Insee Première · January 2026 · n° 2087

Demographic report 2025 In 2025, natural balance was negative for the first time since the end of the Second World War

On 1st January 2026, the population of France was estimated at 69.1 million inhabitants, 0.25% more than a year earlier. 22% of the population was aged 65 or over, which was almost the same proportion as those aged under 20.

In 2025, 645,000 babies were born in France. This was 2.1% fewer than in 2024 and 24% fewer than in 2010, the year of the last peak in births. The total fertility rate continued to decline: after 1.61 in 2024, it stood at 1.56 children per woman in 2025; the lowest level since the end of the First World War.

In 2025, 651,000 people died in France, 1.5% more than in 2024. This increase resulted in particular from the winter flu epidemic, which was particularly deadly at the beginning of the year. However, life expectancy at birth increased: it stood at 85.9 years for women and 80.3 years for men.

Thus, for the first time since the end of the Second World War, the natural balance in France was negative in 2025: it stood at ‑6,000.

With 251,000 celebrations, the number of marriages increased again in 2025. The number of Civil Solidarity Pacts (PACS) – the civil partnership in France – in 2024 was almost stable compared to 2023, at 197,000.