Why 1/3rd of France is Almost Empty

Summary by Krater

This video examines why France has a massive population void in its center known as the empty diagonal, analyzing historical population shifts, wars, and urbanization trends.

From the video

Answers: Why is the center of France so empty?

• population density in France
• the empty diagonal
• French demographic history
• urbanization in France
• World War I population impact

What it concludes

• Nearly a third of France's territory in its center has a population density of only about 30 persons per square kilometer, forming an empty diagonal.
• France's historical dominance in population began to shift in the 19th century due to declining birth rates and high casualties from the Revolution and Napoleonic wars.
• World War I caused France to lose 10 percent of its active male population in just four years, further compounding demographic declines.
• Industrialization and urbanization caused rural French populations to plummet, moving heavily into major cities like Paris.
• Geographic factors like mountain ranges and proximity to coasts help explain regional population distribution in France.