France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in (Western Europe). It also includes (overseas regions and territories) in the (Americas) and the (Atlantic), (Pacific) and (Indian) oceans, giving it one of the largest discontiguous (exclusive economic zones) in the world. (Metropolitan France) shares borders with (Belgium) and (Luxembourg) to the north, (Germany) to the north east, (Switzerland) to the east, (Italy) and (Monaco) to the south east, (Andorra) and (Spain) to the south, and a maritime border with the (United Kingdom) to the north west. Its metropolitan area extends from the (Rhine) to the Atlantic Ocean and from the (Mediterranean Sea) to the (English Channel) and the (North Sea). Its overseas territories include (French Guiana) in (South America), (Saint Pierre and Miquelon) in the North Atlantic, the (French West Indies), and many islands in (Oceania) and the (Indian Ocean). Its (eighteen integral regions) (five of which are overseas) span a combined area of 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi) and have a total population of 68.4 million as of January 2024[update]. France is a (unitary) (semi-presidential) (republic) with its capital in (Paris), the (country's largest city) and main cultural and commercial centre; other major (urban areas) include (Marseille), (Lyon), (Toulouse), (Lille), (Bordeaux), (Strasbourg), (Nantes) and (Nice).
French Republic République française ((French)) | |
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(Flag) (Coat of arms) | |
Motto: "(Liberté, égalité, fraternité)" ("Liberty, Equality, Fraternity") | |
Anthem: "(La Marseillaise)" | |
(Diplomatic emblem) | |
Capital and largest city | (Paris) 48°51′N 2°21′E / 48.850°N 2.350°E |
Official language and national language | (French) |
Nationality (2021) |
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Religion (2023) | Aged 18 - 59
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(Demonym(s)) | (French) |
(Government) | Unitary (semi-presidential republic) |
• (President) | (Emmanuel Macron) |
• (Prime Minister) | (Gabriel Attal) |
• (President of the Senate) | (Gérard Larcher) |
• (President of the National Assembly) | (Yaël Braun-Pivet) |
Legislature | (Parliament) |
• (Upper house) | (Senate) |
• (Lower house) | (National Assembly) |
(Establishment) | |
• (Kingdom of the West Franks) – (Treaty of Verdun) | 10 August 843 |
• – | 3 July 987 |
• (French Republic) – (French First Republic) | 22 September 1792 |
• the (EEC) | 1 January 1958 |
• (Current constitution) – (French Fifth Republic) | 4 October 1958 |
(Area ) | |
• Total | 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi) ((42nd)) |
• Water (%) | 0.86 |
• (Metropolitan France) ((IGN)) | 551,695 km2 (213,011 sq mi) ((50th)) |
• Metropolitan France ((Cadastre)) | 543,940.9 km2 (210,016.8 sq mi) ((50th)) |
(Population) | |
• January 2024 estimate | 68,373,433 ((20th)) |
• Density | 106.20274/km2 ((106th)) |
• Metropolitan France, estimate as of January 2024[update] | 66,142,961 ((23rd)) |
• Density | 122/km2 (316.0/sq mi) ((89th)) |
(GDP) ((PPP)) | 2024 estimate |
• Total | $3.988 trillion ((10th)) |
• Per capita | $60,339 ((26th)) |
(GDP) (nominal) | 2024 estimate |
• Total | $3.130 trillion ((7th)) |
• Per capita | $47,359 ((23rd)) |
(Gini) (2022) | 29.8 low |
(HDI) (2022) | 0.910 very high ((28th)) |
Currency |
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Time zone | (UTC)+1 ((Central European Time)) |
• Summer ((DST)) | (UTC)+2 ((Central European Summer Time)) |
Note: Various other time zones are observed in overseas France. Although France is in the (UTC) (Z) ((Western European Time)) zone, ((Central European Time)) was enforced as the standard time since 25 February 1940, upon (German occupation in WW2), with a +0:50:39 offset (and +1:50:39 during (DST)) from Paris (LMT) (UTC+0:09:21). | |
Date format | dd/mm/yyyy ((AD)) |
(Driving side) | right |
(Calling code) | (+33) |
(ISO 3166 code) | (FR) |
(Internet TLD) | (.fr) |
Source gives area of metropolitan France as 551,500 km2 (212,900 sq mi) and lists overseas regions separately, whose areas sum to 89,179 km2 (34,432 sq mi). Adding these give the total shown here for the entire French Republic. (The World Factbook) reports the total as 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi). |
Metropolitan France was settled during the (Iron Age) by (Celtic tribes) known as (Gauls) before (Rome annexed the area) in 51 BC, leading to a distinct (Gallo-Roman culture). In the (Early Middle Ages), the (Germanic) (Franks) formed the Kingdom of (Francia), which became the heartland of the (Carolingian Empire). The (Treaty of Verdun) of 843 partitioned the empire, with (West Francia) evolving into the Kingdom of France. In the (High Middle Ages), France was a powerful but decentralized (feudal) kingdom, but from the mid-14th to the mid-15th centuries, France was plunged into a dynastic conflict with (England) known as the (Hundred Years' War). In the 16th century, the (French Renaissance) saw culture flourish and a (French colonial empire) rise. Internally, France was dominated by the conflict with the (House of Habsburg) and the (French Wars of Religion) between (Catholics) and (Huguenots). France was successful in the (Thirty Years' War) and further increased its influence during the reign of (Louis XIV).
