Have you ever wondered what is the population of France? Discover more about the country’s demographics and the largest cities in France.
Population of France
The population of France is estimated to be around 66 million as of July 2018, making it the third most populous country in the European Union. It has an area of 551,000 sq km, and its capital city is Paris.
More than half of its population lives in its cities; however, the rural population still makes up a significant portion. The density of the nation is just over 10 inhabitants per sq km, which places it above most other Western European nations such as Germany or Italy.
Many of its population lives within the country’s borders in North Africa (which includes about 4 million French citizens). In addition, some 6 million French expatriates live all across the world.
The population growth rate of France was 0.28% from 2010 to 2017. This means that, on average, around 24 thousand people were born in France yearly, and around 21 thousand people died during the same period.
This accounts for an annual net migration rate of -7 thousand people towards France.
History of the population of France growth rate
The population of France has grown steadily since the 19th century. The population growth rate stood at 1% from 1801 to 1811, then rose to 1.75% from 1821 to 1831.
As a result of the Napoleonic Wars, the population growth rate dropped to 0.25% from 1832 to 1836. The population growth rate turned positive again from 1841 to 1851, and it rose to 1.23% from 1851 to 1861.
After that, the population growth rate was negative from 1861 to 1871 and again from 1871 to 1921. The population growth rate turned positive from 1921 to 1926, and it reached 1.75% during the period 1925 to 1931.
The population growth rate dropped significantly to 0.12% from 1933 to 1946, and it was not more than 0.25% again until 1974. From 1974 to 1999, the population growth rate of France was 0.75%.
The population growth rate of France remained at 0.75% from 2000 to 2017.
Quick facts about the population of France
- The population of France stands at 66 million as of July 2018.
- The population density of France is 91 persons per sq km.
- The estimated life expectancy of a French citizen is 81 years.
- France is the 18th most urbanized country in the world.
- France is the 7th most economically developed country in the world.
Population density of France
France has a total area of 551,000 sq km, which is around 78% of the land area of the European Union. The population density of France is 91 persons per sq km, slightly more than most Western European countries.
It is the 7th most densely populated country in the world. The highest population density is found in Corsica, which is even higher than the world’s most populated country, China.
On the other end of the spectrum, the French department of Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine has the lowest population density in the country.
Key challenges for the French population growth
The key challenges for the French population growth are the aging population, low fertility rate, and immigration. The aging population results from the country’s low fertility rate and low mortality rate.
As a result of the low fertility rate and immigration, the population is expected to rise from 66 million in 2017 to 76 million in 2045.
However, it is expected that the ratio of elderly people to those aged less than 15 years will increase from 25% in 2017 to 32% in 2045.
How does the future look for France’s population?
Based on the current growth rate, the population of France is expected to reach around 79 million by the end of 2045. The country’s population growth rate is expected to increase gradually in the upcoming years, and it is expected to reach 1.6% from 2045 to 2049.
Immigration is expected to be crucial to the country’s population growth. As per the International Organization for Migration, the immigration of non-EU citizens was 6,000 in 2017, and it was 300,000 between 2017 and 2026.
The future of French population growth is expected to be positive, and it is expected to continue to be one of the most populated countries in the world.
Language in France
The most common native language in France is French, the country’s official language. Other common languages in the country include Spanish and Arabic.
In addition, many immigrant communities in France speak other languages, such as Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Polish, and Chinese. English is also used as a foreign language in some countrywide schools.
Education in France
France has some of the best educational systems in the world. The education system in the country is divided into three systems (public, private, and religious) based on the type of institution.
The public system has two types of institutions – public schools and public universities. The private system includes public and private schools, private universities, and public-private universities.
The religious system includes religious schools and religious universities.
Healthcare in France
The healthcare system in France is one of the best in the world. It has a universal healthcare system, and all citizens receive free healthcare services.
The healthcare system in the country is divided into public and private systems. The French Ministry of Health provides the public healthcare system and covers all citizens’ healthcare services.
The French National Health Insurance provides a private healthcare system. The healthcare system in the country is one of the most expensive in the world, and it is also one of the best.
Some of the best healthcare systems provide healthcare in France in the world.
Key resources for French population growth
- The fertility rate in France is 1.6 children per woman.
- The life expectancy of a French citizen is 81 years.
- The net migration rate in France is -7000 people per year.
- The urban population of France is 83%.
- The rural population of France is 17%.
- France is one of the most urbanized countries in the world.
France is one of the most populous countries in Europe. It has a steady growth rate, and its population is expected to reach around 79 million by the end of 2045.
The key challenges for the French population growth are the aging population, low fertility rate, and immigration. The future of the French population is expected to be positive, and it is expected to continue to be one of the most populated countries in the world.