In 2023, 24,000 live births were registered in the Republic of Moldova, a decline compared to 2021 and 2019, when 29,300 and 32,400 children were born, respectively. The National Bureau of Statistics reports a gender ratio of 50.9% boys to 49.1% girls. One in five children was born outside of marriage, IPN reports.

The highest birth rates, per 1,000 residents, were recorded in the districts of Ungheni, Hancesti, Stefan Voda, and Cantemir, while the lowest were in Chisinau municipality and the northern districts of Briceni, Ocnita, Edinet, and Donduseni.

As of January 1, 2024, the total number of children aged 0 - 17 years was over 508,600, representing 21% of the total population.

Infant mortality rose to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, up from 8.5 in 2021 and 8.4 in 2019. At the same time, life expectancy at birth increased by nearly three years compared to 2021. Girls have a higher life expectancy (76.4 years) than boys (67.5 years).

The average age of first-time mothers was 25.3 years. The proportion of women giving birth before the age of 20 decreased to 5.8% in 2023, compared to 6% in 2021 and 5.9% in 2019.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, children are present in 28% of households, while 72% have no children. The majority of families, 48%, have only one child; 37% have two children, and just 15% have three or more.

Additionally, 9% of households are headed by a single parent, and in 16% of households, at least one family member is working abroad.