France Records More Deaths Than Births for First Time Since World War II

France recorded more deaths than births in 2025 for the first time since the end of World War II, marking a historic demographic shift that could have long-term implications for the country’s economy and public finances, according to official data.

Figures released by National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies show that France registered 651,000 deaths in 2025, compared with 645,000 births, confirming a sharp decline in birth rates that has continued since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Although France has traditionally maintained one of the strongest demographic profiles in the European Union, the growing proportion of elderly citizens and a sustained drop in fertility rates indicate that the country is no longer immune to the demographic pressures affecting much of Europe.

The institute reported that France’s fertility rate fell to 1.56 children per woman last year, its lowest level since World War II and well below the 1.8 children per woman considered necessary to ensure long-term funding of the pension system.

In a comparison across the European Union for 2023, France ranked second in fertility rates at 1.65 children per woman, behind Bulgaria, which recorded 1.81. Despite this relative position, the downward trend has raised concerns among policymakers and economists.

France’s national audit office warned last month that the demographic shift will increase public spending in the coming years while shrinking the tax base. Economist Philippe Crevel of the Circle of Savings research center cautioned that the retirement of the large generation born in the 1960s will intensify labor market tensions and workforce shortages more rapidly than expected.

Despite deaths outnumbering births, France’s total population still rose to 69.1 million in 2025, driven by net migration of around 176,000 people, according to official figures. Analysts note, however, that migration alone may not be sufficient to offset the long-term economic effects of population aging and declining birth rates.