THE SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF FERTILITY RATES IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES: A DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study tries to understand the determinants of fertility in predominately Muslim countries. They have on average higher fertility rates than the western countries. A sample of 33 predominantly Muslim countries is chosen as the target of the study. The dynamic panel data estimation method employed demonstrates that, the socioeconomic conditions are the primary cause of the high fertility rates of the countries used in this study. The study reveals an inverse relationship between economic development and fertility rate. As these countries develop, fertility rates will decline. However, fertility decisions incorporate cultural components that will slow down the transition process.