The (French Revolution) of 1789 overthrew the (Ancien Régime) and produced the (Declaration of the Rights of Man), which expresses the nation's ideals to this day. France reached its political and military zenith in the early 19th century under (Napoleon Bonaparte), subjugating part of continental Europe and establishing the (First French Empire). The (French Revolutionary) and (Napoleonic Wars) significantly shaped the course of European history. The collapse of the empire initiated a period of relative decline, in which France endured the (Bourbon Restoration) until the founding of the (French Second Republic) which was succeeded by the (Second French Empire) upon (Napoleon III)'s takeover. His empire collapsed during the (Franco-Prussian War) in 1870. This led to the establishment of the (Third French Republic) Subsequent decades saw a period of economic prosperity and cultural and scientific flourishing known as the (Belle Époque). France was one of the (major participants) of (World War I), from which (it emerged victorious) at great human and economic cost. It was among the (Allied powers) of World War II, but it surrendered and (was occupied) by the (Axis) in 1940. Following (its liberation in 1944), the short-lived (Fourth Republic) was established and later dissolved in the course of the defeat in the (Algerian War) and (Moroccan War of Independence). The current (Fifth Republic) was formed in 1958 by (Charles de Gaulle). Algeria and most French colonies became independent in the 1960s, with the majority retaining (close economic and military ties with France).
France retains its centuries-long status as a global centre (of art), (science), and (philosophy). (It hosts) the (third-largest) number of (UNESCO) (World Heritage Sites) and is the world's (leading tourist destination), receiving over 89 million foreign (visitors in 2018). France is a (developed country) with a (high nominal per capita income globally) and (its advanced economy) ranks among the (largest in the world). It is a (great power) in global affairs, being one of the five (permanent members of the United Nations Security Council) and an official (nuclear-weapon state). France is a founding and (leading) (member of the European Union) and the (eurozone), as well as a key member of the (Group of Seven), (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (NATO), (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) (OECD), and (Francophonie).
Etymology and pronunciation
Originally applied to the whole (Frankish Empire), the name France comes from the (Latin) (Francia), or "realm of the (Franks)". Modern France is still named today Francia in Italian and Spanish, while Frankreich in German, Frankrijk in Dutch and Frankrike in Swedish and Norwegian all mean "Land/realm of the Franks".
The (name of the Franks) is related to the English word frank ("free"): the latter stems from the (Old French) franc ("free, noble, sincere"), ultimately from (Medieval Latin) francus ("free, exempt from service; freeman, Frank"), a generalisation of the tribal name that emerged as a (Late Latin) borrowing of the reconstructed (Frankish) (endonym) *Frank. It has been suggested that the meaning "free" was adopted because, after the conquest of (Gaul), only Franks were free of taxation, or more generally because they had the status of freemen in contrast to servants or slaves. The etymology of *Frank is uncertain. It is traditionally derived from the (Proto-Germanic) word *frankōn, which translates as "javelin" or "lance" (the throwing axe of the Franks was known as the (francisca)), although these weapons may have been named because of their use by the Franks, not the other way around.
