The birth rate in Finland dropped for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching the lowest level in the country’s recorded history, according to preliminary data from Statistics Finland.
Last year, 43,711 children were born in Finland — over 300 more than in 2023. Despite the slight increase in the number of births, the total fertility rate still declined. The preliminary total fertility rate for 2024 was 1.25, down from 1.26 in 2023.
"The decline in the birth rate appears to be stabilising," said Joni Rantakari, Chief Actuary at Statistics Finland, in a statement.
The total fertility rate represents the number of children a woman would give birth to during her lifetime if the birth rate remained at the level observed during the year.
Immigration drives growth
Finland’s population grew by more than 33,000 people in 2024, reaching approximately 5.64 million by the end of December. The growth was primarily driven by net immigration, as the number of people moving to Finland from abroad exceeded those leaving.
However, the number of immigrants arriving in Finland fell by more than 10,000 compared to 2023. In total, 63,049 people moved to Finland in 2024, making it the second-highest annual figure in recorded history despite the decrease.
Ukrainians formed the largest group of immigrants, while migration from Nepal and Pakistan increased significantly. In contrast, immigration from Russia and Estonia declined.