France Records More Deaths Than Births for First Time Since WWII

France recorded more deaths than births in 2025 for the first time since the end of World War II, according to official data, highlighting mounting demographic pressures. Authorities reported around 651,000 deaths compared with 645,000 births, a shift that raises concerns about long-term economic and social sustainability.

The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) said the fertility rate fell to 1.56 children per woman, its lowest level since the war. This figure remains well below the threshold considered necessary to sustain pension systems and reflects a continued decline in births following the Covid-19 pandemic.

France has traditionally enjoyed stronger demographic indicators than many European Union states, but it is now facing challenges similar to those across the bloc. An ageing population is increasing pressure on public finances, while recent figures show France slipping behind several EU peers in fertility rankings.

Despite the negative natural population balance, France’s total population rose slightly to about 69.1 million last year. This growth was largely driven by net migration, estimated at roughly 176,000 people, which continues to play a key role in offsetting demographic decline.