Sweden
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Sweden's total completed fertility rate continued its slight decline in 2024, dropping to 0.642 from 0.65 the previous year, marking a gradual downward trend over recent years. Meanwhile, the proportion of mothers having two children rose marginally, now representing 35.8% of the population, slightly above the European average. The average maternal age at childbirth in Sweden increased modestly to 30.2 years, indicating ongoing trends toward later childbearing.
- The total fertility growth indicator rose slightly to 30.8%, reflecting a slow increase in generational birth rates compared to recent years.
- Sweden's stable children per mother rate at 2.23 remains just below the averages seen in the 1970s, signaling a long-term decline in family size.
- Healthy life expectancy decreased by about 2 years to 60.7 years, a notable drop worth monitoring for public health implications.
In 2024, Sweden’s fertility and birth indicators show slight declines in birth counts and fertility rates, alongside a gradual rise in maternal age and sustained family sizes.
- Completed fertility rate slightly below European average, ranks mid in Europe
- Average children per mother holds steady near European norm
- Mean age at childbearing continues gradual increase, ranking mid-Europe
- Birthgap generational indicator rising, indicating slower generational replacement
- Total births declining modestly but still relatively stable compared to past decades
Key fertility indicators — Sweden
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 35.8% |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 30.8% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 60.7 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 33 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In Sweden, the total motherhood prevalence rate reached 64.2% in 2024, showing a slight decrease of 0.8 percentage points from 2023. Over the most recent five-year period, the TMR has been on a downward trend, averaging 67.6% between 2020 and 2024. This marks a considerable decline of approximately 13.9 percentage points compared to the 1970s average of 78.1%. On the global stage, Sweden holds the 17th position among 38 countries, while within Europe, it is ranked 17th out of 31.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 80.6% | 2010 | 88.8% |
| 1980 | 71.5% | 2020 | 71.7% |
| 1990 | 89.7% | 2023 | 65.0% |
| 2000 | 69.6% | 2024 | 64.2% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, Sweden's children per mother (CPM) stands at 2.23, showing virtually no difference from the 2.23 recorded in 2023. Over the past five years, this figure has been on a downward trend, with a five-year average of 2.29. When compared to the average CPM during the 1970s, which was 2.29, the current rate is about 0.06 lower. On a global scale, Sweden holds the 26th position among 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 20th out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.38 | 2010 | 2.24 |
| 1980 | 2.35 | 2020 | 2.33 |
| 1990 | 2.39 | 2023 | 2.23 |
| 2000 | 2.24 | 2024 | 2.23 |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age in Sweden reached 30.19 years in 2024, marking a modest increase of 0.17 years from 2023. In the last five years, the AMA has steadily risen, with the average standing at 29.93 years. This figure is 5.75 years higher than the average maternal age observed during the 1970s. Among 38 countries globally, Sweden holds the 19th position for average maternal age, while within Europe, it ranks 14th out of 31.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 24.22 | 2010 | 28.91 |
| 1980 | 25.22 | 2020 | 29.66 |
| 1990 | 26.27 | 2023 | 30.02 |
| 2000 | 27.87 | 2024 | 30.19 |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for 2024 stands at 30.8%, corresponding to a TFR of 1.43, marking a slight increase of 1.0 percentage point from 2023. Over the latest five-year span from 2020 to 2024, the TFG has been on the rise, averaging 25.1%. This level surpasses the 1970s average of 13.6% by approximately 17.2 percentage points. The lowest recorded TFG occurred in the early 1990s (1991–1993), at 3.9%. Sweden's global position places it at 27th among 38 countries, while within Europe, it holds the 21st rank out of 31 nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 7.2% | 2010 | 4.1% |
| 1980 | 18.8% | 2020 | 19.4% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 29.8% |
| 2000 | 24.7% | 2024 | 30.8% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Sweden’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 60.7 years. It has decreased by 2.0 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 80.3 years. Compared with the 1970s average (160.9 years), SHL is now shorter by about 100.2 years.
Globally, Sweden ranks 11 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 10 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Sweden, there would be 33 great-grandchildren, representing a -67.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Sweden ranks 27 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 21 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
The pattern of births recorded in 2024 suggests a significant decline in the future. Starting with 98,401 births in 2024, the number is projected to decrease by 50% to roughly 49,200 by 2085. This downward trend continues, with total births expected to drop by 75% in 2145. By 2226, births could fall by as much as 90%, reaching about 9,840, assuming no immigration impacts these numbers.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, Sweden's childlessness rate (TCR) reached 35.8%, showing a slight increase of 0.8 percentage points from 2023. Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, this rate has been on an upward trajectory, averaging 32.4%. Compared to the 21.9% average in the 1970s, the current figure is approximately 13.9 percentage points higher. On the global stage, Sweden holds the 22nd position among 38 countries, while within Europe it ranks 15th out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 19.4% | 2010 | 11.2% |
| 1980 | 28.5% | 2020 | 28.3% |
| 1990 | 10.3% | 2023 | 35.0% |
| 2000 | 30.4% | 2024 | 35.8% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Sweden saw 98,401 total births, a decrease of 1,604 compared to the previous year. The number of births has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average of 106,076 annually during this period. When looking back to the 1970s, the average number of births was higher at 104,486, making the current total births lower by 6,085, which represents a 5.8% decline.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 110.2k | 2010 | 115.7k |
| 1980 | 97.2k | 2020 | 113.0k |
| 1990 | 124.5k | 2023 | 100.0k |
| 2000 | 91.3k | 2024 | 98.4k |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Sweden’s Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) in 2024 stands at 26.1%, showing minimal change from the previous year’s 25.97%. The indicator has been on an upward trend over the last five years, averaging 19.6% between 2020 and 2024. This current figure is significantly higher by approximately 28.6 percentage points compared to the 1970s average of -2.4%. On a global scale, Sweden ranks 30th out of 35 countries for BRI, placing it among the lowest worldwide. Similarly, within Europe, it holds the 27th position out of 30 nations, marking it as one of the region's countries with the lowest BRI values.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -10.1% | 2010 | 1.1% |
| 1980 | -8.9% | 2020 | 11.7% |
| 1990 | -26.2% | 2023 | 26.0% |
| 2000 | 27.6% | 2024 | 26.1% |
Source: Human Fertility Database.
