Delete Facebook vs. deactivate

Deactivation And Deletion Are Very Different

You can always backup your data and then delete your account.

Here is Facebook's summary of the differences.

Facebook's Interests

A deactivated account allows Facebook to keep your data. It is still valuable to advertisers and other third parties.

As a result, Facebook encourages account deactivation as opposed to full deletion of your data.

If your intention is to permanently delete your account, do not be fooled into deactivation instead.