The social profile of France in 2015 shows that there are more French people than ever before.
The population has shot up to 64.2 million, or 66.3 million if the overseas territories are included. During 2014 some 300,000 new souls were added due to a natural increase and an increase in migration.
Germany’s population rose to 81.1 million while Britain’s population reached to 64.7 million due to a natural increase and a jump in migration.
France has 5.7 million immigrants, making up 8.7% of the total. Four out of ten immigrants take French citizenship.
The data released by the country’s National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) also showed that France has the highest birth rate in Europe, namely 1.99 children per woman.
French women surpassed Ireland’s 1.96 and Sweden’s 1.89.
British women hold fourth place, with 1.83 babies per woman, much ahead of Germany with 1.4 babies per woman and Spain, which has a birth rate of fewer than 1.3.
Longevity was reported as 85 years for women. Only Spanish (86.1 years) and Italian (85.2 years) expect to live longer. British women can expect to have fewer years (82.9 years) and German women 83.2 years.
French men can expect 78.7 years, fewer than the Italians (80.3 years), the Spanish (80.2) and even the British (79.2)
Unemployment remains high at 10.3% although this is only slightly above the EU average. French young people suffer 24%.
French unemployment is well above Germany’s 5% and Britain’s 6%.
Those in work can expect a reasonable salary. The annual wage is €37,400 which is higher than the EU average but below Britain’s €40,100, Germany’s €42,000 and well behind Denmark’s €58,000.
In Italy the average annual salary is €32, 400 and in Spain it is just €36,000.
French working hours average 37.3 a week although farmers put in 53.5 hours and bosses and shop staff work an average 47 hours.
The percentage of people living below the poverty line fell to 14%.
That compares favourably to Germany and the UK, both at 16%. In Italy the poverty rate stands at 19% and it hits 20% in Spain.
France remains a big spender on social welfare, the second highest in Europe after Denmark.
Denmark spends 34.6% of its GDP on social welfare compared to 34.2% in France. In the UK it is 28.8% of GDP and in Germany it is 29.5%.
