France
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2024, France's total maternal rate (TMR) declined slightly to 71.9%, continuing a gradual downward trend from the 2010s when it was around 82.6%. Meanwhile, the average number of children per mother eased modestly to 2.24, marginally below previous years but still above European averages. Despite these small declines, France maintains one of the higher TMR levels globally and in Europe. The lifetime childlessness rate rose to 28.1%, reflecting a steady increase over recent years.
- The total fertility gradient (TFG) increased by 2.4 percentage points to 22.2%, indicating a growing proportion of mothers with more children compared to recent years.
- Average maternal age reached 29.6 years, up slightly from 2023 and continuing a steady rise over the past decade.
- Life expectancy with healthy lifespan (SHL) decreased substantially by over 11 years, a notable departure from longer-term trends.
- Total births fell to approximately 661,000, a reduction of around 17,000 from the prior year.
In 2024, France maintains a high total maternal rate but shows declining trends in births and fertility indicators compared to previous decades.
- Third highest total maternal rate globally and in Europe
- Children per mother slightly above European average, mid-range rank
- Mean age at childbearing near European average, ranking 19/31
- Among lowest childlessness and teenage fertility rates in Europe
- Projected severe future births decline with a slow societal half-life
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%, showing a slight decrease of 0.9 percentage points from the previous year. This rate has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with the average for 2020–2024 at 75.5%. Compared to the 2010s average of 82.6%, the current TMR has dropped by roughly 10.7 percentage points. France continues to maintain one of the highest TMR levels worldwide, ranking third out of 38 countries, and holds a similar standing within Europe, also ranking third out of 31 nations.
| 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)
France's children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.24 in 2024, showing a slight decrease of 0.04 from 2023. Over the last five years, this metric has remained relatively stable, averaging 2.30. When placed against the 2010s average of 2.33, the current CPM is approximately 0.09 lower. On the global stage, France holds the 27th position among 38 countries, while in Europe, it ranks 21st out of 31.
| 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, showing a modest increase of 0.2 years from the previous year. Over the last five years, there has been a steady upward trend, with the average age holding at about 29.4 years. This current figure stands 0.8 years above the average recorded during the 2010s. On the international stage, France holds the 24th position out of 38 countries in terms of maternal age, while within Europe, it ranks 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)
In 2024, the Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) for France stands at 22.2%, which corresponds 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 been on an upward trend, averaging 16.0% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the average during the 2010s, which was 7.0%, the current level is about 15.2 percentage points higher. On the global scale, France’s TFG is among the lowest, ranking 37th out of 38 countries. The same pattern holds within Europe, where it ranks 30th out of 31 countries.
| 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
Looking ahead from the 2024 birth rate, the total number of births is projected to decline sharply, dropping by 50% from 660,800 in 2024 to approximately 330,400 by 2111. This downward trend continues, with births expected to fall by 75% by the year 2198 and plummet by 90%, reaching just 66,080 in 2313, assuming no changes in migration.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
In 2024, the lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) in France reached 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% between 2020 and 2024. When compared to the 2010s average of 17.4%, the current rate is approximately 10.7 percentage points higher. On the global stage, France ranks 36th out of 38 countries for childlessness rates, indicating one of the lowest levels worldwide.
Within Europe, it also holds a low position, ranked 29th out of 31 countries.
| 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, the total number of births in France reached 660,800, marking a decrease of 17,164 compared to the previous year. The trend over the last five years shows a decline in births, with an average annual count of 708,535. When compared to the average from the 2010s, which stood at 785,223, the current total births represent a reduction of 124,423, or 15.8% fewer births.
| 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) hit 27.5% in 2024, showing only a marginal increase from 2023’s 27.2%. Over the past five years, the indicator has trended upward, averaging 22.4% during 2020–2024. Compared to the 2010s average of 12.8%, the current figure is significantly higher by about 14.8 percentage points. Among 35 countries worldwide, France holds the 27th position. In the European context, it ranks near the lower end, placing 24th out of 30 countries in terms of BRI values.
| 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.
