Africa remains home to most of the countries with the highest birth rates in the world, with 13 African countries featuring among the top 15, according to World Bank data.
The gap becomes clearer when these figures are compared with the global average. In 2024, the global birth rate stood at 16 births per 1,000 people, while the countries at the top of this ranking recorded more than twice that rate. While birth rates have fallen in many parts of the world over the years, countries in sub-Saharan Africa continue to record some of the highest rates globally.
This pattern is also reflected in fertility rates. The World Bank’s 2024 data, compiled using figures from the UN Population Division, the UN Statistical Division and national statistics offices, shows that countries with high birth rates also tend to have relatively high fertility rates.
Another pattern is evident when contraceptive use is considered. The World Bank reported that 10 of the 15 countries on the list had contraceptive prevalence of 20 percent or lower among married women.
Here are the 15 countries with the highest birth rates in the world, based on 2024 data from the World Bank.
Central African Republic – 46.2 births per 1,000 people
The Central African Republic led the global ranking with 46.2 births for every 1,000 people in 2024. The country also had a fertility rate of about six, meaning a woman would be expected to have around six children over her lifetime if current fertility patterns continued.
Chad – 43.3 births per 1,000 people
Chad came second, recording 43.3 births per 1,000 people. Its fertility rate was also about six children per woman, putting it among the countries with the highest levels of fertility worldwide.
Somalia – 42.3 births per 1,000 people
Somalia followed closely behind, with 42.3 births per 1,000 people. A fertility rate of about six means the average woman in the country is expected to have roughly six children over her lifetime based on prevailing fertility patterns.
Niger – 41.4 births per 1,000 people
Niger recorded 41.4 births per 1,000 people, placing it fourth globally. Its fertility rate of 5.9 translates to an expectation of nearly six children per woman over her lifetime.
Democratic Republic of the Congo – 40.9 births per 1,000 people
With 40.9 births per 1,000 people, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was the fifth-highest country on the list. Its fertility rate was about six children per woman.
Mali – 39.5 births per 1,000 people
Mali recorded 39.5 births per 1,000 people in 2024. The country’s fertility rate of about 5.5 means a woman would be expected to have roughly five to six children over her lifetime under current fertility patterns.
Angola – 37.2 births per 1,000 people
Angola ranked seventh with 37.2 births per 1,000 people. Its fertility rate was about five children per woman, placing it among the countries with the highest fertility levels in the world.
Mozambique – 37 births per 1,000 people
Mozambique recorded 37 births per 1,000 people, just ahead of Afghanistan. The country’s fertility rate of about 4.7 means a woman is expected to have nearly five children over her lifetime.
Afghanistan – 35 births per 1,000 people
Afghanistan stands out as the only non-African country among the first eight countries in the ranking. It recorded 35 births per 1,000 people, while its fertility rate was about 4.8 children per woman.
Tanzania – 34.8 births per 1,000 people
Tanzania was the 10th-highest country, with 34.8 births per 1,000 people. On average, a woman in the country is expected to have about 4.5 children over her lifetime based on the 2024 fertility rate.
Uganda – 34.4 births per 1,000 people
Uganda recorded 34.4 births per 1,000 people, placing it 11th globally. Its fertility rate of about 4.2 means the average woman is expected to have just over four children over her lifetime.
Yemen – 34.4 births per 1,000 people
Yemen recorded the same birth rate as Uganda, at 34.4 births per 1,000 people. However, its fertility rate was higher, at about 4.5 children per woman.
Mauritania – 34 births per 1,000 people
Mauritania recorded 34 births per 1,000 people, ranking 13th globally. Its fertility rate stood at about 4.6 children per woman.
Benin – 33.4 births per 1,000 people
Benin was just below Mauritania, with 33.4 births per 1,000 people. The country’s fertility rate of about 4.5 means women are expected to have roughly four to five children over their lifetime.
Cameroon – 33.3 births per 1,000 people
Cameroon completed the top 15 with 33.3 births per 1,000 people. Its fertility rate stood at about 4.3 children per woman, according to the World Bank data.