Switzerland
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Switzerland's total maternal rate (TMR) experienced a slight decline in 2024, dropping by 1.6 percentage points to 64.3%, continuing a downward trend observed over the past five years. Meanwhile, the average maternal age rose notably by 0.5 years to 31.8, placing Switzerland among the countries with the highest maternal ages globally and within Europe. Fertility measures like the total fertility growth (TFG) and total cohort rate (TCR) showed modest increases, signaling subtle shifts in reproductive trends.
- The children per mother (CPM) metric remained stable at approximately 2.00, consistent with recent years but below the 1990s average of 2.17.
- Total fertility growth reached 37.7%, increasing 2 percentage points from 2023 and surpassing the 1990s baseline by over 6 percentage points.
- Total cohort rate edged up to 35.7%, marginally above both the previous year and the 1990s average, indicating a slight upward movement in cohort fertility.
- Switzerland's total births slightly declined by 1,706 compared to 2023, reflecting nuanced changes in population dynamics.
In 2024, Switzerland shows stable children per mother but noticeable shifts in maternal age and fertility-related metrics.
- Children per mother steady near 2.0, ranking 9th in Europe
- Average maternal age high at 31.8 years, 4th highest in Europe
- Total fertility gap (TFG) improved, placing 10th in Europe
- Shorter second-half life declining, 21st in Europe
- Rising birth rate indicator surpassing 1990s levels
Key fertility indicators — Switzerland
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 64.3% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 35.7% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.00 |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 31.8 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 24 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
The total maternal rate (TMR) in 2024 stands at 64.3%, showing a slight decline of 1.6 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the TMR has been on a downward trend, averaging 68.7% between 2020 and 2024. This current figure is approximately 1.0 percentage point lower than the average observed during the 1990s, which was 65.3%. On the global scale, Switzerland holds the 14th position out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it also ranks 14th among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 76.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 71.8% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 65.9% |
| 2000 | 73.1% | 2024 | 64.3% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
Switzerland’s children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.005 in 2024, showing a slight decrease from 2.021 in 2023. Over the past five years, this figure has remained fairly steady, averaging 2.035 and trending downward. Compared to the 1990s average of 2.17, there has been a decline of approximately 0.16. The lowest CPM was recorded during 2004–2006 at 1.954, while the highest was in 1993–1995 at 2.212.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.00 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.04 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 2.02 |
| 2000 | 2.05 | 2024 | 2.00 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth reached 31.8 years in 2024, marking an increase of 0.5 years from 2023. This upward trend continues over the past five years, with the AMA averaging 31.3 years during this period. Compared to the 1990s, the AMA is now 3.4 years higher. Switzerland consistently shows one of the highest AMAs worldwide, ranking 5th out of 38 countries, and holds a similarly high position within Europe, standing 4th out of 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 29.99 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 31.09 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 31.31 |
| 2000 | 28.43 | 2024 | 31.82 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2024, Switzerland's Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 37.7%, which corresponds to a total fertility rate of 1.29. This marks a 2.0 percentage point increase from 2023. The indicator has shown an upward trend over the past five years, averaging 32.5% from 2020 to 2024. Compared with the 1990s average of 31.6%, the current level is about 6.1 percentage points higher. The lowest three-year period for the TFG was between 2014 and 2016, with an average of 25.5%. On the international stage, Switzerland is positioned 15th among 38 countries, and within Europe, it holds the 10th spot out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 26.4% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 29.3% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 35.7% |
| 2000 | 27.7% | 2024 | 37.7% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Switzerland’s SHL stands at 49.5 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 2.8 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 59.9 years. Compared with the 1990s average (55.8 years), SHL is now shorter by about 6.3 years.
Globally, Switzerland ranks 23 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 21 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Switzerland, there would be 24 great-grandchildren, representing a -76.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Switzerland ranks 15 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 10 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
If the birth pattern observed in 2024 continues, the total number of births would decrease significantly over the coming decades. Starting from 78,256 births in 2024, this figure is projected to drop by half, reaching 39,128 by the year 2073. The decline would further accelerate, with births declining by 90% to just 7,826 by 2188, assuming migration does not affect these changes.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
For 2024, the childlessness rate (TCR) in Switzerland sits at 35.7%, marking a slight increase of 1.6 percentage points from the previous year. Over the last five years (2020–2024), this rate has shown an upward trend, averaging 31.3%. When compared to the 1990s average of 34.7%, the current figure stands about 1.0 percentage point higher. On a global scale, Switzerland holds the 23rd position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 16th among 31 countries.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 23.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 28.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 34.1% |
| 2000 | 26.9% | 2024 | 35.7% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Switzerland recorded 78,256 total births, a decrease of 1,706 from the previous year. The number of births has been declining over the last five years, with an average of 83,206 annually during that period. This recent total is quite similar to the long-term average from the 1990s, which stood at 77,827 births.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 80.3k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 85.9k |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 80.0k |
| 2000 | 78.5k | 2024 | 78.3k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for Switzerland reached 35.1% in 2024, showing minimal change from 34.8% in 2023. Over the past five years, the indicator has actually been rising, with an average of 33.4% from 2020 to 2024. Compared to the 1990s average of 19.1%, the current level is higher by approximately 16.1 percentage points. Switzerland's global ranking places it 20th out of 35 countries, while within Europe it stands at 17th out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 31.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 33.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 34.8% |
| 2000 | 20.5% | 2024 | 35.1% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
