The countries with the highest fertility rates in the EU are those with the most women in the workforce. This map shows the EU’s fertility rates by country, with France, Sweden, Norway and other countries in darker blues having rates close to 2.1, which is the replacement rate needed to keep population steady and well above the EU average of 1.5. On the other hand, Spain, Italy, Greece and countries in lighter shades of green have lower fertility rates. Contrary to traditional thinking, the same countries with high fertility rates also have the highest share of women in the workforce, while southern Europe has the lowest. Researchers argue that this is due to a combination of factors that allow women to balance career and family goals, such as subsidized childcare which is prevalent in countries with higher fertility rates.