# French demographic decline and mortality trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-demographic-decline-and-mortality-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-15T17:26:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

France is experiencing significant demographic challenges characterized by rising infant mortality and declining birth rates.

Data from Insee indicates that infant mortality rates have risen from a low of 3.5 per 1,000 live births in 2011 to approximately 4.0 in 2025, a trend concentrated within the first 27 days of life. This has placed France behind the European Union average. An Inspection générale des affaires sociales (IGAS) report, which was reportedly delayed in publication for seven months, described the situation as a “considerable excess of neonatal and infant mortality.”

Simultaneously, the nation is facing a historic decline in fertility. The total fertility rate fell to 1.56 in 2025, the lowest level since the end of the First World War. In 2025, births decreased by 24% compared to the 2010 peak, resulting in a negative natural population change for the first time since the Second World War. This shift has prompted political discussions regarding what President Emmanuel Macron has termed a “demographic rearmament.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: France faces historic decline in fertility and birth rates

France's fertility rate fell to 1.56 in 2025, its lowest since WWI, leading to a negative natural population change for the first time since WWII.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-faces-historic-decline-in-fertility-and-birth-rates

### 2026-09-23: Infant mortality rates rise in France

France's infant mortality rate has risen to approximately 4 per 1,000 live births, exceeding the EU average and sparking concerns over a significant increase in neonatal deaths since 2011.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/infant-mortality-rates-rise-in-france

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Cite as: French demographic decline and mortality trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-demographic-decline-and-mortality-trends