France's Population Growth Slows to Historic Low, Paris Sees Decline
New INSEE data reveals France's population grew by just 0.35% annually from 2016 to 2022, with stark regional disparities and a notable decline in Paris.
- France's population reached 67,760,573 as of January 1, 2022, growing at its slowest rate in decades at 0.35% annually between 2016 and 2022.
- The slowdown is largely attributed to a declining natural balance, with births no longer significantly outpacing deaths across much of the country.
- Paris experienced a population decline of 0.59% annually, losing over 76,000 residents during the six-year period, driven by a net migration deficit despite a positive birth rate.
- Regional growth was concentrated in southern and coastal areas, with cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nantes seeing population increases exceeding 1% annually.
- Thirty-four departments, primarily in the northeast and central regions, saw population decreases, reinforcing the 'diagonal of demographic decline' across the country.
Ouest-France 