Myth Debunked: Why France Does Not Have a Higher Population Than England

When it comes to population, France does not surpass the United Kingdom (UK). In fact, the current population of France is approximately 64 million, while the UK has a population of around 67 million. Despite this, the land area of the UK is significantly smaller, measuring 93628 square miles compared to France's 211413 square miles. Consequently, the population density in France is less than half that of the UK, highlighting the disparity in land size.

Historical Context and Reasons Behind the Population Paradox

For centuries, France consistently had a larger population relative to the UK. However, the Napoleonic wars drastically changed the demographic landscape. During these conflicts, approximately 1,000,000 young men in their prime of life who would likely have started families were lost. As a result, French population growth began to stabilize around 25 million inhabitants, whereas the UK and Germany's populations skyrocketed. By the beginning of the 20th century, the balance shifted decisively in favor of the UK and its northern rivals and competitors.

Rural vs. Urban Industrialization

One of the key factors in the lower population of France compared to the UK lies in the rural versus urban industrialization:

Rural Areas: France has traditionally been a very rural country, with only one major center of industrialization around Paris. The land, characterized by primitive farming techniques, could not sustain a high population density. Conversely, the UK had a vast industrial corridor stretching from Edinburgh to London, which led to significant population growth. Industrialization Impact: Industrialization initially promoted population growth by improving land utilization. However, it also led to overcrowding and poverty, prompting people to realize that unrestrained breeding could diminish the quality of life.

Impact of Wars on Population

The historical conflicts in which France was involved also played a role in the lower population density:

Endless Wars: France has been in a state of continuous warfare for over 2000 years. This mass consumption of manpower has significantly reduced the population over the centuries. While exact records of conflicts France started or was involved in are difficult to put together, the list would undoubtedly be extensive.

Role of Diseases and Epidemics

Diseases have also significantly impacted the population dynamics of France compared to the UK:

Frequent Outbreaks: France has faced several severe epidemics, including the Black Death and Typhus, which were particularly deadly in poor rural communities. Childhood mortality rates were also exceptionally high. UK's Geographical Advantage: As an island nation, the UK's geographical isolation protected it from widespread disease outbreaks. Prior to air travel, diseases were primarily transported by sea, leading to more localized and less severe impacts on the UK population.

Late Industrialization and Population Growth

The timing of industrialization is another factor to consider:

Immigration and Growth: The UK experienced a series of waves of immigration from diverse European tribes, including the Celts, Saxons, Northern Germanic tribes (Vikings), and the Normans, who had settled in France under Rollo's relation Wilhelm in 1066. Each wave brought new knowledge and fostered technological advancements, ultimately contributing to improved medical and sanitary conditions that reduced sickness and childhood mortality rates.

In conclusion, while France has a richer history and cultural heritage, the disparity in population between France and the UK can be attributed to factors such as rural versus urban industrialization, historical conflicts, diseases, and the timing of industrialization. Understanding these historical and demographic factors is crucial for comprehending the current population dynamics between the two nations.