In English, 'France' is pronounced in American English and or in British English. The pronunciation with is mostly confined to accents with the (trap-bath split) such as (Received Pronunciation), though it can be also heard in some other dialects such as (Cardiff English), in which is in free variation with .
History
Pre-6th century BC
The oldest traces of (archaic humans) in what is now France date from approximately 1.8 million years ago.(Neanderthals) occupied the region into (the Upper Paleolithic) era but were slowly replaced by (Homo sapiens) around 35,000 BC. This period witnessed the emergence of (cave painting) in the (Dordogne) and (Pyrenees), including at (Lascaux), dated to c. 18,000 BC. At the end of the (Last Glacial Period) (10,000 BC), the climate became milder; from approximately 7,000 BC, this part of Western Europe entered the (Neolithic) era, and its inhabitants became (sedentary).
After demographic and (agricultural) development between the 4th and 3rd millennia BC, (metallurgy appeared), initially working gold, and (bronze), then later (iron). France has numerous (megalithic) sites from the Neolithic, including the dense (Carnac stones) site (approximately 3,300 BC).
Antiquity (6th century BC – 5th century AD)
In 600 BC, (Ionian) (Greeks) from (Phocaea) founded the (colony) of (Massalia) (present-day (Marseille)). Celtic tribes penetrated parts of eastern and northern France, spreading through the rest of the country between the 5th and 3rd century BC. Around 390 BC, the Gallic (chieftain) (Brennus) and his troops made their way to (Roman Italy), defeated the Romans in the (Battle of the Allia), and besieged and (ransomed) Rome. This left Rome weakened, and the Gauls continued to harass the region until 345 BC when they entered into a peace treaty. But the Romans and the Gauls remained adversaries for centuries, and the Gauls continued to be a threat in Italy.
Around 125 BC, the south of Gaul was conquered by the Romans, who called this region (Provincia Nostra) ("Our Province"), which evolved into (Provence) in French.(Julius Caesar) conquered the remainder of Gaul and overcame a revolt by Gallic chieftain (Vercingetorix) in 52 BC. Gaul was divided by (Augustus) into provinces and many cities were founded during the (Gallo-Roman period), including (Lugdunum) (present-day (Lyon)), the capital of the Gauls. In 250-290 AD, Roman Gaul suffered a crisis with its (fortified borders) attacked by (barbarians). The situation improved in the first half of the 4th century, a period of revival and prosperity. In 312, Emperor (Constantine I) (converted to Christianity). Christians, who had been persecuted, increased. But from the 5th century, the (Barbarian Invasions) resumed.(Teutonic) tribes invaded the region, the (Visigoths) settling in the southwest, the (Burgundians) along the Rhine River Valley, and the Franks in the north.
Early Middle Ages (5th–10th century)
In (Late antiquity), ancient Gaul was divided into Germanic kingdoms and a remaining Gallo-Roman territory. (Celtic Britons), fleeing the (Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain), settled in west (Armorica); the Armorican peninsula was renamed (Brittany) and (Celtic culture) was revived.
The first leader to unite all Franks was (Clovis I), who began his reign as king of the (Salian Franks) in 481, routing the last forces of the Roman governors in 486. Clovis said he would be baptised a Christian in the event of victory against the (Visigothic Kingdom), which was said to have guaranteed the battle. Clovis (regained the southwest from the Visigoths) and was baptised in 508. Clovis I was the first (Germanic) conqueror after the (Fall of the Western Roman Empire) to convert to Catholic Christianity; thus France was given the title "Eldest daughter of the Church" by the papacy, and French kings called "the Most Christian Kings of France".
The Franks embraced the Christian (Gallo-Roman culture), and ancient Gaul was renamed (Francia) ("Land of the Franks"). The Germanic Franks adopted (Romanic languages). Clovis made (Paris) his capital and established the (Merovingian dynasty), but his kingdom would not survive his death. The Franks treated land as a private possession and divided it among their heirs, so four kingdoms emerged from that of Clovis: Paris, (Orléans), (Soissons), and (Rheims). The (last Merovingian kings) (lost power) to their (mayors of the palace) (head of household). One mayor of the palace, (Charles Martel), defeated an (Umayyad invasion of Gaul) at the (Battle of Tours) (732). His son, (Pepin the Short), seized the crown of Francia from the weakened Merovingians and founded the (Carolingian dynasty). Pepin's son, (Charlemagne), reunited the Frankish kingdoms and built an empire across (Western) and (Central Europe).
