Abstract

This paper discusses the demographic potential of France in the late 20th and early 21st century. The research question concerning its demographic situation is answered through the in-depth description, analysis and assessment of the country's demographic resources in the period between 1991 and 2013, with respect to France excluding Mayotte or to metropolitan France. Due to the extensive and complex nature of the subject matter, the aspects of the demographic situation in France analysed in this paper have been chosen based on their relevance. Therefore, the paper consists of three main parts: population statistics and fluctuations in country's demographic structure, vital statistics (natality, fertility and mortality, excluding the question of marriages and divorces), as well as international migrations with a strong focus on the immigration to France. To sum up, the demographic situation in France is relatively optimistic when compared to other European countries (as exemplified by the rising total population figure, being the second most populated state in the EU, having positive natural increase rate and migration rate, approaching the threshold of generation renewal). The ageing of the population is one of the major demographic challenges for France; yet it is progressing at a slower pace than in the rest of Europe. Given its demographic situation, France actively seeks to define Europe-wide policy, for instance with respect to regulating international migrations.