The 784,000 births registered in 2016 took place in 2,800 municipalities

In 2016, 784,000 babies were born in France, i.e. 15,000 less than in 2015 (– 1.9%). The births occurred in 2,800 municipalities altogether, but 80% of them took place in just 200 municipalities. Three births out of ten took place in the mother's municipality of residence, and nine out of ten took place in her home department.

Out-of-hospital births are rare (1%). They are most common in small towns. The mothers in question are more likely than others to give birth in the municipality where they live.