The current birth rate in Germany means that it is the country with fewest births, even lower than Japan. Germany has a birth rate of 8.2 per 1,000 inhabitants, despite Government efforts to support childcare in Germany. Japan, Portugal and Italy have rates of 8.4,  9.0 and 9.3, respectively. In contrast, France and the United Kingdom have a birth rate of 12. 7. The highest rates are found in Africa, where Niger is the most prolific country in the world, with 50 births per 1,000 inhabitants (BBC, 20-V-2015. Europe).