Recent evidence on trends and differentials in Bangladesh fertility: an update

Abstract

SummaryA comparison of contraceptive and fertility data for 1985–91 with data for 1983 shows that fertility has continued to decline in Bangladesh, in all segments of society. The magnitude of decline varied according to educational level, region and urban–rural locality. The percentage decline in total marital fertility rate was somewhat higher among urban than rural residents; educated women showed greater declines than uneducated, increas-ing the overall educational differences in total fertility by 1991. Factors contributing to the recent decline in fertility are discussed.