France Country Profile

Geography and Climate

• Located in Western Europe, bordered by several countries including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra
• Metropolitan France is divided into 13 regions, with 5 overseas regions
• Terrain: mountains, hills, and plains; highest point is Mont Blanc (4,810m)
• Climate: temperate, with cool winters and mild summers; varies from north to south

Government and Politics

• Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
• President serves as head of state and government, with a prime minister as head of government
• Bicameral parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate
• Capital city: Paris

Economy

• 7th largest economy in the world (nominal GDP)
• Member of the European Union, Eurozone, and G7
• Strong service sector, with major industries including:
  • Tourism
  • Manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, luxury goods)
  • Agriculture (wine, cheese, dairy products)

Culture

• Official language: French
• Rich cultural heritage, with significant contributions to:
  • Art (Impressionism, Cubism)
  • Literature (Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert)
  • Music (classical, jazz)
  • Cinema (French New Wave)
• Famous landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum

History

• Ancient Gaul inhabited by Celts and later Romans
• Middle Ages: feudalism and monarchy
• French Revolution (1789-1799): establishment of the First Republic
• 19th and 20th centuries: colonial empire, World War I and II, and modernization
• Contemporary France: European integration and multicultural society