[pesto]

Fascinating thread. Is "who's got the most people" a concern among French, German and UK people or mostly an interesting pattern for specialist? In any event, it seems that none of these cultures is on the verge of extinction.

Does "rurification" basically mean a return to the countryside or more like a movement to somewhat newer and more spacious suburbs? Given modern communication, either is possible. I understand that Lille has some new life now that is connected by high-speed rail to Paris.