L’Europe méridionale depuis 20 ans : dépeuplement, dépopulation et renouveau démographique

In Europe, in the last ten years, many areas (mainly rural) have found a path to demographic growth after several decades of decline. However, this recovery should not obscure the continual downward trajectory of certain territories. Moreover, this apparent demographic renewal has to be thoroughly examined in order to assess its durability.The goal of this article is to explore the demographic dynamics of four states of southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, France and Italy) during the two last decades. After studying the role of migratory and natural dynamics in this growth, we analyse the age structures of the territories in order to raise questions about future dynamics. Scenarios vary according to region, each having its own distinctive characteristics. The final result is a reconsideration of the demographic renewal in two respects. First of all, there remain a significant number of territories which have not experienced growth. They are likely to continue their decline. Then, the recovery observed in the last decade could prove very short-lived.