Over the previous five years, CPM has actually been on the rise, with an average of 2.21 during that period. When compared to the 1990s average of 2.32, the current figure remains quite close to that long-term benchmark. In a global context, the country ranks 34th out of 38 with one of the highest CPM values.
Within Europe, it similarly holds a 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 2024 stands at 28.2 years, showing little change from 2023. Over the most recent five-year period, AMA has steadily increased, with a five-year average of 27.8 years. This represents a rise of 4.3 years compared to the average in the 1990s. When compared internationally, North Macedonia ranks among the countries with the lowest average maternal ages, positioned 32nd out of 38 globally and 26th out of 31 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 stands at 31.2% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.42. This reflects a slight increase of 1.9 percentage points compared to 2023. Childlessness has shown an upward trend over the past five years, with the 2020–2024 average reaching 32.3%. When contrasted with the 1990s average of 13.4%, the current level is approximately 17.8 percentage points higher. On the global stage, North Macedonia holds the 25th position out of 38 countries, while it ranks 19th out of 31 within Europe.
| 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
Looking ahead from 2024, the number of births is expected to halve from 15,948 to 7,974 by the year 2080, assuming current birth trends continue without factoring in migration. Further decline would bring births down by 75% in 2136, and ultimately result in a 90% drop to just 1,595 births by 2210.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the total childlessness rate (TCR) in North Macedonia reached 38.0%, marking a rise of 4.2 percentage points compared to 2023. Looking at the five years from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has shown a downward trend, averaging 36.5%. When compared to the average from the 1990s, which was 22.6%, the rate is now about 15.4 percentage points higher. On a global scale, the country stands 15th out of 38 nations, and within Europe, it ranks 10th among 31 countries.
| 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
The number of total births in North Macedonia reached 15,948 in 2024, showing a slight decline from 16,583 in 2023. Over the last five years, births have trended downward, with an average of 17,562 annually. When compared to the 1990s average of 27,443 births, the recent figures represent a decrease of 11,495 births, equating to a 41.9% drop.
| 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 2023. Throughout the last five years, the BRI has been on an upward trend, with an average of 32.8% between 2020 and 2024. This figure is significantly higher than the 1990s average of -23.0%, marking an increase of roughly 58.1 percentage points. On the global stage, the country holds the 21st position out of 35, while within Europe, it stands at 18th among 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.
