The population of France is growing slowly after rapid growth in the middle of the 20th century. It currently stands at 62 million people after reaching 60 million people in the Year 2000. In 1800 the population of France was approximately 30 million people, so the population doubled in 200 years.
Population distribution
The distribution (where it is) of the population around France is far from equal and is changing all of the time. The majority of people live in France's big cities which are dotted around the country including Paris the Capital, Lyon and Marseilles in the South, Toulouse (one of Europe's most rapidly growing cities) in the South West, Strasbourg in the East, Bordeaux in the West and Lille in the North. The highest population densities are found in the cities mentioned, along the Rhône valley in the south, the Mediterranean coastline and along the Belgian and German borders. This is either because the climate is agreeable to people or because of the job prospects. Many parts of France suffer from under population, areas such as Deux Sevres and the Massive Central have very low population densities. France has double the land area of the UK but roughly the same population, so is generally less densely populated.
Urban and rural patterns.
The city or urban population of France has grown massively in recent times, whilst the rural population is decreasing. The majority of people leaving rural areas are of working age and those people who have families who need the services offered by cities. This leaves an ageing population in many rural areas, which poses problems. The decreasing population means that many services such as schools close, whilst many vulnerable old people are left on their own.
France had a population that was decreasing for many decades, but is now growing naturally as there are more births than deaths.
Migration
This is a key area for France as it is for many European countries, as France generally has a positive net migration balance every year. This means that more people arrive to live in France (Immigrate) that people leave to live elsewhere (Emigrate). Many people who settle in France are European, and many British citizens live there. The other major groups of people that move to France include West and North Africans, from old French colonies such as Morocco, Algeria, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Many immigrants are entirely legal, but France does get illegal immigrants, some of whom are passing through on their way to other European countries.
Generally, the North of France is losing population whilst the south of France is gaining.
A
map of
Population Density
France's population Pyramid - how does the structure of France's population change over time? What happens to the numbers of people with no education?
Graphic of where immigrants to France come from - it is illegal to collect ethnic origin data in France
Video 1
Video 2
2) Attempt the scatter diagram at the base of the page
3) Discover
4) Watch the 2 videos about changing demographics in Europe – which side of the argument do you believe and why?
