[kjhgbhjkl]

Generally there is a bounce. For a generation after women get the chance of a career, education etc the birth rate plumnets - this is the position Italy is in.

Then 20-30 years later those same women have reached positions in politics, industry, education etc where they can influence policy on childcare, maternity leave etc. Then the number of children goes back up - this is the state Scandanavia is in.

Germany is a little odd, remember that less than 20years ago it absorbed a 3rd world country which rather screws up it's stats.

[Riesling]

Calling the DDR a 3rd world country is a little exaggerated in my opinion.

[kjhgbhjkl]

HN now with free hyperbole.