France Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
France's physicians was 3.33 in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
France's physicians stood at 3.33 in 2025, a rise of +0.05 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.33 by 2025. France ranked 49th globally.
France’s density of physicians has risen steadily from 1.20 per 1,000 people in 1970, the all‑time trough, to 3.33 in 2025, placing it 49th globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 2005 at 3.41, reflecting expanded medical school enrolments and higher health‑sector spending during the early 2000s. Over the 54‑year span, the increase averages roughly 0.04 physicians per 1,000 annually, a rate comparable to Hungary’s current 3.33 and slightly above Singapore’s 3.17, but still below Estonia’s 3.43. The persistent growth mirrors broader European trends of ageing populations and policy emphasis on universal coverage, which have driven demand for more practitioners. However, constraints such as limited training capacity and regional maldistribution could temper future gains. Continued investment in medical education and incentives for rural practice are likely to sustain the modest upward trend, albeit at a slower pace than the rapid expansion seen in the early‑2000s.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 3.33 | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.33 | +0.05 | #49 |
| 2022 | 3.28 | +0.02 | #45 |
| 2021 | 3.26 | +0.01 | #45 |
| 2020 | 3.25 | +0.01 | #44 |
| 2019 | 3.24 | +0.03 | #44 |
| 2018 | 3.21 | −0.00 | #41 |
| 2017 | 3.22 | +0.02 | #40 |
| 2016 | 3.20 | +0.02 | #39 |
| 2015 | 3.18 | +0.02 | #34 |
| 2014 | 3.17 | +0.01 | #36 |
| 2013 | 3.16 | +0.02 | #36 |
| 2012 | 3.14 | +0.01 | #35 |
| 2011 | 3.12 | −0.22 | #32 |
| 2010 | 3.35 | +0.01 | #29 |
| 2009 | 3.34 | −0.05 | #25 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
France matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
France's physicians was 3.33 in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from the previous year.
France's physicians peaked at 3.41 in 2004.
The lowest physicians in France was 1.20 in 1970.
France ranks 49th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
France's physicians is projected to reach 3.33 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of France in 2025 was 3.33. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_france_physicians,
title = {France Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/france/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}