In 2024, France's foreign population reached six million, making up 8.8% of the total population. This figure is the lowest in Europe, where the average stands at 9.6%. According to a study released on Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), the majority of these residents, who do not hold French nationality, were born abroad (5.1 million), while 900,000, often minors, were born in France. France's statistics fall below those of other European Union countries, challenging the far-right narrative on immigration and the so-called «replacement» of populations. For instance, Italy's foreign population is at 8.9%, Spain's at 13.4%, Belgium's at 13.8%, and Germany's at 14.5%, according to Eurostat data. France also has the lowest percentage of non-European foreigners in the EU, at 2.3% of the population. Italy follows closely at 2.4%, but both are far behind Germany at 5.3% and Belgium at 8.4%. Insee's data highlights the evolving diversity of nationalities among foreigners in France. Back in 1968, nearly 75% of foreigners held a European nationality, with one in four being from Africa. By 2024, nearly half (46%) are from African countries, and a third are from other parts of Europe. Moreover, Insee notes a significant decline in the acquisition of French nationality among European nationals since the late 2000s. The rate of naturalization is higher among those from Africa (37%) and Asia (35%).
