The Mairie de Monaco’s annual civil status report for 2024 has revealed intriguing shifts in demographic trends, including a slight increase in divorces, fewer births, and a continued preference for Monaco’s maternity services among parents from neighboring areas. These figures offer a glimpse into the evolving social fabric of the Principality.
A total of 721 births were recorded in Monaco last year, a drop from 804 in 2023. Of these, 399 were boys and 322 girls, with the overwhelming majority born at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. Only one birth occurred at home.
Other key insights revealed that the number of children born outside of marriage (361) exceeded those born to married couples (360). Just over 200 of the new parents were residents of Monaco, meaning that the majority of births (519) were to parents from nearby French communes, including Menton, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
The most popular names for girls in 2024 included Rose, Victoria and Emma, while Jules, Léo and Lorenzo led the choices for boys.
Divorce on the rise as marriages decline
Marriages in the Principality saw a notable decrease, with 176 ceremonies performed in 2024 compared to 194 the previous year. Only six of these unions were between two Monegasque nationals, while the majority involved mixed-nationality couples or two foreign nationals.
Divorces, however, showed a modest rise, climbing to 66 cases from 64 in 2023. This increase hints at changing dynamics within relationships, aligning with broader global trends.
A steady decrease in deaths
The report also noted a slight decline in deaths, from 538 in 2023 to 509 in 2024. Deaths were evenly distributed between men and women and primarily occurred in hospitals, with a smaller percentage in clinics or retirement homes. Among the deceased, 261 were Monaco residents, while the rest lived in adjacent French towns, reflecting the Principality’s reach beyond its borders.
Insights from centuries of records
Monaco’s civil registry, one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 16th century, continues to serve as a rich source of historical and demographic insight. These latest statistics shed light on the evolving lifestyles and preferences of Monaco’s diverse population, reinforcing the Principality’s status as both a cultural and medical hub.
Read related:
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life