Finland’s birth rate ticks up slightly, but remains near historic lows

Finland has recorded a modest increase in its birth rate after years of decline, though the overall level remains historically low.

According to Statistics Finland, the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) rose to 1.30 in 2025, up from a record low of 1.25 in 2024.

The TFR reflects the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime.

Despite the slight rebound, the figures underline a continuing demographic challenge.

Birth rates increased across most regions, with the exception of Päijät-Häme and Central Ostrobothnia, where levels remained unchanged.

The strongest growth was seen in the autonomous Åland Islands, as well as in eastern regions such as South Savo, Kymenlaakso and Kainuu.

Åland and the Ostrobothnia regions in western Finland continue to report the highest fertility rates in the country.

In contrast, major urban centres are still experiencing persistently low birth rates.

Between 2022 and 2025, Turku and Tampere recorded the lowest averages at 1.03 children per woman, followed by Helsinki at 1.08.

Differences are also evident across language groups. Finnish-speaking women had a TFR of 1.29, lower than Swedish speakers at 1.51 and foreign-language speakers at 1.37. Swedish is widely spoken in Åland and parts of Ostrobothnia.

Foreign-language speakers accounted for 18 percent of births last year.

The largest groups included Russian, Arabic, Somali and English speakers. Meanwhile, births among speakers of Sámi indigenous languages remained very low, with just 18 children recorded.

While births saw a slight uptick, Finland also experienced a decline in immigration last year, adding further pressure to the country’s long-term population outlook.