It is the second consecutive year, that birth rate in France has been declining, although the increase in life expectancy contributes to the increase of the population, reports RFI.
In 2016 the total number of France’s population increased by 265 thousand and reached 66.9 million people. The natural growth amounted to 198 thousand people, 67 thousand of which accounted for immigrants. However, the number of births decreased by 14 thousand compared to the previous year and amounted to 785 thousand, which is the lowest birthrate since 1999. At the same time, the birth rate in France was the highest in Europe.
Scientists also point out, that in France the aging trend is preserved. Thus, the number of pensioners in France amounts to 19.2% of the total population, while life expectancy is getting longer. The average age of French men is 79.3 years, whereas women’s is 85.4 years.