Baby crazy: Why do French women have so many children?

FRENCH CONNECTIONS – Thurs. 01.12.16: French people have a reputation for being pessimistic about the future and yet they are the baby-making champions of Europe. Two main factors can explain France's exceptionally high fertility rate: a generous welfare system which gives cash allowances and tax breaks to families with children and a wide range of state-subsidized childcare options to help women get back to work.