Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic measure that estimates the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime, based on current birth rates. It reflects a population's potential for growth or decline. A TFR of about 2.1 is considered the replacement level, meaning each generation can replace itself without population decline, accounting for infant mortality and other factors. When TFR falls below this level, populations may shrink over time, while a higher TFR suggests population growth. It’s an essential indicator for understanding demographic trends and planning for future societal needs.