A recent report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) revealed that the average number of children per woman in Egypt has decreased to 2.33 in 2025, down from 2.85 in 2021. This represents an 18.2 percent decline. The report, which presented preliminary findings from the 2025 Egyptian Family Health Survey, suggests that achieving the state's strategic goal of reaching a birth rate of 2.1 children per woman is possible.
The CAPMAS report also indicated a significant decline in the birth rate among adolescents under 20 years of age. The rate fell to 34.6 births per 1,000 women, compared to 50 births in 2021, representing a 31 percent decline. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including increased access to family planning methods and a shift in societal attitudes.
According to Mohamed Anis, a member of the Association of Economics and Legislation, the decline in the birth rate reflects a drop in fertility rates and rising costs of living. The use of long-acting family planning methods, such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, has increased, leading to improved service quality and continuity. This trend is expected to continue as more people become aware of the importance of family planning.
Experts suggest that lower fertility rates are more closely associated with upper and middle classes, whereas poorer groups sometimes view children as a source of income. Sociology professor Hoda Zakaria noted that the decline in birth rates may stem from parents' growing awareness of providing their children with better opportunities for education and employment. Additionally, there is a shift in young people's attitudes toward marriage due to financial burdens.
Said Sadek, a sociology professor, views the decline in birth rates within the framework of the "Demographic Transition Theory." According to this theory, societies undergo successive stages, starting with high birth and mortality rates, followed by a drop in mortality rates while birth rates remain high, and finally reaching a stage where the two rates converge. This theory provides a framework for understanding the changes in birth rates in Egypt.
Economic experts also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that unlimited childbearing is incompatible with today's complex and ever-changing economic reality. Sahar al-Damaty, an economic and banking expert, noted that direct financial pressures on the family budget have become the strongest and most influential driver for adopting family planning practices. This trend is expected to continue as more people face economic challenges.
Rashad Abdo, an economic expert, added that the fact that a large segment of the population falls below the official poverty line has had a direct and tangible impact on marriage rates and the ability to start new families. The rising cost of living and economic pressures are likely to continue influencing birth rates in Egypt, with many people opting for smaller families due to financial constraints.
Key points
- The birth rate in Egypt has declined to 2.33 children per woman in 2025, down from 2.85 in 2021.
- The decline in birth rates is attributed to a drop in fertility rates and rising costs of living.
- The use of long-acting family planning methods has increased, leading to improved service quality and continuity.
