Fertility transition and population ageing in the Asian and Pacific region

During the past half century, the world has witnessed a remarkable decline in total fertility rates (TFRs) from a high level of 5 children per woman in the period 1950-1955 to 2.8 children per woman in the period 2000-2005. While the fertility transition was already well under way in Europe, North America, and Australia and New Zealand during the period 1950-1955, TFR was very high in the Asian region, at about 6 children per woman. Fertility continued to decline in Europe, from a TFR of 2.7 in the period 1950-1955 to replacement level (2.1 children per woman) during the 1970s. TFR is now far below replacement level in Europe.