France
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2024, France experienced a slight decrease in its total maternal rate, now at 71.9%, continuing a downward trend from previous years. Meanwhile, the average number of children per mother remained relatively stable at 2.24, though slightly below the 2010s average. The proportion of women remaining childless has risen marginally to 28.1%.
- Life expectancy at birth is high at 87.1 years, albeit showing a notable decline from the previous year.
- The mean age at childbearing increased slightly to 29.6 years, reflecting a gradual rise over the last five years.
- Total fertility growth (TFG) showed a modest increase to 22.2%, yet still ranks low both globally and in Europe.
- Total births decreased to approximately 660,800, down by over 17,000 compared to 2023.
In 2024, France's fertility trends show slight declines in births and maternal rate, yet high societal half-life, indicating long generational continuity.
- Total maternal rate (72%) ranks 3rd highest in Europe
- Children per mother stable at 2.24, mid-ranking in Europe
- Mean age at childbearing rising to 29.6 years
- Very low lifetime childlessness rate, among lowest in Europe
- Societal half-life unusually long, ranked 2nd in Europe
Key fertility indicators — France
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 71.9% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 28.1% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.24 |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 87.1 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 47 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
The total maternal rate (TMR) in 2024 stands at 71.9%, marking a slight decline of 0.9 percentage points from 2023. This figure reflects a continuing downward trend over the last five years, with the average TMR from 2020 to 2024 at 75.5%. Compared to the 2010s average of 82.6%, the current rate has decreased by approximately 10.7 percentage points. Despite this decline, the country maintains one of the highest TMR levels in the world, ranked third out of 38 nations, and holds a similarly prominent position within Europe, ranking third among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 78.0% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 72.8% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 71.9% |
Source: Eurostat.
Children per mother (CPM)
The children per mother (CPM) rate in France stood at 2.24 in 2024, marking a slight decrease of 0.04 from 2023. Over the latest five-year span, the CPM has remained relatively steady, averaging 2.30. This represents a decline of approximately 0.09 when contrasted with the 2010s average of 2.33. On a global scale, France is positioned 27th among 38 nations, while within Europe it holds the 21st spot out of 31 countries.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.33 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 2.28 |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 2.24 |
Source: Eurostat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age in France reached 29.6 years in 2024, marking a modest increase of 0.2 years from the previous year. This upward trend has continued over the last five years, during which the average was 29.4 years. Compared to the 2010s, the average maternal age is now 0.8 years older. On the global stage, France holds the 24th position out of 38 countries, while its European ranking is 19th among 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 29.18 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 29.37 |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 29.58 |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for France reached 22.2% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.61. This marks an increase of 2.4 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the past five years, the TFG has shown an upward trend, averaging 16.0% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 2010s average of 7.0%, this reflects a rise of approximately 15.2 percentage points. Despite this growth, France's TFG remains among the lowest worldwide, ranked 37th out of 38 countries and similarly low within Europe, positioned 30th out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 12.2% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 19.8% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 22.2% |
Source: Eurostat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, France’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 87.1 years. It has decreased by 11.4 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 134.5 years. Compared with the 2010s average (344.0 years), SHL is now shorter by about 256.9 years.
Globally, France has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 2/38).Within Europe, it has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 2/31).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in France, there would be 47 great-grandchildren, representing a -53.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, France has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 37/38). Within Europe, it has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 30/31).
Birth trajectory
The birth rate observed in 2024 indicates that total births are projected to decrease significantly over the coming centuries. Starting from 660,800 births in 2024, the number is expected to drop by 50% to 330,400 by the year 2111. This decline continues, with births falling by 75% in 2198, and ultimately reaching a 90% decrease, down to 66,080 births, by 2313. These estimates do not take migration into account.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in France stands at 28.1%, showing a slight increase of 0.9 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the TCR has been on an upward trend, averaging 24.5% from 2020 to 2024. Compared to the 2010s average of 17.4%, this represents a rise of approximately 10.7 percentage points. On the global stage, France ranks among the countries with the lowest childlessness rates, positioned 36th out of 38.
Within Europe, it also holds one of the lowest ranks in this regard, coming in at 29th out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 22.0% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 27.2% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 28.1% |
Source: Eurostat.
Total births
In 2024, France saw 660,800 total births, marking a decrease of 17,164 from the previous year. The country has experienced a downward trend in births over the last five years, with an average of 708,535 annually during this period. This recent average is notably lower than the 2010s average of 785,223 births, reflecting a decline of 124,423 births or 15.8% from that decade.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 735.4k |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 678.0k |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 660.8k |
Source: Eurostat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
France's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) is 27.5% in 2024, showing minimal change from the 27.2% recorded in 2023. Over the past five years, the indicator has trended upward, averaging 22.4% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 2010s average of 12.8%, the current figure is approximately 14.8 percentage points higher. On a global scale, France holds the 27th position out of 35 countries.
Within Europe, it ranks near the lower end with a BRI value placing it 24th out of 30 countries.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 17.6% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 27.2% |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 27.5% |
Source: Eurostat.
