In the last two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the growth of population in France. In fact, France was considered as the most fertile country in Europe in 2006. Being a Western and industrialized country, France is said to contain the hallmarks which can make one infer that it has low fertility rate. Surprisingly, statistics shows the contrary.
Statistics on French Population
In terms of the rate of fertility, France has already overtaken Ireland. According to the 2006 census, birth rate has significantly increased by 2.9% compared to the rate in 2005. This is considered as the highest increase rate seen in the last 30 years.
It has actually taken the crown from Ireland as the most fertile country in Europe. Research shows that on the average, French women bear two children. Meanwhile, Irish women bear 1.9 children and on the average, each woman in Europe bears 1.5 children.
Reminiscing the Past..
In early 19th century, France is considered as the most populous country in Europe with its over 28 million population. During the early 20th century and late 19th century, France has become a public sensation as being the first country in the globe to experience a massive population decline. This continues until the World War II. The unprecedented baby boom after the war has significantly increased the population in France.
What Could Be The Factors Behind This Significant Rise in Figures?
It is believed that government incentives play a major role in the current baby boom phenomenon in France. These incentives include subsidized daycare, tax breaks and paid leave which is designed to encourage adults to have children.
According to research, the availability of family-friendly French policies is the most influential factor behind this phenomenon. Many French women can actually take some time off their jobs without incurring substantial financial loss.
Undeniably, many couples would like to have more children however, they cannot just afford to leave their jobs as they would incur greater financial losses. Since the French government is offering financial incentives to families who would bear children, women in France are now given the option to leave work and have children without incurring financial losses.
Also, the cost of childcare is relatively cheaper compared to other countries. At some point, childcare can absolutely be free and in some cases, the cost can just be as high as 500 euros.
French Vs. German Women in Fertility
In one study, it was found out that French women are more active in giving birth than their counterparts in West Germany. The persistent gap in the fertility level of these countries is accounted to state policies.
Also, more and more women in Germany are giving more priority to their career or job and they are less concerned about building larger families. On the other hand, French women are giving priority to building family since the opportunity cost of staying at home and bear children is less compared to other countries. Also, the government offers subsidies and child care policies which makes building larger families less expensive.
According to reports, middle class French women are to receive generous cash payments to encourage them to bear more children. This is one of the government’s schemes to prevent the French population from shrinking.
Professional and middle-age women tend to postpone the age to which they start building families for career. As of 2004, the average age to which women begin giving birth was 29.4 years. Also, it was found out that there were long intervals between pregnancies. On the average, there is an age gap of 3-4 years between the first and the second child. In effect, more women have fewer children.
With a comprehensive fertility package, the government hopes that more couples will take advantage of it which can result to increased fertility rate in France. The EU has stated before that economic growth is always accompanied by population growth. Also, it implies that economic growth never happen without population growth.
The Growth of Muslim Community In France
Also, it is believed that compared to other countries in Europe, France has the largest Muslim community. They actually account for 10% of France’s 60 million population. Though census for ethnic groups is prohibited in France, experts believe that 20-30% of the population below 25 are Muslims and in 25 years time, they predict that majority of France will be dominated by the Muslim community. This leads the government to design the fertility package to encourage French birth rate.