National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) report for 2025.

France's Birth Rate at Lowest Since 1945 with 663,000 Births, Fertility Rate at 1.62

Jan 14, 2025, 11:02 AM

France's birth rate has reached its lowest level since 1945, with 663,000 babies born in 2024, a decrease of 2.2% from the previous year, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee). The fertility rate has dropped to 1.62 children per woman, the lowest since the end of World War I. This decline is attributed to a continued decrease in fertility, particularly among women under 40. Meanwhile, the number of deaths in France increased by 1.1% to 646,000 in 2024, due to the aging of the baby-boom generation. The natural population growth, the difference between births and deaths, was only 17,000, the lowest since the end of World War II. Despite this, France's population grew by 0.25% to 68.6 million, primarily due to a positive migration balance of 152,000. Life expectancy at birth remained stable at historically high levels, with women expected to live to 85.6 years and men to 80 years. The number of marriages also saw a slight increase of 2% to 247,000 in 2024.