Proclaimed (Holy Roman Emperor) by (Pope Leo III) and thus establishing the French government's longtime (historical association) with the (Catholic Church), Charlemagne tried to revive the (Western Roman Empire) and its cultural grandeur. Charlemagne's son, (Louis I) kept the empire united, however in 843, it was divided between Louis' three sons, into (East Francia), (Middle Francia) and (West Francia). West Francia approximated the area occupied by modern France and was its precursor.
During the 9th and 10th centuries, threatened by (Viking invasions), France became a decentralised state: the nobility's titles and lands became hereditary, and authority of the king became more religious than secular, and so was less effective and challenged by noblemen. Thus was established (feudalism) in France. Some king's vassals grew so powerful they posed a threat to the king. After the (Battle of Hastings) in 1066, (William the Conqueror) added "King of England" to his titles, becoming vassal and the equal of the king of France, creating recurring tensions.
High and Late Middle Ages (10th–15th century)
The Carolingian dynasty ruled France until 987, when (Hugh Capet), (Duke of France), was crowned (king of the Franks). His descendants unified the country through wars and inheritance. From 1190, the Capetian rulers began to be referred as "kings of France" rather than "kings of the Franks". Later kings expanded their directly possessed domaine royal to cover over half of modern France by the 15th century. Royal authority became more assertive, centred on a (hierarchically conceived society) distinguishing (nobility), clergy, and (commoners).
The nobility played a prominent role in (Crusades) to restore Christian access to the (Holy Land). French knights made up most reinforcements in the 200 years of the Crusades, in such a fashion that the Arabs referred to crusaders as Franj. French Crusaders imported French into the (Levant), making (French) the base of the (lingua franca) ("Frankish language") of the (Crusader states). The (Albigensian Crusade) was launched in 1209 to eliminate the heretical (Cathars) in the southwest of modern-day France.
From the 11th century, the (House of Plantagenet), rulers of the (County of Anjou), established its dominion over the surrounding provinces of (Maine) and (Touraine), then built an "empire" from England to the (Pyrenees), covering half of modern France. Tensions between France and the (Plantagenet empire) would last a hundred years, until (Philip II of France) conquered, between 1202-14, most continental possessions of the empire, leaving England and (Aquitaine) to the Plantagenets.
died without an heir in 1328. The crown passed to (Philip of Valois), rather than Edward of Plantagenet, who became (Edward III of England). During the reign of Philip, the monarchy reached the height of its medieval power. However Philip's seat on the throne was contested by Edward in 1337, and England and France entered the off-and-on (Hundred Years' War). Boundaries changed, but landholdings inside France by English Kings remained extensive for decades. With charismatic leaders, such as (Joan of Arc), French counterattacks won back most English continental territories. France was struck by the (Black Death), from which half of the 17 million population died.
Early modern period (15th century–1789)
The (French Renaissance) saw cultural development and standardisation of French, which became the (official language of France) and Europe's aristocracy. French explorers claimed lands in the Americas, paving expansion of the (French colonial empire). The rise of Protestantism led France to a civil war known as the (French Wars of Religion). This forced (Huguenots) to flee to Protestant regions such as the (British Isles), (Holy Roman Empire), (Switzerland). The wars were ended by (Henry IV)'s (Edict of Nantes), which granted some freedom of religion to the Huguenots. (Spanish) troops, assisted the Catholics from 1589 to 1594 and invaded France in 1597. Spain and France returned to all-out war between 1635 and 1659. (The war) cost France 300,000 casualties.
Under (Louis XIII), (Cardinal Richelieu) promoted centralisation of the state and reinforced royal power. He destroyed castles of defiant lords and denounced the use of private armies. By the end of the 1620s, Richelieu established "the royal monopoly of force". From the 16th to the 19th century, France was responsible for about 10% of the (transatlantic slave trade), second only to Great Britain during the 18th century.
