We use ARCH time series models to derive model based prediction intervals for the
Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark up to 2050. For
the short term (5-10 yrs), expected TFR-errors are compared with empirical forecast
errors observed in historical population forecasts prepared by the statistical agencies
in these countries since 1969. Medium-term and long-term (up to 50 years) errors are
compared with error patterns based on so-called naïve forecasts, i.e. forecasts that
assume that recently observed TFR-levels also apply for the future.