The total fertility rate of the world has dropped from around 5 children per woman in 1950, to 2.2 children per woman in 2025, which means that women today are having fewer than half the number of children that women did 75 years ago. Replacement level fertility This change has come as a result of the global demographic transition, and is influenced by factors such as the significant reduction in infant and child mortality, reduced number of child marriages, increased educational and vocational opportunities for women, and the increased efficacy and availability of contraception. While this change has become synonymous with societal progress, it does have wide-reaching demographic impact - if the global average falls below replacement level (roughly 2.1 children per woman), as is expected to happen in the 2050s, then this will lead to long-term population decline on a global scale. Regional variations When broken down by continent, Africa is the only region with a fertility rate above the global average, and, alongside Oceania, it is the only region with a fertility rate above replacement level. Until the 1980s, the average woman in Africa could expect to have 6-7 children over the course of their lifetime, and there are still several countries in Africa where women can still expect to have 5 or more children in 2025. Historically, Europe has had the lowest fertility rates in the world over the past century, falling below replacement level in 1975. Europe's population has grown through a combination of migration and increasing life expectancy, however even high immigration rates could not prevent its population from going into decline in 2021.

Will all children be able to read by 2030? The ability to read with comprehension is a foundational skill that every education system around the world strives to impart by late in primary school—generally by age 10. Moreover, attaining the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education requires first achieving this basic building block, and so does improving countries’ Human Capital Index scores. Yet past evidence from many low- and middle-income countries has shown that many children are not learning to read with comprehension in primary school. To understand the global picture better, we have worked with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) to assemble a new dataset with the most comprehensive measures of this foundational skill yet developed, by linking together data from credible cross-national and national assessments of reading. This dataset covers 115 countries, accounting for 81% of children worldwide and 79% of children in low- and middle-income countries. The new data allow us to estimate the reading proficiency of late-primary-age children, and we also provide what are among the first estimates (and the most comprehensive, for low- and middle-income countries) of the historical rate of progress in improving reading proficiency globally (for the 2000-17 period). The results show that 53% of all children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read age-appropriate material by age 10, and that at current rates of improvement, this “learning poverty” rate will have fallen only to 43% by 2030. Indeed, we find that the goal of all children reading by 2030 will be attainable only with historically unprecedented progress. The high rate of “learning poverty” and slow progress in low- and middle-income countries is an early warning that all the ambitious SDG targets in education (and likely of social progress) are at risk. Based on this evidence, we suggest a new medium-term target to guide the World Bank’s work in low- and middle- income countries: cut learning poverty by at least half by 2030. This target, together with improved measurement of learning, can be as an evidence-based tool to accelerate progress to get all children reading by age 10.

For further details, please refer to https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/e52f55322528903b27f1b7e61238e416-0200022022/original/Learning-poverty-report-2022-06-21-final-V7-0-conferenceEdition.pdf

The fertility rate in a country decreases with an increasing income level. For instance, the least developed and low-income countries had the highest fertility rates between 2000 and 2022, with 3.95 and 4.55 children per woman, respectively, as of 2022. On the other hand, high-income and upper-middle-income countries had fertility rates of *** and ****, respectively. Furthermore, fertility rates fell in all the countries worldwide, regardless of income level.

As of March 2025, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among the 19* countries that are members of the G20. The unemployment rate in South Africa stood at **** percent that year. The country has recently been plagued by an economic downturn, including energy shortages and high unemployment levels. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just *** percent. Economic inequality in South Africa Not only does South Africa top the G20 in overall unemployment, but it also has a significant level of youth unemployment, as nearly half of the young population is unemployed. Thirty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is also still one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini score of ****. The prominence of inequality in the country makes escaping unemployment and underemployment difficult. Japanese economic slowdown While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate out of all G20 nations, as well as the lowest youth unemployment rate out of the G20 nations, Japan’s economy is still facing many challenges. With an aging population, the total Japanese population is facing a rapid decline, meaning that it will struggle to have enough workers participating in the labor market. Despite this, Japan maintains strict immigration policies, limiting the chances for foreign workers to move to Japan. Moreover, Japan has the second lowest fertility rate out of the G7 nations and one of the lowest fertility rates globally, adding another challenge in addressing population shrinkage.

