Sweden
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2024, Sweden saw a slight increase in the total completed reproduction rate, signaling a minor uptick in fertility behaviors after recent years of gradual change. Meanwhile, the total maternal rate edged down marginally, continuing a longer-term trend of slight decline from the 1970s levels. Average maternal age continues its persistent rise, confirming a steady delay in the timing of childbearing.
- Total completed reproduction rose to 35.8% in 2024, up 0.8 percentage points from 2023, continuing a moderate upward trend over the past five years.
- Total maternal rate declined slightly by 0.8 percentage points to 64.2%, remaining well below the 1970s baseline of 78.1%.
- Average maternal age rose to 30.2 years, increasing by 0.17 years from the previous year and reflecting a long-term upward trend since the 1970s.
- Total fertility gradient (TFG) increased modestly to 30.8%, corresponding to a total fertility rate of approximately 1.43 children per woman.
In 2024, Sweden shows modest declines in fertility rates alongside a slightly aging maternal profile, with demographic shifts indicating ongoing population aging concerns.
- Completed fertility rate slightly below European average, ranked mid-range globally and in Europe
- Average children per mother decreasing gradually, positioned lower in global rankings
- Mean childbearing age slightly increasing, among older mean ages in Europe
- Birthgap generational indicator rising, indicating slower generational replacement
- Societal Half-Life significantly shorter than 1970s, ranking high globally indicating accelerated societal turnover
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 prevalence of motherhood, as measured by the total motherhood rate (TMR), stands at 64.2% for 2024, showing a slight decline of 0.8 percentage points from 2023. The average TMR over the past five years (2020–2024) has been decreasing, currently at 67.6%. Compared to the 1970s average of 78.1%, the latest figure is about 13.9 percentage points lower, reflecting a notable downward trend over the decades. Among 38 countries globally, Sweden holds the 17th position in motherhood prevalence, and within Europe specifically, 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)
Sweden's children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.23 in 2024, showing virtually no change from the previous year’s 2.23 value. Over the past five years, the CPM has experienced a gradual decline, with an average of 2.29. When compared to the 1970s average of 2.29, the current figure is slightly lower by about 0.06. On the global stage, Sweden places 26th among 38 countries, while in the European context 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)
In 2024, the average maternal age in Sweden reached 30.19 years, marking a modest increase of 0.17 years from 2023. The trend over the last five years has been upward, with the average maternal age standing at approximately 29.93 years during this period. This figure is notably higher by 5.75 years compared to the average in the 1970s. On the global stage, Sweden holds the 19th position among 38 countries, while in 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) reached 30.8% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.43. This marks a slight increase of 1.0 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the most recent five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the TFG has been trending upward, averaging 25.1%. When compared to the 1970s average of 13.6%, the current figure is approximately 17.2 percentage points higher. The lowest TFG for Sweden was recorded between 1991 and 1993, with a value of 3.9%. In international rankings, Sweden stands 27th out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it ranks 21st out of 31.
| 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
If the birth pattern observed in 2024 continues, births are projected to decrease significantly over time. Starting at 98,401 births in 2024, the number is expected to halve by 2085, reaching around 49,200. Further declines are anticipated, with births dropping by 75% around 2145 and ultimately falling by 90% to approximately 9,840 by 2226, assuming no migration influences these figures.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The childlessness rate in Sweden reached 35.8% in 2024, slightly increasing by 0.8 percentage points from the previous year. Over the past five years (2020–2024), this rate has been on the rise, averaging 32.4%. Compared to the 1970s when the average was 21.9%, the current figure is approximately 13.9 percentage points higher. On the global stage, Sweden holds the 22nd position out of 38 countries, while in 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 recorded 98,401 total births, a decline of 1,604 from the previous year. The number of births has been decreasing over the last five years, with an annual average of 106,076. When contrasted with the 1970s average of 104,486, the current figure is lower by 6,085 births, reflecting a 5.8% decrease.
| 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) stands at 26.1% in 2024, showing minimal change from 2023. Over the last five years, the indicator has been on an upward trend, with the 2020–2024 average reaching 19.6%. This current figure is roughly 28.6 percentage points higher than the 1970s average of -2.4%. On a global scale, Sweden ranks near the lower end for BRI values, positioned at 30 out of 35 countries.
Within Europe, it similarly holds one of the lowest rankings at 27 out of 30.
| 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.
