Denmark Rate of Natural Increase

Denmark’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—has been close to zero or slightly negative in recent years, reflecting low birth rates and an aging population. This trend is similar to neighboring countries such as Germany and Sweden, both of which also experience very low or negative RNIs, indicative of broader demographic patterns across much of Northern and Western Europe. However, Denmark’s RNI is slightly higher than Germany’s, which has one of the lowest RNIs in Europe, but generally lower than Sweden’s, where higher fertility rates and more significant immigration have helped maintain a marginally positive RNI. In contrast, Norway, another Scandinavian neighbor, has managed to keep its RNI just above zero, thanks in part to a somewhat higher birth rate. Overall, Denmark’s RNI reflects the demographic challenges facing much of the region: low fertility, increasing life expectancy, and the need for immigration to sustain population growth.

Data from US Census International Database