France

France's 66.4 million people occupy 543,908 square kilometers—one-third larger than #3 United Kingdom—with a density of 122 per square kilometer, half that of Germany. Its population grew 0.3% in 2023, slower than #2 Germany's 0.6% but steadier than Russia's decline. Paris concentrates 2.2 million residents, yet 78% of land remains agricultural, a balance unmatched elsewhere. Childcare subsidies of €900 per child per year boost fertility to 1.8 births per woman, above the 1.5 EU average.