This dataset tracks the average applied tariff rates in both industrial and developing countries. Data is averaged for the years 1981-2005. Figures for 2005 have been estimated. Notes: All tariff rates are based on unweighted averages for all goods in ad valorem rates, or applied rates, or MFN rates whichever data is available in a longer period. Tariff data is primarily based on UNCTAD TRAINS database and then used WTO IDB data for gap filling if possible. Data in 1980s is taken from other source.** Tariff data in these countries came from IMF Global Monitoring Tariff file in 2004 which might include other duties or charges. Country codes are based on the classifications by income in WDI 2006, where 1 = low income, 2 = middle income, 3 = high incone non-OECDs, and 4 = high income OECD countries. Sources: UNCTAD TRAINS database (through WITS); WTO IDB database (through WITS); WTO IDB CD ROMs, various years and Trade Policy Review -- Country Reports in various issues, 1990-2005; UNCTAD Handbook of Trade Control Measures of Developing Countries -- Supplement 1987 and Directory of Import Regimes 1994; World Bank Trade Policy Reform in Developing Countries since 1985, WB Discussion Paper #267, 1994 and World Development Indicators, 1998-2006; The Uruguay Round: Statistics on Tariffs Concessions Given and Received, 1996; OECD Indicators of Tariff and Non-Tariff Trade Barriers, 1996 and 2000; and IMF Global Monitoring Tariff data file 2004. Data source: http://go.worldbank.org/LGOXFTV550 Access Date: October 17, 2007

The present view on heartbeat initiation is that a primary pacemaker cell or a group of cells in the sinoatrial node (SAN) center paces the rest of the SAN and the atria. However, recent high-resolution imaging studies show a more complex paradigm of SAN function that emerges from heterogeneous signaling, mimicking brain cytoarchitecture and function. Here, we developed and tested a new conceptual numerical model of SAN organized similarly to brain networks featuring a modular structure with small-world topology. In our model, a lower rate module leads action potential (AP) firing in the basal state and during parasympathetic stimulation, whereas a higher rate module leads during β-adrenergic stimulation. Such a system reproduces the respective shift of the leading pacemaker site observed experimentally and a wide range of rate modulation and robust function while conserving energy. Since experimental studies found functional modules at different scales, from a few cells up to the highest scale of the superior and inferior SAN, the SAN appears to feature hierarchical modularity, i.e., within each module, there is a set of sub-modules, like in the brain, exhibiting greater robustness, adaptivity, and evolvability of network function. In this perspective, our model offers a new mainframe for interpreting new data on heterogeneous signaling in the SAN at different scales, providing new insights into cardiac pacemaker function and SAN-related cardiac arrhythmias in aging and disease.

Unemployment Rate in Japan decreased to 2.30 percent in July from 2.50 percent in June of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Japan Unemployment Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about Germany Long Term Interest Rate

• Germany Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Germany: ECB Harmonised was reported at 2.41 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 2.48 % pa in the previous month.
• Germany Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1990 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 9.09 % pa in Oct 1990 and a record low of -0.65 % pa in Aug 2019.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, Germany Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 2.90 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Germany Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

The average for 2022 based on 196 countries was 18.19 births per 1000 people. The highest value was in the Central African Republic: 45.42 births per 1000 people and the lowest value was in Hong Kong: 4.4 births per 1000 people. The indicator is available from 1960 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Credit Private Payroll: Banco La Nacion Argentina data was reported at 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % pa for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Credit Private Payroll: Banco La Nacion Argentina data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % pa from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1865 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Credit Private Payroll: Banco La Nacion Argentina data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB032: Lending Rate: per Annum: by Banks: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Credit Private Payroll. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1817 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB011: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

In 2023, with just *** death per one thousand people, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were the countries with the lowest death rates worldwide. This statistic shows a ranking of the 20 countries with the lowest death rates worldwide, as of 2023. Health in high-income countries Countries with the highest life expectancies are also often high-income countries with well-developed economic, social and health care systems, providing adequate resources and access to treatment for health concerns. Health care expenditure as a share of GDP varies per country; for example, spending in the United States is higher than in other OECD countries due to higher costs and prices for care services and products. In developed countries, the main burden of disease is often due to non-communicable diseases occurring in old age, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. High burden in low-income countries The countries with the lowest life expectancy worldwide are all in Africa- including Nigeria, Chad, and Lesotho- with life expectancies reaching up to 20 years shorter than the average global life expectancy. Leading causes of death in low-income countries include respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases, as these countries are often hit with the double burden of infectious diseases plus non-communicable diseases, such as those related to cardiovascular pathologies. Additionally, these countries often lack the resources and infrastructure to sustain effective healthcare systems and fail to provide appropriate access and treatment for their populations.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Device Market Outlook

