France

Armoiries république française

File:La Marseillaise.ogg

EU-France (orthographic projection).svg

EU-France

France and its region

Territorial waters - France.svg

Country in Western Europe

France (

[fʁɑ̃s

]), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises various overseas regions and territories. The metropolitan area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra.

History

Main article: History of France

The history of France dates back to the Iron Age, with the region being inhabited by the Gauls, a Celtic people. The area was annexed by Rome in the 1st century BC, leading to the establishment of the province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Franks, a Germanic people, established the Kingdom of France in the 5th century AD. The French Revolution in 1789 led to the establishment of the First French Republic.

Geography

Main article: Geography of France

France is the largest country in the European Union and has a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, mountain ranges such as the Alps and the Pyrenees, and river systems like the Seine, Loire, and Rhône. The country has a varied climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to oceanic in the west and continental in the east.

Government and Politics

Main article: Politics of France

France is a unitary state with a semi-presidential system. The President of France is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The French Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.

Economy

Main article: Economy of France

France has a mixed economy that combines extensive private enterprise with substantial state enterprise and government intervention. It is the world's seventh-largest economy by nominal GDP and the tenth-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). Key industries include aerospace, automotive, luxury goods, and tourism.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of France

As of 2023, France has a population of approximately 67.4 million people. The official language is French, and the country is known for its cultural diversity. Major cities include Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, and Nice.

Culture

Main article: Culture of France

France is renowned for its cultural heritage, including its art, literature, music, and cuisine. The country is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Mont Saint-Michel, and the Louvre Museum.

Education

Main article: Education in France

The French education system is highly centralized and organized into three stages: primary education, secondary education, and higher education. France is home to some of the world's leading universities and research institutions, such as the Sorbonne University and the École Normale Supérieure.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in France

France has a universal healthcare system that is largely financed by the government through a national health insurance program. The country is known for its high-quality healthcare services and medical research.

See also

• List of French people
• French cuisine
• French language
• Regions of France

References

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