In population geography, the term refers to the ability of a population to produce live births. It is often measured as the total number of live births in a population. Factors influencing this demographic measure include access to healthcare, nutrition, cultural norms, economic conditions, and government policies. For instance, regions with limited access to prenatal care and family planning resources often exhibit higher rates.
Understanding the concept is crucial for analyzing population growth, age structure, and dependency ratios. High rates can strain resources like education and healthcare systems, while low rates can lead to an aging population and potential labor shortages. Historically, shifts in societal values, technological advancements in contraception, and improvements in women’s education have all impacted rates around the world.