The global market size for atrial fibrillation ablation devices is poised to grow from $2.5 billion in 2023 to a projected $5.8 billion by 2032, displaying a robust CAGR of 9.8% over the forecast period. Several factors contribute to this growth, including the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation, advancements in ablation technologies, and increasing awareness of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

One of the primary growth drivers of the atrial fibrillation ablation device market is the increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) worldwide. AF is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias, affecting millions of people globally. The aging population, particularly in developed countries, contributes significantly to the rising number of AF cases. The increasing prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes also exacerbate the incidence of AF, thereby driving the demand for effective treatment options, including ablation devices.

Technological advancements in ablation devices are another major growth factor. Continuous research and development efforts have led to the introduction of novel ablation technologies, such as cryoablation and laser ablation, which offer improved safety and efficacy profiles compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the advent of robotic-assisted ablation systems and the integration of advanced imaging techniques have enhanced the precision and success rates of ablation procedures, further fueling market growth.

The increasing preference for minimally invasive surgical procedures is also propelling the market. Minimally invasive ablation procedures offer several advantages over conventional open-heart surgeries, including reduced hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and lower risk of complications. As patient awareness of these benefits grows, the demand for minimally invasive ablation procedures is expected to rise, thereby boosting the market for ablation devices. Moreover, favorable reimbursement policies in many regions support the adoption of advanced ablation technologies.

Regionally, the atrial fibrillation ablation device market shows significant potential across various geographies. North America currently holds the largest market share, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high awareness levels, and significant investment in research and development. Europe follows closely, benefiting from favorable healthcare policies and a growing elderly population. In the Asia Pacific region, the market is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing prevalence of AF, rising healthcare expenditure, and improving healthcare infrastructure. Meanwhile, emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to contribute to overall market growth, albeit at a slower pace.

Product Type Analysis

The atrial fibrillation ablation device market can be segmented based on product type into radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, laser ablation, microwave ablation, and others. Radiofrequency ablation is currently the most widely used technique due to its established efficacy and safety profile. This method utilizes high-frequency electrical energy to create thermal lesions that disrupt abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. The straightforward application and relatively low cost of radiofrequency ablation devices make them a preferred choice among healthcare providers.

Cryoablation, which uses extreme cold to create cardiac tissue lesions, is gaining traction due to its precision and reduced risk of collateral damage. Cryoballoons and other advanced cryoablation tools have demonstrated high success rates in clinical trials, leading to increased adoption in clinical practice. The rapid advancements in cryoablation technology and positive patient outcomes are expected to drive this segment's growth significantly.

Laser ablation, although less common than radiofrequency and cryoablation, is another promising technique. This method uses concentrated light energy to target and ablate aberrant cardiac tissue. Laser ablation offers the advantage of being highly controllable, allowing for precise lesion formation. However, the high cost and need for specialized equipment and training may limit its widespread adoption. Nonetheless, ongoing technological advancements and positive clinical outcomes could enhance the growth prospects of this segment.

Microwave ablation, which employs

Globally, about 25 percent of the population is under 15 years of age and 10 percent is over 65 years of age. Africa has the youngest population worldwide. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 40 percent of the population is below 15 years, and only three percent are above 65, indicating the low life expectancy in several of the countries. In Europe, on the other hand, a higher share of the population is above 65 years than the population under 15 years. Fertility rates The high share of children and youth in Africa is connected to the high fertility rates on the continent. For instance, South Sudan and Niger have the highest population growth rates globally. However, about 50 percent of the world’s population live in countries with low fertility, where women have less than 2.1 children. Some countries in Europe, like Latvia and Lithuania, have experienced a population decline of one percent, and in the Cook Islands, it is even above two percent. In Europe, the majority of the population was previously working-aged adults with few dependents, but this trend is expected to reverse soon, and it is predicted that by 2050, the older population will outnumber the young in many developed countries. Growing global population As of 2025, there are 8.1 billion people living on the planet, and this is expected to reach more than nine billion before 2040. Moreover, the global population is expected to reach 10 billions around 2060, before slowing and then even falling slightly by 2100. As the population growth rates indicate, a significant share of the population increase will happen in Africa.

