What is the MAGIC NUMBER in regards to births per mother to have a stable
population in a country?
The magic number, also known as the replacement level fertility rate, is the average number of children that each woman needs to have in order to maintain a stable population size over time, without considering migration. This number is usually slightly above two, due to factors such as infant mortality and individuals who do not reach reproductive age.
The precise magic number can vary between countries and over time, depending on factors such as life expectancy, mortality rates, and infant survival rates. However, as a general guideline, a total fertility rate (TFR) of around 2.1 children per woman is often considered the threshold for population replacement. This means that, on average, each woman needs to have slightly above two children to replace herself and her partner in the population.
It's important to note that this concept assumes that both sexes have equal chances of survival and reproduction, and that each generation will live for the same number of years as the previous one. However, in reality, these assumptions may not hold true, and other factors such as migration, societal norms, economic conditions, and government policies can influence the actual fertility rates in a country.