The Changing Death Rate in France from 1990 to 2022

France’s death rate has remained relatively stable over the past three decades, fluctuating between 8.3 and 9.9 deaths per 1,000 people. The slight dip in the mid-2000s, followed by an increase in 2020, can largely be attributed to demographic shifts and the aging population, alongside the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in deaths during 2020, reaching 9.9, reflects both the public health crisis and the high proportion of elderly individuals in the country.

Since then, the death rate has stabilized somewhat, though it remained elevated at 9.8 in 2021 and 2022. The aging population continues to contribute to higher mortality, and France’s healthcare system faces growing demand for geriatric care. In response, public health strategies are increasingly focused on promoting elderly well-being and improving long-term healthcare infrastructure to cope with these demographic trends.