Part 2/13:
One of the most startling statistics about France is its demographic composition: currently, 57% of the population are net beneficiaries of the government, meaning they receive more in benefits than they contribute in taxes. Meanwhile, only 43% are net contributors, a ratio that is rapidly deteriorating. Projections estimate that by 2070, over half the population will be retirees drawing from the state, with dependency ratios soaring despite France's relatively high fertility rate compared to other European countries.