Baby boom, or bust?

The birth rate in Europe is rising slightly

DEMOGRAPHY may not be destiny, but it matters in rich countries where ageing and shrinking populations are bringing economic problems. In Germany, for instance, the birth rate has been pitifully low for years, meaning fewer replacement workers to support its ageing population. Last year 8.2 babies were born for every 1,000 people, down from 8.3 in 2007, according to new figures released by the European Union's statistics office. Compare that with Ireland, where the birth rate is twice as high. The picture is slightly bouncier across the EU as a whole, as the birth rate in all 27 countries rose to 10.9 from 10.6. Americans are having fewer children, perhaps because of tougher economic times.

Economist.com