During (Louis XIV)'s minority, trouble known as (The Fronde) occurred. This rebellion was driven by feudal lords and (sovereign courts) as a reaction to the (royal absolute power). The monarchy reached its peak during the 17th century and reign of Louis XIV. By turning lords into (courtiers) at the (Palace of Versailles), his command of the military went unchallenged. The "Sun King" made France the leading European power. France became the (most populous European country) and had tremendous influence over European politics, economy, and culture. French became the most-used language in diplomacy, science, literature and remained so until the 20th century. France took control of territories in the Americas, Africa and Asia. In 1685, Louis XIV (revoked the Edict of Nantes), forcing thousands of Huguenots into exile and published the (Code Noir) providing the legal framework for slavery and expelling Jews from French colonies.
Under the wars of (Louis XV) (r. 1715–74), France lost (New France) and most (Indian possessions) after its defeat in the (Seven Years' War) (1756–63). Its (European territory) kept growing, however, with acquisitions such as (Lorraine) and (Corsica). Louis XV's weak rule, including the decadence of his court, discredited the monarchy, which in part paved the way for the (French Revolution).
(Louis XVI) (r. 1774–93) (supported America with money, fleets and armies), helping them win (independence from Great Britain). France gained revenge, but verged on bankruptcy—a factor that contributed to the Revolution. Some of the (Enlightenment) occurred in French intellectual circles, and scientific breakthroughs, such as the (naming of oxygen) (1778) and the first (hot air balloon carrying passengers) (1783), were achieved by French scientists. French explorers took part in the (voyages of scientific exploration) through maritime expeditions. Enlightenment philosophy, in which (reason) is advocated as the primary source of (legitimacy), undermined the power of and support for the monarchy and was a factor in the Revolution.
Revolutionary France (1789–1799)
The French Revolution was a period of political and societal change that began with the (Estates General of 1789), and ended with the (coup of 18 Brumaire) in 1799 and the formation of the (French Consulate). Many of its ideas are fundamental principles of (liberal democracy), while its values and institutions remain central to modern political discourse.
(Its causes) were a combination of social, political and economic factors, which the (Ancien Régime) proved unable to manage. A financial crisis and social distress led in May 1789 to the (convocation) of the (Estates General), which was converted into a (National Assembly) in June. The (Storming of the Bastille) on 14 July led to a series of radical measures by the Assembly, among them the (abolition of feudalism), state control over the (Catholic Church in France), and a (declaration of rights).
The next three years were dominated by struggle for political control, exacerbated by (economic depression). Military defeats following the outbreak of the (French Revolutionary Wars) in April 1792 resulted in the (insurrection of 10 August 1792). The (monarchy was abolished) and replaced by the (French First Republic) in September, while (Louis XVI was executed) in January 1793.
After another (revolt in June 1793), the constitution was suspended and power passed from the (National Convention) to the (Committee of Public Safety). About 16,000 people were executed in a (Reign of Terror), which (ended in July 1794). Weakened by external threats and internal opposition, the Republic was replaced in 1795 by the (Directory). Four years later in 1799, the (Consulate) seized power in a (coup) led by (Napoleon).
Napoleon and 19th century (1799–1914)
Napoleon became (First Consul) in 1799 and later (Emperor) of the (French Empire) (1804–1814; 1815). Changing sets of (European coalitions) declared (wars on Napoleon's empire). His armies conquered most of continental Europe with swift victories such as the (battles of Jena-Auerstadt) and (Austerlitz). Members of the (Bonaparte) family were appointed monarchs in some of the newly established kingdoms.
These victories led to the worldwide expansion of French revolutionary ideals and reforms, such as the (metric system), (Napoleonic Code) and Declaration of the Rights of Man. In 1812 Napoleon (attacked Russia), reaching Moscow. Thereafter his army disintegrated through supply problems, disease, Russian attacks, and finally winter. After this catastrophic campaign and the ensuing (uprising of European monarchies) against his rule, Napoleon was defeated. About a million Frenchmen (died during the Napoleonic Wars). After his (brief return) from exile, Napoleon was finally defeated in 1815 at the (Battle of Waterloo), and the (Bourbon monarchy was restored) with new constitutional limitations.
