Fertility levels differ for various population groups, varying, for instance, from 2,5 for urban areas to 3,7 for rural areas. In Ulaanbaatar, the capital, the TFR is 2,2 children per woman, while in West Region it is 3,9. Fertility has declined sharply in the recent past. Completed family size among women 40-49 is 5,1 children, two children greater than the current TFR of 3,1. Most women desire to limit their family size.
Women are fairly successful at planning their families.
If unwanted births could be avoided, the TFR would fall from 3,1 to 2,7. Over 84 percent of married women have used contraception, and 60 percent were currently using at the time of the survey. Nearly 46 percent of married women were using a modern method of contraception, while 14 percent were using traditional or other methods. The level of use of contraception varies among population groups. It is highest among women in urban areas and among women who have completed secondary education, and is lowest among women in West and South regions.