French families - statistics & facts
In 2021, French households composed of four persons or more represented around 16 percent of total households, whereas 60 years ago, they represented almost 35 percent. Family structures in France have evolved considerably, reflecting trends also seen across other Western societies. In fact, couples without children became the most prevalent family structure in recent years, and the average number of individuals per household has been steadily declining since the 1960s.
However, even though most French people are still traditionally attached to the institution of marriage, it is no longer considered a necessary step in forming a home together. Not only are the majority of children born out of wedlock, but on average, compared to a few decades ago, men and women are getting married later in life. Finally, divorce rates increased in the past decades. Indeed, the latest data available indicates that in France, more than half of marriages end in divorce.
The evolution of marriage
In 2024, the number of marriages was around 247,000, a general decrease when compared to 2000, when there were more than 305,000 marriages celebrated in France. Moreover, on May 17, 2013, France became the 9th European country to allow same-sex marriage. Only a few days after the legalization, the first same-sex marriage was celebrated in the southern city of Montpellier. In 2024, the number of same-sex marriages reached 7,000.However, even though most French people are still traditionally attached to the institution of marriage, it is no longer considered a necessary step in forming a home together. Not only are the majority of children born out of wedlock, but on average, compared to a few decades ago, men and women are getting married later in life. Finally, divorce rates increased in the past decades. Indeed, the latest data available indicates that in France, more than half of marriages end in divorce.
