Global Decline in Fertility Rates: Trends, Influencing Factors, and Future Projections

Global fertility rates have significantly declined in recent years, falling below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman in many developed countries, while rising populations due to increased life expectancy strain natural resources and heighten concerns about a shrinking labor force and the economic burden of an aging demographic. This study examines the trends and factors influencing declining fertility rates, including GDP per capita, inflation, unemployment, female labor force participation, urbanization, and child mortality. Utilizing regression analysis to create a predictive model, the research assesses how changes in these variables might affect future fertility rates, and it employs time series analysis on historical birthrate data to project trends for the coming years.