The number of deaths increased significantly in 2021 compared to 2019, before the health crisis, according to the latest demographic report from INSEE. 5,750 people living on the island lost their lives last year, i.e. 690 more than in 2019 (+13,5 %). This increase only concerns people aged 65 or over. It is more pronounced in the second trimester and in August. The increase in deaths on the island results from the aging of the population, but is amplified by epidemic crises. Consequently, life expectancy has declined, increasing to 76,7 years for men and 83,4 years for women. At the same time, after several years of continuous decline, the number of births increased significantly in 2021 : 13,470 babies born to mothers living on the island, i.e. 300 more than in 2020. This growth in the birth rate is particularly marked in the last quarter of 2021. Reunion fertility (2,44 children per woman) remains significantly higher than that of France (1,8 children per woman).
