Which European Country Has the Lowest Birth Rate?
Europe is experiencing record-low birth rates. In 2023, Malta recorded the lowest fertility rate in the EU at just 1.06 children per woman, closely followed by Spain (1.12) and Lithuania (~1.18). ([turn0search7])
Europe’s Fertility Landscape in 2023
- Malta: 1.06 births per woman, the lowest in the EU. ([turn0search7])
- Spain: 1.12, continuing its downward trend. ([turn0search7])
- Lithuania: ~1.18, among the lowest in the region. ([turn0search7])
Among other low-fertility countries, Italy (1.2) and Poland (1.11) also report ultra-low levels. Austria (1.32) and Germany (1.35) have also crossed into the “ultra‑low fertility” classification. ([turn0search12])
Why Low Fertility Matters
Europe’s average fertility rate fell to 1.38 in 2023—well below the replacement level of ~2.1 children per woman. Declining birth rates increase demographic strain, shrinking the working-age population and stressing public finance. ([turn0search7])
Underlying Factors & Policy Responses
- **Social and economic barriers:** High housing, childcare costs, delayed parenthood, and cultural shifts. ([turn0news22])
- **Government interventions:** Countries like Hungary offer generous pro-natalist incentives—though long-term effects remain modest. ([turn0news20])
Looking Ahead
If current trends continue, many European countries face demographic decline and aging populations. Without policies to support families and fertility, these nations may experience deep socioeconomic impacts. ([turn0news19])