Study finds falling birth rates and aging populations across the Maghreb

PARIS, France — A new study published by France's National Institute of Demographic Studies says birth rates have fallen sharply and at the same time across Maghreb countries. It said fertility in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria has dropped from 7-8 children per woman in the 1970s to historically low levels. In Tunisia, the fertility rate fell to 1.53 children, below the population replacement threshold, and the annual number of births declined by about 10 percent. In Morocco, the rate fell to 1.97 children, while in Algeria it dropped to 2.61 children after a brief increase. The study said the trend will accelerate the growth of the elderly population and put pressure on pension and health systems. It also said the shrinking birth rate could reduce the future labor force.