In 2019, the household savings rates in these selected developed countries ranged from *** percent of disposable income in Finland to **** percent in Switzerland. In 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and lockdowns implemented by governments led to an increase in the savings rate worldwide, due to reduced consumption expenditure. Why do people save? Savings behavior differs from country, as shown in this statistic. In the United States, most people save for unexpected expenses or retirement. In countries such as Finland, the savings rate may be lower because retirees can rely on generous pension funds. Other reasons that households save include vacation, educational expenses, and home purchase. Factors that affect saving High inflation leads to lower household savings. The projected increase in prices means that people would rather buy immediately, because saving and buying later means paying a higher price. As such, countries with an inflation rate are less likely to have a high savings rate. Other factors include a cultural disposition towards saving mechanisms, such as the emphasis on home ownership seen in the United States.

In 2025, India overtook China as the world's most populous country and now has almost 1.46 billion people. China now has the second-largest population in the world, still with just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, however, its population went into decline in 2023. Global population As of 2025, the world's population stands at almost 8.2 billion people and is expected to reach around 10.3 billion people in the 2080s, when it will then go into decline. Due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and general living conditions, the global population continues to increase; mortality rates (particularly among infants and children) are decreasing and the median age of the world population has steadily increased for decades. As for the average life expectancy in industrial and developing countries, the gap has narrowed significantly since the mid-20th century. Asia is the most populous continent on Earth; 11 of the 20 largest countries are located there. It leads the ranking of the global population by continent by far, reporting four times as many inhabitants as Africa. The Demographic Transition The population explosion over the past two centuries is part of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. Simply put, this transition results from a drastic reduction in mortality, which then leads to a reduction in fertility, and increase in life expectancy; this interim period where death rates are low and birth rates are high is where this population explosion occurs, and population growth can remain high as the population ages. In today's most-developed countries, the transition generally began with industrialization in the 1800s, and growth has now stabilized as birth and mortality rates have re-balanced. Across less-developed countries, the stage of this transition varies; for example, China is at a later stage than India, which accounts for the change in which country is more populous - understanding the demographic transition can help understand the reason why China's population is now going into decline. The least-developed region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates remain close to pre-industrial levels in some countries. As these countries transition, they will undergo significant rates of population growth.

As of 2023, based on data dating back to 2021, Angola was the country worldwide where the lowest share of the population had a higher education of a bachelor's degree or higher. A high number of the countries on the list were located in Sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, Montenegro was the country where the highest share of the population had completed a bachelor's degree or more.

South Sudan ranked as the least-electrified country in the world in 2022, with only 8.4 percent of its population having access to electricity. Burundi fared only slightly better, with an access rate of around 10 percent. Electricity access in Africa As of 2022, the top 20 least-electrified countries in the world were all located in Africa, except for Papua New Guinea. In fact, while the number of people without electricity worldwide more than halved in the past two decades, the figure for Sub-Saharan Africa has remained fairly stable in the period, accounting for roughly eight out of every 10 people without electricity in 2023. The region also shows great disparities in access between urban and rural areas. In 2022, over 80 percent of the urban population in Sub-Saharan Africa had access to electricity, while the same was true for only 31 percent of rural dwellers. Global power trends Despite disparities, electricity consumption worldwide has seen continuous growth in the past century, more than tripling since 1980. As more people gain access to this service, and different sectors (such as heating and transportation) see a growth in electrification, global power generation is forecast to double again by the middle of the century.

South Africa is expected to register the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2024, with around ** percent of the country's labor force being unemployed. Djibouti and Eswatini followed, with unemployment reaching roughly ** percent and ** percent, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rates in Africa were in Niger and Burundi. The continent’s average stood at roughly ***** percent in the same year. Large shares of youth among the unemployed Due to several educational, socio-demographic, and economic factors, the young population is more likely to face unemployment in most regions of the world. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Africa was projected at around ** percent. The situation was particularly critical in certain countries. In 2022, Djibouti recorded a youth unemployment rate of almost ** percent, the highest rate on the continent. South Africa followed, with around ** percent of the young labor force being unemployed. Wide disparities in female unemployment Women are another demographic group often facing high unemployment. In Africa, the female unemployment rate stood at roughly ***** percent in 2023, compared to *** percent among men. The average female unemployment on the continent was not particularly high. However, there were significant disparities among African countries. Djibouti and South Africa topped the ranking once again in 2022, with female unemployment rates of around ** percent and ** percent, respectively. In contrast, Niger, Burundi, and Chad were far below Africa’s average, as only roughly *** percent or lower of the women in the labor force were unemployed.