This indicator has close linkages with other demographic indicators, particularly with the population growth rate. International agreements do not establish specific national or global targets, although the ICPD Programme of Action encourages Governments to bring about the demographic transition. Some national governments have established quantitative goals for total fertility rate. When data on births by age of mother are unavailable from registration systems or maternity history data in sample surveys, the total fertility rate can be calculated through indirect methods based on special questions asked in censuses or demographic surveys. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National Sources Collected by the United Nations on a regular basis and available for most countries from vital registration systems or surveys.
Most countries tabulate data from birth registration systems at the sub- national level.
Surveys are generally designed to provide estimates for major regions within countries as well as at the national level. Less frequently the sample design permits the examining action of this indicator at state, provincial or lower administrative levels. Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, Report of the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, Egypt, September 5-13, 1994.