Progress

Around 51 million children born in 2007 have not been registered. Almost half of them live in South Asia. This estimate is based on 98 countries representing 68 per cent of the world population, using the 2007 figures for the number of births. These 98 countries qualify as follows: 91 are developing countries, 40 are least developed countries and 7 are transition countries. This estimate does not include China and its population since data on birth registration are not available in UNICEF databases for this country.

                          Numbers (in millions) of annual births (2007) not registered, by region

The lowest levels of birth registration are found in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Percentage of children under five who were registered

Two out of three children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia were not registered (estimate based on 98 countries)
Percentage of children under five who were not registered, by region

Less than 10 per cent of children under five were registered in 6 African countries, plus Afghanistan and Bangladesh: These 8 countries have the lowest birth registration levels among the 98 countries with available data
Percentage of children under five who were registered in countries where prevalence rates are below 10 per cent

No differences in registration levels can be observed between boys and girls, while important differences exist between poor and rich children. Estimates by gender and wealth quintile are based on a subset of 81 countries and cannot be compared with the total regional estimates presented in earlier graphs since they are based on a subset of countries. Their only purpose is to illustrate gender and wealth differentials.

Percentage of children under five who were not registered, by gender and quintile

Important progress in birth registration levels have been achieved in some of the East Asian and Pacific countries with available data. In countries such as Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam, significant increases in the percentage of children under five who were registered can be observed.

Percentage of children under five who were registered in a subset of East Asian countries with available trend data

Birth registration levels have decreased or stagnated in some countries in West and Central Africa.

Percentage of children under five who were registered in West and Central African countries with available trend data