France and its Territories 2021 Edition
This work offers an overview of economic, social and environmental issues at a regional level. Using zoning for studies that were updated in 2020, the work takes stock of geographical disparities in France, the strengths and weaknesses of the different regions and the population's living conditions.
Regions at the heart of crises, disparities and sustainable development issues
Christine Charton, Nathalie Couleaud, Fabrice Lenseigne, Gérard Moreau (INSEE)
Overall, demographic growth is stronger in large city catchment areas (also known as Functional Urban Areas) and near the coast in the west and south of the country, as well as in Corsica, along the Swiss border and in French Guiana and La Réunion. Conversely, a large proportion of regions located on a north-east to south-west diagonal, save for along the German border and stopping north of Toulouse, are in demographic decline.
Employment is heavily concentrated in the major metropolitan areas, to an even greater extent than the population. Growth in population and employment often go hand-in-hand: a dynamic labour market attracts new residents and a dynamic demographic situation provides stimulus for household services. Likewise, regions experience a joint decline in population and employment. Despite differences in economic and demographic developments, the main regional disparities in unemployment tend to persist over time.
The nature of employment also differs between regions, with more tourism-related jobs along the coast and up in the mountains, more industrial areas in the north-east and Brittany, and a higher proportion of managers in the major conurbations.
The regions face unequal exposure to crises. The economic slowdown with the Spring 2020 lockdown affected tourist areas in the mountains more, and the recovery was harder in major conurbations with their numerous cultural and leisure activities and business tourism. Sustainable development issues also differ: farming areas are facing a deterioration in soil quality, while the most urban areas are having to deal with soil artificialisation and waste management.
The poorest departments are in the north and centre of the country, along much of the Mediterranean coastline and in overseas departments, whereas the wealthiest households are concentrated in the areas bordering Germany and Switzerland, as well as in most of the major conurbations, where income inequality is more marked.
In terms of household living conditions, the range of facilities and services available in the most densely populated regions is comprehensive but insufficient at times, in view of their population size.