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.

YearRate of Natural IncreasePopulation
19950.1275,232,612
20000.1715,337,416
20050.1725,415,505
20100.1635,546,980
20150.0995,688,232
20200.1615,868,927
20240.1675,973,136
20250.165,999,028
20260.156,024,472
20300.0926,118,770
20350.0176,215,716
2040-0.0386,292,361
2045-0.0626,356,609
2050-0.0666,416,507
2055-0.0656,475,919
2060-0.0736,534,099
2065-0.086,589,653
2070-0.0846,643,121
2075-0.0966,693,976
2080-0.1156,739,448
2085-0.1446,776,616
2090-0.176,803,942
2095-0.1836,824,196
2100-0.1836,842,345

Data from US Census International Database