This survey analysis compares fertility levels in the United States and European countries, discusses socioeconomic influences in ultimate expected family size, and examines birth rate trends. The average number of ultimately expected children varies from 2.13 children per woman in Bulgaria to 2.80 in Spain. Eighty to 90 percent of U.S. and European women want one, two, or three children. The wife's age at marriage is strongly associated with ultimate family size. Rural residents show somewhat higher fertility than urban residents. The impact of the wife's education on fertility appears somewhat stronger than that of the husband. Religion plays an important role in determining family size. Total family income is negatively associated with fertility in Bulgaria, France, Poland, and the United States, but no clear pattern of association emerges for other countries. Outside eastern Europe, the ultimate expected family size goes up with the size of the dwelling. The wife's gainful employment has played a decisive role in the post-war decline of fertility in Europe. There are no signs among recently married couples of ultimate family size increasing. (RM)