France: health and care

What are the main causes of death in France?

Cancer was the leading cause of death in France in 2023, with 171,900 deaths, followed by circulatory diseases (136,200) and respiratory diseases (47,000), according to INSEE's table of causes of death by sex (16 July 2026). In total 637,100 people died in 2023, down from 673,200 in 2022, as COVID-19 deaths fell from 41,300 to 14,200.

The figures come from medical death certificates, and each death is assigned one underlying cause. Lung cancer was the deadliest single cancer (31,200 deaths). 2023 is the latest year in the table.

Official sources: INSEE: causes of death by sex

How many suicides are there in France?

8,900 people died by suicide or self-inflicted injury in France in 2023, 6,700 men and 2,200 women, according to INSEE's table of causes of death by sex. In 2022 the figure was 9,200.

The count is based on causes recorded on death certificates. Some suicides may be recorded under other causes, such as deaths of undetermined intent, so the true number may be higher. Men account for about three quarters of suicide deaths.

Official sources: INSEE: causes of death by sex

How many doctors are there in France?

France had 233,416 doctors on 1 January 2024, according to INSEE's key figures on health professions (October 2025), based on the national RPPS register of health professionals. There were also 104,231 physiotherapists, 74,227 pharmacists, 45,779 dentists and 25,161 midwives; nurses numbered 598,915 in 2021.

The register counts doctors entitled to practise, whether in hospitals, private practice or other roles. National totals do not show how evenly doctors are spread: medical deserts are measured with local density indicators. INSEE notes that paramedical numbers for 2024 were revised down; the figures are compiled by DREES.

Official sources: INSEE: health professions

How much does France spend on health?

Current health spending in France was €332.6 billion in 2024, or 11.4% of GDP, according to INSEE's table on current health expenditure (December 2025). Of this, €254.8 billion was consumption of care and medical goods, including €120.9 billion of hospital care, €77.8 billion of outpatient care and €56.0 billion of medical goods. Long-term care accounted for €52.2 billion.

The total follows the international definition used by the OECD and WHO, so it can be compared with other countries. It was 11.0% of GDP in 2019 and peaked at 12.1% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures come from the national health accounts produced by DREES.

Official sources: INSEE: current health expenditure

What is the infant mortality rate in France?

4.1 children per 1,000 born alive died before their first birthday in France in 2024, about 2,700 children, according to INSEE's study one child in 250 dies before the age of one (Insee Première No. 2048, April 2025). The rate has risen slightly from 3.5 per 1,000 in 2011.

INSEE says the increase is entirely due to deaths between 1 and 27 days after birth, which rose from 1.5 to 2.0 per 1,000. It reports that the rate has been above the EU average since 2015 and is about twice as high in the overseas departments as in mainland France.

Official sources: INSEE: infant mortality in France

What is life expectancy in France?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 83.0 years. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 79.5 years; France is 12th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 19th highest.

What is the infant mortality rate in France?

The latest figure from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, for 2024, is 3.4 per 1,000. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.4 per 1,000; France is 24th highest of 51. Worldwide: 160th of 192.

How many women die in childbirth in France?

The WHO puts the maternal mortality ratio in France at 7.0 per 100,000 in 2023. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 6.0 per 100,000, and France placed 24th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 156th of 192.

What share of GDP does France spend on health care?

11.5% of GDP: that is current health spending in France for 2024, according to the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 10.2% of GDP (2005) to 12.2% of GDP (2021). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 9.4% of GDP, and France placed 3rd highest of 17.

What is out-of-pocket health spending in France?

According to the WHO, out-of-pocket health spending in France was 9.2% in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.4% (2005) to 11.5% (2011). It is 16th highest of 17 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 14.1%.

How many doctors does France have?

3.3 per 1,000: that is the number of doctors per 1,000 people in France for 2022, according to the WHO. The peak was 3.4 per 1,000 in 2005 and the low 3.1 per 1,000 in 2011. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7 per 1,000; France is 33rd highest of 42. Of 125 countries with 2022 data, 44th highest.

What is hospital capacity in France?

The WHO puts hospital beds per 1,000 people in France at 5.7 per 1,000 in 2022. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 4.3 per 1,000; France is 15th highest of 42. World rank, highest first: 19th of 110.

What is the measles vaccination rate in France?

WHO and UNICEF puts measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in France at 95.0% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 94.0%; France is 20th highest of 51. Worldwide: 60th of 191.