The demographic records of 2008 show more than 64 million people living in the French Republic. Out of the total population, more than 61 million live in the metropolitan areas of the country, while the rest are resident at overseas departments and territories. In the beginning of the twentieth century, the population in France was very low compared to other European countries. There was a sharp increase in population after World War II. It was called the baby boom. During World War III, France experienced reconstruction and a steady growth in economy. The economic growth led to labor immigration in the 1960’s. Many employers discovered potential manpower in the villages located at southern Europe and North Africa. The French law gave permission and facilitated the immigration for many ethnic and national French colonies. The immigrants were from the former colonies of France which included North Africa, West Africa, India, and Indochina. After the energy crises of 1973, the laws of immigration were passed. During this time the country experienced drop in birth rate.
After 1980’s France was no longer a country of mass immigration. The birth rate was still very low and continued to drop. In the 1990’s the birth rate in France increased and began to rebound. Today, the fertility rate of the country is nearing replacement level. The immigrants from the French colonies account for one quarter of the growth in population. This proportion is low when compared to other European countries. In 2006, the demographic survey showed that 4.9 million immigrants were of foreign origin which means that 8% of the country’s population was of foreign origin. French citizens of foreign origin account for 6.7 million which means one tenth of French citizens are of foreign origin. The immigrants are from European descent that comprises of Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain and a few others. France also has a sizeable population of Arabs and Africans who were immigrants from the former colonies of France. In 2000’s, the immigration rate reduced considerably and it is less compared to other European countries. Since 1990s, France has attempted to curb immigrations. Few decades back the scene was totally opposite. In the 1920s and 1930s, the population and fertility rate in France was extremely low compared to other European countries. At that time, France had opened its doors for immigration to avoid decline in population.
Today, the fertility rate in other European countries is very low when compared to France. Countries like Germany and Spain have to open doors for immigration in order to avoid decline in population. In France, the fertility rate has increased compared to other European countries. After Ireland, France is the next most populated country in Europe. The population growth in France is more due to natural increase unlike other European countries. The latest demographic survey was conducted in 2006 according to which the birth rate and the fertility rate in France continued to rise. The fertility rate has been increasing to match that of the United States of America.
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