What is considered the “best” fertility rate for a country?

There is no universally accepted “best” fertility rate for a country, as it depends on various factors, including economic development, social policies, and cultural norms. However, a fertility rate of around 2.1 is generally considered the replacement level fertility, where a population replaces itself from one generation to the subsequent one without experiencing growth or decline. Fertility rates below 2.1 can lead to an aging population and potential labor shortages, while those above 2.1 can strain resources and potentially hinder economic development.