DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING TOTAL FERTILITY RATE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The aim of the paper is to find determinants that influence total fertility rate (TFR) in the Czech Republic. We included indicators describing the maturity of the economy (HDI and GDP/capita), family situation (no. of marriages and divorces), financial background (unemployment rate, number of completed dwellings) and schooling. Data were taken for period 1993-2016. All other variables with exception of HDI and no. of marriages were statistically significantly correlated with the development of TFR. All determinants were included into several regression models. Linear function fitted the best. Statistically significant determinants were only GDP/capita, number of marriages and dwellings constructions, and years of schooling. If the GDP/capita and no. of marriages and households increases, TFR also increases. The largest and the only negative impact has the number of years of schooling. Findings have positive implications that the increasing number of divorces and unemployment is not significant determinant of fertility and that the development of the country does not necessary mean that the fertility will be affected. On the other hand, prolonging the average number of years of schooling has negative influence on TFR despite that education has many advantages and brings development to the country.