How adolescent birth rates changed in six Central African countries

The largest drops in this group were in Gabon and Chad

Gabon’s estimate fell by about 67.2 births per 1,000 women in the age group, from 156.6 to 89.5. Chad recorded a fall of about 67.1, from 199.3 to 132.1. Source 1

Cameroon and DR Congo converged near 105

Cameroon was at 159.4 in 1990 and DR Congo at 122.3. By 2024 their estimates were 105.4 and 105.2. The chart and full series show their different starting points. Source 1

A birth rate counts events relative to the age group

The numerator is births and the denominator is the population of women aged 15 to 19. Multiplying a rate by the relevant population and dividing by 1,000 gives the implied count under the same estimates. Source 2

Country estimates average across communities

The series shows national outcomes for the whole age group. It does not indicate at which ages within the group births occurred or explain differences by location. Those questions need disaggregated estimates or surveys. Source 2

Sources

• UN World Population Prospects via World Bank WDI
• Publisher metadata and indicator definition
• World Bank API, country and year records