Diversity in France
France is a diverse and multicultural country, making it an attractive destination for students from around the world. With a rich blend of ethnicities, languages, and religions, France offers a unique cultural experience. The population has been steadily growing, driven by natural increases and immigration. France is also a popular choice for international students, with over 412,000 enrolled in higher education institutions. The country’s top universities and colleges provide excellent academic programs, and cities like Paris, Lyon, and Montpellier offer vibrant student life and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Ethnic and Racial Diversity
France is a vibrant mosaic of ethnicities and cultures, shaped by its long history of migration and cultural exchange. The population includes descendants of ancient Celts, Romans, and Germanic tribes, as well as more recent immigrants from Europe, Africa, and Asia. This diversity is reflected in the various ethnic groups present in modern France, such as French natives, Afro-French, Algerians, Portuguese, Italians, and many others. As of 2018, immigrants made up about 9.7% of the population, with significant communities from Algeria (13%), Morocco (11.9%), and Portugal (9.2%).
Language Diversity
While French is the official language spoken by nearly everyone, France also boasts a rich linguistic diversity. Regional languages like Alsatian, Basque, Breton, Corsican, and Occitan are spoken in different parts of the country. Additionally, immigrant languages such as Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Turkish add to the linguistic landscape.
Population Growth Since 2015
France’s population has been steadily increasing. In 2015, the population was around 63.8 million, and by 2025, it is projected to reach approximately 65 million. This growth is driven by both natural increases and immigration. The annual growth rate has varied, with a slight increase of 0.19% from 2024 to 2025.
Religious Diversity
France is religiously diverse, with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious (51%). Catholicism remains the largest religion (29%), followed by Islam (10%) and other Christian denominations (9%). There are also smaller communities of Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus. The frequency and intensity of religious practice vary, with only 8% of Catholics regularly attending a place of worship compared to over 20% of other Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, and 34% of Jews.
Student Population Diversity
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 412,000 international students enrolled in higher education institutions as of 2022-2023. These students come from various regions, including Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Asia. The top countries of origin for international students in France include:
- Morocco: 41,729 students
- Algeria: 31,196 students
- China: 28,436 students
- Italy: 14,692 students
- Tunisia: 13,025 students
- Senegal: 12,475 students
