Slovakia
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Slovakia experienced a notable increase in the total cohort reproduction (TCR) in 2024, rising to 38.5% from 35.2% in 2023, reflecting a modest uptrend in generational reproduction. However, the total maternal rate (TMR) declined by 3.3 percentage points to 61.5%, continuing a longer-term downward trend. Despite this decrease, Slovakia's child per mother ratio (CPM) remains relatively high by European standards, at 2.34 in 2024, and the average maternal age remains stable at 28.3 years.
- Total births decreased by 2,395 from 48,584 in 2023 to 46,189 in 2024, indicating a reduction in overall fertility output.
- The total fertility gap (TFG) rose slightly to 30.5% in 2024, suggesting a small improvement in fertility compared to previous years after a historically low baseline in the 1970s.
- Slovakia's share of three-or-more child mothers edged up marginally to 31.5%, while first child mothers declined, consistent with shifting family size patterns.
- Healthy life expectancy fell by about 3.7 years to 57.8 in 2024, which may signal emerging public health or demographic concerns.
In 2024, Slovakia’s fertility measures continue declining with completed fertility below averages, maternal age low, and birth rates falling, reflecting persistent demographic shifts.
- Completed fertility low at 61.5%, ranking 25th globally and 23rd in Europe
- Children per mother relatively high at 2.34, among the highest in Europe
- Average maternal age at birth low at 28.3 years, ranked 25th youngest in Europe
- Birth cohort retention rising, with 38.5% TCR placing Slovakia 9th in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Slovakia
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 38.5% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 28.3 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 34 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
Completed fertility among mothers in Slovakia stood at 61.5% in 2024, showing a decrease of 3.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the total motherhood rate has trended downward, averaging 68.2% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 1970s average of 90.0%, current levels are approximately 28.5 percentage points lower. Slovakia's motherhood prevalence places it 25th out of 38 countries globally and 23rd out of 31 within Europe.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 85.4% | 2010 | 70.3% |
| 1980 | 91.9% | 2020 | 72.8% |
| 1990 | 88.2% | 2023 | 64.8% |
| 2000 | 57.3% | 2024 | 61.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, the number of children per mother in Slovakia reached 2.34, increasing by 0.07 from the previous year. The metric has shown a rising trend over the last five years, with an average of 2.24 during this period. When compared to the 1970s average of 2.77, the current figure is about 0.43 lower. Slovakia's CPM remains among the highest worldwide, standing at 35 out of 38 countries, and it also ranks 29 out of 31 in Europe for this measure.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.84 | 2010 | 2.03 |
| 1980 | 2.52 | 2020 | 2.15 |
| 1990 | 2.37 | 2023 | 2.27 |
| 2000 | 2.27 | 2024 | 2.34 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
As of 2024, the average age of mothers at childbirth stands at 28.3 years, showing little change from 2023's figure of 28.28. This reflects a continuing upward trend observed over the last five years, during which the average maternal age has risen to about 28.26 years. When compared to the 1970s, the current AMA is higher by approximately 5.6 years. On a global scale, this places the country 31st among 38 nations.
Within Europe, it ranks relatively low in terms of average maternal age, holding the 25th position out of 31 countries.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 22.64 | 2010 | 27.03 |
| 1980 | 22.69 | 2020 | 28.18 |
| 1990 | 22.65 | 2023 | 28.28 |
| 2000 | 24.17 | 2024 | 28.31 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for Slovakia reached 30.5% in 2024, which corresponds to a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.44. This marks a modest increase of 1.6 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years, from 2020 to 2024, the average TFG stood at 26.3%, showing a generally rising trend. Since 1991, the country has experienced a persistent generational birthgap. The TFG was at its lowest during the early 1970s, maintaining a baseline of 0.0%. In a global context, Slovakia ranks 28th out of 38 countries and holds the 22nd position among 31 European nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 31.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 24.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 28.9% |
| 2000 | 37.1% | 2024 | 30.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Slovakia’s SHL stands at 57.8 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 3.7 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been rising, averaging 69.8 years. Compared with the 1970s average (94.2 years), SHL is now shorter by about 36.4 years.
Globally, Slovakia ranks 15 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 14 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Slovakia, there would be 34 great-grandchildren, representing a -66.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Slovakia ranks 28 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 22 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
According to the birth pattern observed in 2024, the total number of births is projected to decrease significantly over the next two centuries without considering migration. From 46,189 births in 2024, the figure is expected to drop by half to 23,094 by 2082. This decline continues, with births falling by 75% by 2140, and eventually reaching a 90% reduction to 4,619 births in 2216.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The childlessness rate (TCR) in Slovakia reached 38.5% in 2024, marking an increase of 3.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the latest five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TCR has shown a rising trend, averaging 31.8%. When compared to the 1970s average of 10.0%, the current figure is approximately 28.5 percentage points higher. Slovakia holds the 14th position among 38 countries globally and ranks 9th within 31 European nations.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 14.6% | 2010 | 29.7% |
| 1980 | 8.1% | 2020 | 27.2% |
| 1990 | 11.8% | 2023 | 35.2% |
| 2000 | 42.7% | 2024 | 38.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Slovakia recorded 46,189 total births, marking a decrease of 2,395 from the previous year, 2023. The trend over the last five years shows a decline, with the annual average number of births being 52,101. When compared to the 1970s average of 93,921 births, the current figure represents a significant drop of 47,732 births, equivalent to a 50.8% reduction.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 80.6k | 2010 | 60.4k |
| 1980 | 95.1k | 2020 | 56.6k |
| 1990 | 79.9k | 2023 | 48.6k |
| 2000 | 55.1k | 2024 | 46.2k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Slovakia's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 44.5% in 2024, marking an increase of 6.4 percentage points from 2023. Over the latest five-year period (2020–2024), the BRI has shown a rising trend, averaging 30.6%. When compared to its average in the 1970s, which stood at -68.6%, the current value represents a rise of about 113.1 percentage points. On a global scale, Slovakia holds the 15th position out of 35 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 12th out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -71.4% | 2010 | 19.3% |
| 1980 | -70.7% | 2020 | 20.0% |
| 1990 | -54.5% | 2023 | 38.0% |
| 2000 | 21.8% | 2024 | 44.5% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
