Slovakia
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Slovakia experienced a notable increase in the Total Cohort Rate (TCR) in 2024, rising by 3.3 percentage points to 38.5%, indicating a growing proportion of mothers having a child in their lifetime. Despite this, the Total Maternal Rate (TMR) continued its decline, falling 3.3 percentage points to 61.5%, reflecting longer-term fertility challenges. The average maternal age remained stable near 28.3 years, one of the youngest in Europe but up significantly from the 1970s.
- Completed fertility (TMR) is down to 61.5%, continuing a decline from the 1970s level of 90%.
- Children per mother (CPM) increased slightly to 2.34, remaining among the highest globally and in Europe.
- Total Fertility Gap (TFG) edged up to 30.5%, indicating a slow rebound in fertility intentions.
- Average maternal age is steady at 28.3 years, well below the European average but rising from historical lows.
In 2024, Slovakia shows a mixed demographic profile with low fertility yet rising maternal age and family size shifts.
- Completed fertility rate below global average, ranking 25th of 38 countries globally
- High children per mother (2.34), among highest in Europe
- Average maternal age at birth lower than European average, ranked 25th of 31
- Total contraceptive rate increasing, with strong European ranking (9th of 31)
- Birthgap Retirement Indicator elevated, ranked 12th within 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, marking a decrease of 3.3 percentage points from 2023. Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the total motherhood rate has shown a downward trend, averaging 68.2%. When compared to the 1970s average of 90.0%, the current figure is approximately 28.5 percentage points lower. Slovakia holds the 25th position out of 38 countries globally and ranks 23rd among 31 European nations in this measure.
| 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)
The average number of children per mother in Slovakia reached 2.34 in 2024, marking an increase of 0.07 from the previous year. Over the last five years, this figure has shown an upward trend, with an average of 2.24 children per mother. When comparing current rates to those from the 1970s, which averaged 2.77, there is a decrease of roughly 0.43 children per mother. Slovakia ranks near the top globally, placing 35th out of 38 in terms of children per mother.
Within Europe, it maintains a similarly high position, ranked 29th among 31 countries.
| 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)
The average maternal age at birth reached 28.3 years in 2024, showing little change from 2023's 28.28 years. This figure has been gradually increasing over the last five years, maintaining an average of about 28.3 years. Compared to the 1970s, the current AMA is approximately 5.6 years older. Among 38 countries globally, Slovakia holds the 31st position in terms of maternal age.
Within Europe, it stands out by having one of the lower average maternal ages, ranked 25th 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)
In 2024, Slovakia’s Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) stands at 30.5%, which corresponds to a total fertility rate of 1.44. This marks a slight increase of 1.6 percentage points from 2023. Looking at the five-year span from 2020 to 2024, the average TFG has been rising, now reaching 26.3%. Since 1991, the country has maintained a consistent Generational Birthgap. Historically, the TFG reached its lowest point during the early 1990s (1991–1993), at roughly 5.8%, while the peak years were between 2001 and 2003, hitting 42.2%. Compared to the 1970s baseline of 0.0%, the current TFG is approximately 30.5 percentage points higher.
| 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
The birth trend observed in 2024 suggests a significant decline over the coming decades. Starting from 46,189 births in that year, the number is projected to halve by 2082, dropping to 23,094. Continuing this downward trajectory, births are expected to diminish by 90% by 2216, reaching an estimated 4,619. These figures do not account for any migration effects.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, Slovakia's childlessness rate (TCR) reaches 38.5%, marking an increase of 3.3 percentage points from 2023. The TCR has been on an upward trend during the latest five-year period from 2020 to 2024, averaging 31.8%. This is a significant rise compared to the 1970s average of 10.0%, showing an increase of roughly 28.5 percentage points. Slovakia holds the 14th position out of 38 countries worldwide and ranks 9th among 31 European nations in terms of childlessness rate.
| 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, the total number of births in Slovakia reached 46,189, marking a decline of 2,395 from the previous year. During the last five years, the number of births has steadily decreased, with an average annual count of 52,101. When contrasted with the average in the 1970s, which stood at 93,921 births, the current figure represents a significant reduction of 47,732 births, equivalent to a 50.8% drop.
| 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 a notable increase of 6.4 percentage points from the previous year. Over the past five years (2020–2024), the BRI has shown an upward trend, averaging 30.6%. Compared to the 1970s average of -68.6%, the current value represents a rise of approximately 113.1 percentage points. On the global stage, Slovakia stands 15th among 35 countries, while within Europe it holds the 12th position 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.
