in addition, there was steady immigration, especially from former french colonies in north africa. the population of france grew from 40.5 million in 1946 to nearly 50 million in 1968 and just under 60 million by 1999. the farm population declined sharply, from 35% of the workforce in 1945 to under 5% by 2000. by 2004, france had the second highest birthrate in europe, behind only ireland.