Immigration is taking up more and more space in French cities. Over the last fifteen years, we have gone from 8.1% of immigrants in the population to 10.2%.
Over the last fifteen years, certain cities in France have seen massive increases in immigration. Those most affected by the phenomenon have twice as many inhabitants with immigrant backgrounds, as reported by the study by the Observatory of Immigration and Demography. Here are the cities most affected by this increase.
Amiens (55%)
The main city of the Somme (80), Amiens today has 11.2% immigrants in its population. An increase of 55% between 2006 and 2021.
Limoges (56%)
In Limoges, the progression of immigration no longer needs to be proven. In 2017, a study commissioned by France Stratégie caused a stir. It revealed that in 1990, 10.2% of children (0-18 years) had non-European immigrant parents. In 2017, this figure was 27.5%, an increase of 169%.
More generally, this town in New Aquitaine now has 12.6% immigrants, an increase of 56% in 15 years.
Le Havre (56%)
In Le Havre, 10% of the population has an immigrant background. This represents an increase of 56% between 2006 and 2021.
Nantes (64%)
Nantes (Pays-de-la-Loire) is the sixth city in France in terms of demographics (306,000 inhabitants in 2016). Like all the cities in this ranking, it is a city that was not affected by the first waves of immigration, hence this strong recent progression. Currently, in Nantes, there are 11.6% immigrants.
Rennes (68%)
Like Nantes, Rennes is one of the most populated French cities (11th). A growing population which today reaches 225,000 inhabitants, 12% of whom have an immigrant background. A spectacular increase of 68%.
Rouen (70%)
In Rouen, 12.9% of the population now has an immigrant background. This represents an increase of 70% in 15 years. Like the Upper Normandy region, the sectors of activity are industrial and port, and the city attracts an immigration of workers.
Angers (74%)
The second most populous city in Pays-de-la-Loire saw a 74% increase in immigration. The total immigration is 10.6% of its population.
Caen (96%)
In Caen, despite a 96% increase in immigration between 2006 and 2021, its share does not yet represent 10% of the city’s demographic total (9.8%). Proof that before this significant wave, the city had almost no immigrants in its ranks.
Brest (100%)
In Brest, the share of immigration doubled between 2006 and 2021. Despite this, it remains low at 7.7%.
Le Mans (103%)
Le Mans is the city where immigration has gained the most ground in 15 years: the number of immigrants has more than doubled, now representing 10.1% of the Le Mans population.
