Romania
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Romania experienced a notable decline in its total maternal rate (TMR) in 2024, dropping sharply by 10.1 percentage points from the previous year to 67.7%. Despite this recent dip, the country's fertility levels remain close to the long-term average seen in the 1990s. Meanwhile, the country saw an increase in its childlessness rate, which jumped 10.1 percentage points to 32.3%, signaling shifting demographic patterns.
- The completed parity mean (CPM) rose modestly to 2.04 children per woman in 2024, maintaining an upward trend compared to the early 2020s.
- Average maternal age at childbirth remains low by European standards at 27.6 years, slightly increasing but still nearly 4.5 years younger than the 1990s average.
- Total fertility growth (TFG) saw a significant rise, going up 7.6 percentage points to 33.4%, reflecting a partial rebound in fertility levels despite the falling TMR.
In 2024, Romania's birth patterns show notable declines in total births and maternal rates, alongside a relatively young average maternal age and gradual shifts in family size.
- Total maternal rate among highest globally and in Europe, despite recent steep decline
- Mean maternal age notably lower than European average, ranking near youngest
- Childlessness rate one of lowest in Europe, reflecting larger family norms
- Rising birth recoveries offset declines but total births down 39% since 1990s
Key fertility indicators — Romania
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 67.7% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 32.3% |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 30 |
| Total births (latest year) | 142,994 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total maternal rate (TMR) in Romania stood at 67.7%, marking a significant drop of 10.1 percentage points from 2023. The TMR has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average of 85.8% between 2020 and 2024. When compared to the 1990s average of 68.7%, the current level is nearly the same. Among global figures, Romania ranks 7th out of 38 countries for TMR, while within Europe, it holds the 7th highest position among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 84.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 97.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 77.8% |
| 2000 | 66.2% | 2024 | 67.7% |
Source: Eurostat.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, Romania's children per mother (CPM) measure reached 2.037, marking an increase of approximately 0.063 from 2023. The CPM has shown an upward trend over the last five years, with an average of 1.918 during this period. When compared to the 1990s average of 1.925, the current figure is higher by about 0.11. Romania's CPM stands out within its global cohort, ranking 12th among 38 countries, and holds the 10th position within Europe across 31 countries.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 1.87 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 1.82 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 1.97 |
| 2000 | 1.97 | 2024 | 2.04 |
Source: Eurostat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age in Romania reached 27.6 years in 2024, showing little change from 2023. Although there has been a general upward trend in recent years, the five-year average stands slightly higher at 27.7. This figure represents an increase of about 4.5 years compared to the average maternal age recorded in the 1990s. Despite this rise, Romania remains among the countries with the lowest average maternal age both globally and within Europe.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 26.08 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 27.82 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 27.60 |
| 2000 | 23.72 | 2024 | 27.64 |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) in Romania reached 33.4% in 2024, which corresponds to a total fertility rate of 1.38. This marks a notable rise of 7.6 percentage points compared to the previous year, 2023. Over the last five years, from 2020 to 2024, the TFG has shown an upward trend, averaging 20.9%. When compared to the 1990s average of 36.2%, the current figure is approximately 2.8 percentage points lower. On a global scale, Romania is positioned 20th out of 38 countries, while within Europe it stands 15th among 31 nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 24.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 14.5% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 25.8% |
| 2000 | 36.9% | 2024 | 33.4% |
Source: Eurostat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Romania’s SHL stands at 50.6 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 18.0 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 99.7 years. Compared with the 1990s average (38.8 years), SHL is now longer by about 11.7 years.
Globally, Romania ranks 22 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 20 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Romania, there would be 30 great-grandchildren, representing a -70.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Romania ranks 20 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 15 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
According to the birth rates in 2024, the total number of births is projected to halve from 142,994 in 2024 to 71,497 by 2075. Looking further ahead, births are expected to decline by 90%, reaching 14,299 by 2192, assuming migration is not factored in.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the childlessness rate (TCR) in Romania reached 32.3%, marking a significant increase of 10.1 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years, from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has been trending upward, averaging 14.2%. This latest figure closely aligns with the rate observed in the 1990s, which stood at 31.3%. On a global scale, Romania ranks 32nd out of 38 countries for childlessness rate, placing it among those with the lowest levels. Looking within Europe, the country holds a similarly low position, standing 25th out of 31 countries.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 15.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.8% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 22.2% |
| 2000 | 33.8% | 2024 | 32.3% |
Source: Eurostat.
Total births
Romania saw 142,994 total births in 2024, which represents a decrease of 16,413 from the previous year, 2023. The number of births has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average of 174,889 births annually. When compared to the 1990s average of 234,881 births, the current total is 91,887 fewer, marking a 39.1% decline.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 211.5k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 197.5k |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 159.4k |
| 2000 | 234.0k | 2024 | 143.0k |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for Romania reached 47.4% in 2024, marking an increase of 3.9 percentage points from 2023. Throughout the last five years, BRI has shown an upward trend, averaging 41.1% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 1990s baseline of 2.4%, the current figure is approximately 45 percentage points higher. On the global stage, Romania holds the 11th position among 35 countries, while within Europe it ranks 8th out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 14.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 40.5% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 43.4% |
| 2000 | 26.1% | 2024 | 47.4% |
Source: Eurostat.
