Norway
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Norway's birth-related metrics in 2024 show a mixed but subtly shifting demographic pattern. The total maternal rate has inched up again to 63.6%, reversing a recent downward trend, while the country continues to experience relatively high lifetime childlessness at 36.4%, though this has dipped slightly from last year. Average maternal age continues to rise, now at 30.4 years, reflecting long-term changes in family formation timing. Childlessness remains significantly elevated compared to the 1970s, highlighting persistent generational shifts.
- Total maternal rate rose by 0.8 percentage points from 2023 to 63.6%, after years of decline since the 1970s.
- Average maternal age increased slightly to 30.4 years, continuing a steady rise of nearly 7 years since the 1970s.
- Lifetime childlessness rate decreased modestly to 36.4%, though it remains more than double the 1970s level.
- Total births increased by 2,047 to 54,013 in 2024, indicating a small rise in overall birth counts despite ongoing fertility challenges.
In 2024, Norway shows modest population growth indicators amid declining fertility and aging trends.
- Total maternal rate (63.6%) near European average, ranked 18th in Europe
- Children per mother slightly high at 2.27, ranking 25th in Europe
- Average maternal age rising to 30.4 years, 12th oldest in Europe
- Lifetime childlessness at 36.4%, higher than European average, ranked 14th
- Significant birthgap implies sharp population decline over next centuries
Key fertility indicators — Norway
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 63.6% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 36.4% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 30.4 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 34 |
| Total births (latest year) | 54,013 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
The total maternal rate (TMR) in 2024 stands at 63.6%, showing a slight increase of 0.8 percentage points from 2023. Over the latest five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TMR has been on a downward trend, averaging 64.0%. This figure remains significantly below the 1970s average of 83.2%, lower by approximately 19.6 percentage points. On the global scale, Norway is positioned 19th out of 38 countries, while its ranking within Europe is 18th among 31 nations.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 91.9% | 2010 | 86.0% |
| 1980 | 71.4% | 2020 | 64.4% |
| 1990 | 81.6% | 2023 | 62.8% |
| 2000 | 77.2% | 2024 | 63.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
Norway's children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.27 in 2024, reflecting a slight increase of 0.03 from the previous year. Despite this recent uptick, the five-year trend shows a gradual decline with an average of 2.28. Compared to the 1970s average of 2.50, the current rate is lower by approximately 0.22. On the global stage, Norway holds the 31st position among 38 countries in terms of CPM.
Within Europe, it remains among the countries with the higher CPM values, ranked 25th out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.73 | 2010 | 2.26 |
| 1980 | 2.41 | 2020 | 2.29 |
| 1990 | 2.37 | 2023 | 2.25 |
| 2000 | 2.40 | 2024 | 2.27 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth reached 30.4 years in 2024, marking a small increase of 0.1 years from the previous year. This upward trend has been consistent over the last five years, with the AMA averaging 30.1 years during that period. Compared to the 1970s, the AMA has risen by 6.8 years. On the global stage, Norway holds the 17th position out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it is placed 12th among 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 23.49 | 2010 | 28.01 |
| 1980 | 24.16 | 2020 | 29.82 |
| 1990 | 25.59 | 2023 | 30.28 |
| 2000 | 26.89 | 2024 | 30.39 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2024, Norway's Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) stands at 30.1%, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.45. This marks a slight decline of 1.7 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years, the proportion of childlessness has been on an upward trend, with the average from 2020 to 2024 reaching 29.5%. When compared to the average from the 1970s, which was just 5.9%, the current level is approximately 24.2 percentage points higher. Since 1975, Norway has experienced a persistent generational birth gap. The lowest TFG was recorded in the early 1970s, specifically between 1970 and 1974, at 0.0%. On the global scale, Norway ranks 30th out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it holds the 24th position out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 6.0% |
| 1980 | 16.8% | 2020 | 28.7% |
| 1990 | 6.7% | 2023 | 31.8% |
| 2000 | 10.6% | 2024 | 30.1% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Norway’s SHL stands at 62.7 years years in 2024. It has increased by 4.3 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 64.3 years. Compared with the 1970s average (206.8 years), SHL is now shorter by about 144.1 years.
Globally, Norway ranks 8 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 7/31).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Norway, there would be 34 great-grandchildren, representing a -66.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Norway ranks 30 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 24 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
The latest data from 2024 suggest that the total number of births, recorded at 54,013, is expected to decline significantly over the coming decades if migration is not considered. By 2087, the number of births would decrease by half, reaching approximately 27,006. Looking further ahead to 2232, births are projected to drop by 90%, falling to about 5,401. These projections highlight a substantial downward trend in birth numbers over the long term.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
Norway's lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) reached 36.4% in 2024, showing a slight decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 2023. Over the latest five years (2020–2024), the TCR has been on an upward trend, averaging 36.0%. When compared with the 1970s average of 16.8%, the rate has increased by approximately 19.6 percentage points. On a global scale, Norway stands at 20th out of 38 countries, while in Europe it holds the 14th position among 31 nations.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 8.1% | 2010 | 14.0% |
| 1980 | 28.6% | 2020 | 35.6% |
| 1990 | 18.4% | 2023 | 37.2% |
| 2000 | 22.8% | 2024 | 36.4% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
Norway saw 54,013 total births in 2024, marking an increase of 2,047 from the previous year. Despite this rise, the average number of births over the last five years stands at 53,293 annually, showing a generally rising trend. When compared to the 1970s average of 57,913.5 births, the current figure is lower by 3,900.5 births, representing a 6.7% decrease.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 64.5k | 2010 | 61.4k |
| 1980 | 51.0k | 2020 | 53.0k |
| 1990 | 60.9k | 2023 | 52.0k |
| 2000 | 59.2k | 2024 | 54.0k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Norway's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) is at 27.6% in 2024, showing a decrease of 4.6 percentage points from 2023. During the last five years, the BRI has shown a downward trend, with a 2020–2024 average of 29.8%. This figure is substantially above the 1970s average of -20.1%, marking an increase of roughly 47.7 percentage points. On the international stage, Norway holds the 26th position among 35 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 23rd out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -37.0% | 2010 | 5.4% |
| 1980 | -22.7% | 2020 | 31.1% |
| 1990 | -45.4% | 2023 | 32.2% |
| 2000 | 1.6% | 2024 | 27.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
