75 millions de français, et moi et moi et moi...

Le Figaro reports the latest population estimate based on the 2004 French census. According to an optimistic reading of the data, there could be 75 millions Frenchmen by 2050, making France the most populous country in Europe (right now, its Germany but with its low natality rate, the country would have only 71 millions inhabitants by 2050).

Although a 45 years prediction has little value, what is clear is that there is a trend towards higher natality rate. This is interesting because it shows a not-so-bad scenario for France. After all, if French were so depressed, they wouldn't be making babies right? This is good news for France and this time, the government has played a role by encouraging birth and he should continue to do so. If the statistics are true, it means the pension payments will be less of an issue and investments in infrastucture will have to be made, thus (hopefully) creating more jobs.