France is witnessing a significant decline in birth rates, with 2023 marking a 6.6% drop compared to the previous year.

According to the latest report by Insee, this is the most substantial decrease since the end of the baby boom in the mid-1970s.

The country, which once boasted the highest fertility rate in Europe, now aligns with the broader European trend of declining births.

In 2023, the average fertility rate in France was 1.68 children per woman.

This decline is widespread, affecting all age groups and regions, with rural areas experiencing the most pronounced drops.

Experts suggest that some couples may have postponed having children due to uncertainties, but it remains unclear if this will lead to a rebound in 2024. The trend reflects a broader European pattern, with a 5.5% decrease in births across the EU in 2023.