The number of births continues to decline in Reunion, according to the latest data from INSEE. In 2023, it reached its lowest level since the mid-1980s : 12,880 babies born to mothers living on the island, i.e. 330 fewer than in 2022.
As in France, the total fertility indicator decreases in 2023 and reaches 2,28 children per woman. At the same time, deaths, which had increased significantly in 2022 in connection with the Covid-19 health crisis, have decreased. 5,510 people living on the island died last year, i.e. 880 fewer than in 2022. However, the number of deaths is higher in 2023 than before the health crisis in 2019, due to the aging of the population. After falling in 2022, life expectancy increases in 2023 and approaches the French level. As of January 1, 2024, the population of Reunion was estimated at 885,700 inhabitants. Between 2014 and 2024, it increased by 0,5% on average per year, at a rate higher than that of mainland France (+0,3 %). However, the growth of the island's population is less than in the past : +1% on average per year between 2004 and 2014, +1,7% between 1994 and 2004. The downward trend in the birth rate continued during the first three quarters of 2024. From January to September, 900 fewer births than between January and September 2023 (-9,1 %) were counted. At the same time, the number of deaths increases significantly (+8,3 %, i.e. +330 deaths) for the same period.
