The global total fertility rate has fallen to 2.25, just above the 2.1 rate considered replacement level for developed countries, because the world has grown wealthier

 

I don't know why it shocks some people that as people get wealthier they have fewer children, but it does.

 

Global tfr is down 53% since 1950 to 2.25 in 2023 as global gdp per capita is up 80% since 1990.

 

The developed world (just 17%) replacement rate is 2.1 vs. ~1.47 actual tfr.