Baby boom pushes population to 65 million
The highest birth rate in Europe has helped increase the French population to more than 65 million people, according to official statistics expected this month.
Business daily Les Echos published an official estimate from national statistics agency Insee that there were 64,304,500 in France in January 2009.
The figures showed an increase of 342,641 people in one year.
Based on the same increase in population, the number of inhabitants in France should have easily passed the 65 million mark by January 1st 2012.
One of the major reasons for the increase is the high level of births. With a birth rate of two children per woman, France has the highest rate in Europe.
Other factors include the rise in life expectancy and increased immigration.
French media was celebrating the good news on Monday.
"Demographically speaking, France is going great, thank you," said daily newspaper Metro.
"In contrast to the economy, demography is very dynamic in France," said Les Echos.
There are now 4 million more inhabitants in the country than in January 1999.
Every region of France saw an increase in population, except Champagne-Ardenne in the north east.
The most populated region in France was the Ile-de-France, counting 11.7 million inhabitants.
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