France, officially known as the French Republic, is a country located in Western Europe with a rich history that spans from ancient times to the present. It is known for its cultural heritage, historical influence, and significant role in global affairs.

Geography

• Location: Western Europe, bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra; also has maritime borders with the United Kingdom.
• Coordinates: Approximately 46.6034° N, 1.8883° E.
• Area: Approximately 551,695 square kilometers.
• Borders:
  • France shares land borders with Belgium (650 km), Luxembourg (73 km), Germany (451 km), Switzerland (573 km), Italy (488 km), Spain (623 km), Andorra (56 km), and Monaco (4.4 km).
• Climate:
  • Varies from oceanic in the west to continental in the east, and Mediterranean in the south. The climate is generally temperate with mild winters and warm summers.
• Terrain:
  • Varied, including mountain ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees, fertile plains, and rolling hills.
• Elevation:
  • The lowest point is the Rhone River delta (0 m), and the highest point is Mont Blanc (4,808 m).
• Natural Resources:
  • Coal, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, and limestone. The country also has significant agricultural resources and maritime resources.
• Land Use:
  • Arable land: approximately 33%, permanent crops: 4%, other: 63%.
• Population Distribution:
  • The population is concentrated in major cities and metropolitan areas, with a significant urban population in Paris and its surrounding regions.

Population and Society

• Population: Approximately 67 million (estimate for 2024).
• Ethnic Groups:
  • Primarily ethnic French, with notable communities of immigrants from North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and other European countries.
• Languages:
  • The official language is French. Regional languages such as Breton, Alsatian, and Occitan are also spoken.
• Religions:
  • Predominantly secular, with significant Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) presence; also includes Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities.
• Age Structure:
  • The population has a balanced age structure with an aging population due to increased life expectancy and lower birth rates.
• Population Growth Rate:
  • Approximately 0.4% per year.

Country

• Country Name: French Republic
• Common Name: France
• Origin of Name: Derived from the Latin name “Francia,” which means “Land of the Franks,” a Germanic tribe that settled in the region.
• Type of Government: Semi-presidential republic.
• Capital: Paris
• Origin of Capital Name: Paris is named after the Parisii, a Celtic tribe that settled the area.
• Local Time: Central European Time (CET) (UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (CEST) (UTC+2) during daylight saving time.
• Daylight Saving Time: Observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
• Administrative Divisions: 13 metropolitan regions and 5 overseas regions.
• Dependent Areas: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and several other overseas territories.
• Independence: Established as a republic in 1789 after the French Revolution.
• Citizenship Acquisition: By birth, descent, or naturalization.
• Legal System: Civil law system based on written codes, influenced by Napoleonic Code.
• Executive Branch: The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• Legislative Branch: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.
• Judicial Branch: The Court of Cassation is the highest court in France.
• Political Parties: Includes major parties like La République En Marche!, The Republicans, Socialist Party, National Rally, and others.
• Flag Description: Three vertical stripes of blue, white, and red from left to right.
• Country Code: FRA

Economy

• GDP: Approximately 3.1 trillion USD.
• Agricultural and Animal Products: Wheat, barley, corn, wine, cheese, dairy products, pork, poultry.
• Industries: Aerospace, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, textiles, food processing, tourism.
• Budget: Balanced with occasional surpluses and deficits.
• Exports: Machinery, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, wine, and food products.
• Imports: Machinery, aircraft, crude oil, chemicals, automotive products, foodstuffs.
• Foreign Reserves: Approximately 200 billion USD.
• External Debt: Approximately 2.5 trillion USD.
• Local Currency: Euro (EUR).

Communications

• Fixed Lines: Approximately 35 million lines.
• Mobile Lines: Approximately 75 million lines.
• Country Code: +33
• Broadcast Media: France Télévisions, Radio France, and numerous private media outlets.
• Internet Code: .fr
• Internet Users: Approximately 60 million people.

Transport

• National Air Transport System: Extensive network with many international and domestic airports.
• Airports: Over 200 airports.
• Heliports: Numerous, mainly in urban and industrial areas.
• Pipelines: Extensive network for oil, gas, and chemicals.
• Railways: Extensive network with high-speed trains (TGV) and regional lines.
• Road Network: Includes highways and major roads totaling approximately 1 million kilometers.
• Ports: Major ports include Le Havre, Marseille, and Dunkirk.

Military

• Military Composition: Includes the French Army, French Navy, French Air and Space Force, and French Gendarmerie.
• Military Expenditures: Approximately 60 billion USD per year.
• Personnel in Military and Security Services: Approximately 300,000 active members.
• Military Equipment: Includes advanced fighter jets, aircraft carriers, submarines, tanks, and missiles.
• Military Service Age: 18 years for compulsory military service (volunteer basis currently).