The evolution of births and deaths in Reunion in 2020 is significantly different from that observed in France and in other overseas regions., underlines INSEE. On the island, births remained stable, while they decreased by 2,3% in mainland France. 13,160 children were born to mothers residing in Reunion, as much as in 2019. As for deaths, their increase is contained in Réunion (+1,8% compared to 2019), while they are making strong progress at the national level (+9,3%). 5,150 people living in Reunion Island died last year. This moderate increase is mainly explained by the aging of the population and most strongly affects those aged 65-74. (+8% compared to 2019). In France and in certain overseas regions, excess mortality is the direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and has particularly affected people over 75 years old. The natural balance, difference between births and deaths, amounts to + 8,000 in 2020 in Reunion, the lowest level since 1951. The population of the island is estimated by INSEE at 857,800 people as of January 1, 2021..
