13.01.2026 20:26
Last year in France, 645,000 births were recorded compared to 651,000 deaths. For the first time since World War II, the number of deaths in France has surpassed the number of births.
For the first time since World War II, the number of deaths in France has exceeded the number of births. According to data released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), 651,000 deaths were recorded last year compared to 645,000 births in France.
A FIRST IN DECADES
The natural population balance, defined as the difference between births and deaths, was minus 6,000. Thus, as deaths have outnumbered births for the first time, natural population growth has turned negative.
Although the natural population balance has turned negative, the population of France continues to grow. Insee reported that as of January 1, 2026, the population is 69.1 million, with an annual population growth rate of 0.25%. It is estimated that the decisive factor in this growth is the influx of 176,000 immigrants to the country in 2025.
Experts noted that similar trends are observed in many countries across Europe, indicating that the phenomenon of "negative natural balance" has become an international trend.
FERTILITY DECLINED
According to Insee's data, the decline in births last year was 2.1%. Additionally, the total fertility rate in France has dropped to 1.56 children per woman, marking one of the lowest levels in the long term.
Moreover, the average age of childbirth in France continues to rise. The average age for women is calculated at 31.2, while for men it is 34.1. Experts pointed out that the increasing age of childbirth could further suppress fertility rates.
On the other hand, in 2025, the number of deaths reached 651,000, representing a 1.5% increase in the death rate compared to 2024. The rise in the number of deaths was influenced by the flu epidemic during the winter months and the aging of the baby boom generation (the population explosion that occurred during the decade following World War II, from 1945 to 1955).
THE POPULATION IS AGING
According to 2025 data, life expectancy in France is calculated at 85.9 years for women and 80.3 years for men. These indicators show that France has a life expectancy above the European average. Significant changes are also evident in the age distribution. The population aged 65 and over is approximately 22.2%, nearly equal to the population under 20. This situation indicates that the country has a rapidly aging population.
THE ISSUE OF BIRTH, FAMILY, AND CARE ON THE POLICY AGENDA
The decline in births and the acceleration of aging have reinvigorated discussions on family and social policy in France. Plans for 2026 include the implementation of maternity leave regulations starting from July 1, 2026, allowing for additional leave not exceeding two months for each parent. The regulation is intended to apply to children born from January 1, 2026, onwards.
Demographic trends indicate that areas such as strengthening childcare services, increasing family support programs, and restructuring elderly care systems have become priorities in public policies. It is stated that regulations in these areas will play a critical role in shaping France's long-term socioeconomic model.