A concise overview of a set of statistical data on France’s rural population (demographics, socioeconomic indicators, health indicators, healthcare utilization). Thomas Le Jeannic examines the changing nature of rural areas, noting that this evolution makes it difficult to define them in any terms other than as the “opposite” of urban areas. Roger Béteille analyzes the changes brought about by this evolution at the demographic and socioeconomic levels, as well as in cultural and spiritual values and lifestyles, particularly among young people. Virginie Halley des Fontaines reviews the various approaches to studies on the rural world (geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic contexts) as they relate to its potential specificities in terms of health, particularly in healthcare delivery, while comparing these with indicators provided by the health information system. She derives guidelines for planning healthcare facilities tailored to the needs of this environment.