The population of France grew by 360,000 last year; and the population is drifting south.

France now has the second largest population in Europe, with 63.8 million inhabitants, just behind Germany, and ahead of the United Kingdom (although it has a land mass over twice that of the UK).

According to the French statistical agency INSEE, the population of France grew by 0.6% last year, with 816,000 births and 71,000 new immigrants, set against 526,000 deaths.

France has the highest birth rate in Europe, alongside that of Ireland, whose figures for 2007 are not yet available.

Whilst the number of those getting married decreases, so civil partnerships continue to seduce an increasing number of couples. Around 400,000 couples are now in a civil partnership. The figures change in inheritance law introduced by the were sharply up in 2007 over 2006, in part no doubt to the Government granting the same tax status to both married and civil partnership couples.

Life expectancy continues to increase, and over the last ten years the life expectancy of men has increased by three years, whilst it has increased by two years for women.

Men now have a life expectancy of 77.5 years, and women 84.4 years. French women now have the highest life expectancy in Europe, whilst French men do not fair quite so well, being within the top third in Europe. Swedish men have the longest life expectancy in Europe (78.8 years).

The study also shows that the population in Southern France continues to grow at a faster rate than elsewhere, in part because of the drift of the population to popular regions in the
South.

The Cote d’Azur, long time favourite destination, has begun to be eclipsed by the Montpelier-Bordeaux axis, passing through Toulouse. Indeed, Toulouse has seen one of the most
spectacular population growths throughout France, with an increase of around 50,000 people over the 7 years.

Contrary to popular belief, most of the new migrants to the area are not retired persons, but those between 30-59 years, many of whom who have relocated in search of employment and a better lifestyle.