For the first time since World War II, deaths exceed births in France

France recorded a rare demographic event in 2025, where the number of deaths exceeded the number of births for the first time since the end of World War II. Official statistics showed 651,000 deaths compared to 645,000 births, highlighting potential demographic pressures that may affect the French economy and society in the coming years.

Decline in Fertility Rate and Its Implications

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the fertility rate has dropped to 1.56 children per woman, the lowest level since World War II, and below the required level of 1.8 to ensure the sustainability of pension funding. This decline follows a noticeable decrease in birth rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.

France has long been characterized by a stronger demographic structure compared to other EU countries, but the rising proportion of elderly people has become a challenge similar to what other countries on the continent face, especially regarding public spending on health and retirement care.

Economic Warnings

The French Court of Auditors warned last month that demographic shifts could pressure the public budget, with a shrinking tax base and rising social care costs.

Economist Philippe Crevel from the Circle of Economic Research stated: “With the retirement of older generations born in the 1960s, labor market pressures and workforce shortages are expected to worsen in the coming years.”

Despite Deaths, Population Continues to Grow Slightly

Despite the rise in deaths, France's population saw a slight increase to 69.1 million in 2025, supported by a net immigration flow of about 176,000 people.

These figures are seen as an early indicator of deep demographic shifts that may require a reassessment of future social and economic policies to ensure a balance between the workforce and the number of retirees in France.