In 2025, there are six countries, all in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the average woman of childbearing age can expect to have between 5-6 children throughout their lifetime. In fact, of the 20 countries in the world with the highest fertility rates, Afghanistan and Yemen are the only countries not found in Sub-Saharan Africa. High fertility rates in Africa With a fertility rate of almost six children per woman, Chad is the country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Population growth in Chad is among the highest in the world. Lack of healthcare access, as well as food instability, political instability, and climate change, are all exacerbating conditions that keep Chad's infant mortality rates high, which is generally the driver behind high fertility rates. This situation is common across much of the continent, and, although there has been considerable progress in recent decades, development in Sub-Saharan Africa is not moving as quickly as it did in other regions. Demographic transition While these countries have the highest fertility rates in the world, their rates are all on a generally downward trajectory due to a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. The third stage (of five) of this transition sees birth rates drop in response to decreased infant and child mortality, as families no longer feel the need to compensate for lost children. Eventually, fertility rates fall below replacement level (approximately 2.1 children per woman), which eventually leads to natural population decline once life expectancy plateaus. In some of the most developed countries today, low fertility rates are creating severe econoic and societal challenges as workforces are shrinking while aging populations are placin a greater burden on both public and personal resources.

Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) in Yemen was reported at 75.33 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Fertility rate, total (births per woman) in Yemen was reported at 4.59 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) in Yemen was reported at 35.21 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Birth rate, crude - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Life expectancy at birth, male (years) in Yemen was reported at 67.24 years in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Life expectancy at birth, male (years) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Life expectancy at birth, female (years) in Yemen was reported at 71.39 years in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Life expectancy at birth, female (years) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Life expectancy at birth, total (years) in Yemen was reported at 69.3 years in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Life expectancy at birth, total (years) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Sex ratio at birth (male births per female births) in Yemen was reported at 1.059 in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Yemen - Sex ratio at birth (male births per female births) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.