Overview of France

Profile

The French Republic is a developed nation combining the second-largest economy in the Eurozone with military power as a nuclear weapons state, holding numerous cultural heritage sites including the Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower. An EU founding member and UN Security Council permanent member with significant influence on international politics. With temperate oceanic climate centered, Mediterranean and mountain climates also coexist, with rich agricultural and food culture including wine and cheese. Approximately 90 million travelers visit annually, serving as a major pillar of the economy as the world''s top tourist destination.

Official name: French Republic
Common name: France
Numeric code: 250
Alpha-3 code: FRA
Alpha-2 code: FR
Population: Approximately 68 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 118
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Roman Catholic, No Religion, Islam, Protestant, Judaism
National anthem: La Marseillaise
Calling code: +33
Internet TLD: .fr

History

Beginning with the Frankish Kingdom, through the Capetian and Bourbon dynasties to the 1789 Revolution establishing a republic. After the Napoleonic Empire, Restoration, and Third Republic, the Fifth Republic was established in 1958 under de Gaulle''s leadership.

Ancient Gaul developed as a Roman Empire province, with Germanic Franks establishing a kingdom in the 5th century. Medieval power consolidated through the Hundred Years'' War, with Louis XIV''s absolute monarchy in the 16th–17th centuries gaining European hegemony. The 1789 French Revolution abolished feudalism and produced the Declaration of Rights, the 19th century saw Napoleonic Wars and colonial expansion, and the 20th century experienced two world wars and colonial independence. During the Cold War, pursued independent diplomacy and nuclear armament, becoming a driving force for EU integration to the present.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain from western Atlantic coastal plains through central highland volcanic plateaus to Alpine and Pyrenees mountain ranges

Centered on temperate oceanic with coexisting Mediterranean and mountain climates

Area: Europe / 551695 km²
Capital: Paris
Largest city: Paris
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Andorra

Natural resources

Hydropower, Uranium, Bauxite, Limestone, Potash, Timber, Rich farmland, Fishery resources, Wind power, Geothermal

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 2.78 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 3.75 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

French, Bretons, Alsatians, Basques, Corsicans, North African descent, African descent, Asian descent

Life expectancy

Approximately 82.5 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Football, Bicycle Road Racing, Rugby, Tennis, Judo, Motorsports, Basketball