Keep in mind that 1.88 includes the birthrate of Moslems, as do similar numbers from other European countries. This means the birthrate of ethnic Norwegians (Spanish, Italians, Czechs) is even lower than it seems.
I would say that if there wasn’t a Muzzy influence the rate would be around 1.5.
You have read Mark Steyn? How noone gets back after a certain birth rate?
It does seem like the Russians are doing just that.
And, partly thanks to government contributions.
If the socialism in Norway and Sweden has done any good thing. It has encouraged children, and child bearing.
Need new serfs or whatnot.