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Published: 8 April 2014

Number of births fell further

According to Statistics Finland's data on population changes, the number of births decreased clearly from the year before. In 2013, 58,134 children were born, which was 1,359 fewer than in the year before. The number of births has now decreased for the third year in succession.

Live births 1971–2013

At the fertility rate prevailing in 2013, a woman would give birth to an average of 1.75 children, according to the 2012 fertility rate the number was 1.80. Since 1969, the birth rate has been below the threshold on population's renewal, which is approximately 2.1 children per woman.

Examined by the age of the mother, the birth rate decreased most clearly for age groups under the age of 29 but also for mothers aged between 31 and 36. In 2013, especially the number of first children decreased from the year before. Women become mothers at ever later age. The mean age at first confinement rose by one decimal to 28.6 years in 2013. During the 2000s, the mean age at first confinement has risen by one year. The mean age of all women at confinement also rose by one decimal and was 30.4 years.

Measured with the total fertility rate, the birth rate was above the rate for the whole country in 14 regions. At the 2013 fertility rate, most children were born in the regions of Ostrobothnia and Kainuu: On average, 2.30 children per woman in Central Ostrobothnia, 2.24 in North Ostrobothnia and 2.02 in South Ostrobothnia and in Kainuu. The birth rate exceeded the threshold on population's renewal only in the two first mentioned regions. The lowest average birth rate of 1.58 was recorded in the region of Uusimaa.

In Finland's largest cities, the birth rate was highest in Oulu, where the total fertility rate was 2.03 in the five-year period between 2009 and 2013. The second highest rates were found in Espoo, 1.94 and Vantaa, 1.85. Respectively, the birth rate was lowest in Helsinki, where the total fertility rate was 1.35. The rate was 1.39 in Turku and 1.50 in Tampere.

Number of live births, total fertility rate and mother's mean age by live births in 2004–2013

Year	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Number of live births	57 758	57 745	58 840	58 729	59 530	60 430	60 980	59 961	59 493	58 134
Total fertility rate	1,80	1,80	1,84	1,83	1,85	1,86	1,87	1,83	1,80	1,75
Mother's mean age by all live births	30,0	30,0	30,0	30,0	30,1	30,1	30,1	30,3	30,3	30,4
Mother's mean age by first live birth	27,8	27,9	28,0	28,1	28,2	28,2	28,3	28,4	28,5	28,6

Source: Population and Cause of Death Statistics. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Timo Nikander 09 1734 3250, vaesto.tilasto@stat.fi

Director in charge: Riitta Harala

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Tables

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Total fertility rate by region 2003 - 2013 (8.4.2014)

Figures

• Appendix figure 1. Total fertility rate 1900 - 2013 (8.4.2014)
• Appendix figure 2. Age-specific fertility rates 1990, 2000, 2012 and 2013 (8.4.2014)
• Appendix figure 3. Total fertility rate by municipality for the years 2009 - 2013 (8.4.2014)

Quality descriptions

• Quality description, births 2013 (8.4.2014)

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Updated 8.4.2014