The SOCIO- economics Determnants of Fertility in Iran(panel data aproch)

data for 30 provinces of Iran during the period 1385-1391 were considered. The panel data method of estimation was applied to estimate the relationship between the variables. The results show that economic development in provinces measured by GDP per capita decreased the fertility rate. Economic development accompanied by urbanization and industrialization increased the share of women with higher education in population. These developments by changing the rule of women in family decision making and postponing the marriage increased the average age of women in first marriage. These factors had a reverse and significant impact on fertility rate in Iran for the period under consideration. These results confirm the modernization school of thought. Furthermore the results show a positive relationship between the labor force participation of women and fertility which confirm the –Pennsylvania theory of fertility.