The discredited Bourbon dynasty was overthrown by the (July Revolution) of 1830, which established the constitutional (July Monarchy); French troops began the (conquest of Algeria). Unrest led to the (French Revolution of 1848) and the end of the July Monarchy. The abolition of slavery and introduction of male universal suffrage, was re-enacted in 1848. In 1852, president of the French Republic, (Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte), Napoleon I's nephew, was proclaimed emperor of the (Second Empire), as Napoleon III. He multiplied French interventions abroad, especially in (Crimea), (Mexico) and (Italy). Napoleon III was unseated following defeat in the (Franco-Prussian War) of 1870, and his regime replaced by the (Third Republic). By 1875, the French conquest of Algeria was complete, with approximately 825,000 Algerians killed from famine, disease, and violence.
France had (colonial possessions), since the beginning of the 17th century, but in the 19th and 20th centuries its (empire) extended greatly and became the second-largest behind the (British Empire). Including metropolitan France, the total area reached almost 13 million square kilometres in the 1920s and 30s, 9% of the world's land. Known as the , the turn of the century was a period characterised by optimism, regional peace, economic prosperity and technological, scientific and cultural innovations. In 1905, (state secularism) was (officially established).
Early to mid-20th century (1914–1946)
France was (invaded by Germany and defended by Great Britain) at the start of World War I in August 1914. A rich industrial area in the north was occupied. France and the (Allies) emerged victorious against the (Central Powers) at tremendous human cost. It left 1.4 million French soldiers dead, 4% of its population. Interwar was marked by (intense international tensions) and social reforms introduced by the (Popular Front government) (e.g., (annual leave), (eight-hour workdays), (women in government)).
In 1940, France was (invaded and quickly defeated) by (Nazi Germany). France was divided into a (German occupation zone) in the north, an (Italian occupation zone) and an unoccupied territory, the rest of France, which consisted of the southern France and the French empire. The (Vichy government), a new authoritarian regime collaborating with Germany, ruled the unoccupied territory. (Free France), the government-in-exile led by (Charles de Gaulle), was set up in London.
From 1942 to 1944, about 160,000 French citizens, including around (75,000 Jews), were deported to (death) and (concentration camps). On 6 June 1944, the (Allies) (invaded Normandy), and in August they (invaded Provence). The Allies and (French Resistance) emerged victorious, and French sovereignty was restored with the (Provisional Government of the French Republic) (GPRF). This interim government, established by de Gaulle, continued to (wage war against Germany) and to (purge collaborators from office). It made important reforms e.g. suffrage extended to women and the creation of a (social security) system.
1946–present
A new constitution resulted in the (Fourth Republic) (1946–58), which saw strong economic growth (les (Trente Glorieuses)). France was a founding member of (NATO) and attempted to (regain control of French Indochina), but was defeated by the (Viet Minh) in 1954. France faced another (anti-colonialist) (conflict in Algeria), then part of France and home to over one million European settlers ((Pied-Noir)). The French systematically used torture and repression, including extrajudicial killings to keep control. This conflict wracked the country and nearly led to a coup and civil war.
During the (May 1958 crisis), the weak Fourth Republic gave way to the (Fifth Republic), which included a strengthened presidency. De Gaulle kept the country united while taking steps to end the Algerian War. The war concluded with the (Évian Accords) in 1962 which led to (Algerian independence), at a high price: between half a million and one million deaths and over 2 million internally-displaced Algerians. Around one million Pied-Noirs and (Harkis) fled from Algeria to France upon independence. A vestige of empire is the (French overseas departments and territories).
During the (Cold War), de Gaulle pursued a policy of "national independence" towards the (Western) and (Eastern blocs). He withdrew from NATO's military-integrated command (while remaining within the alliance), launched a (nuclear development programme) and made France the (fourth nuclear power). He (restored) cordial (Franco-German relations) to create a European counterweight between American and Soviet spheres of influence. However, he opposed any development of a (supranational Europe), favouring (sovereign nations). The revolt of (May 1968) had an enormous social impact; it was a watershed moment when a conservative moral ideal (religion, patriotism, respect for authority) shifted to a more liberal moral ideal (secularism, individualism, sexual revolution). Although the revolt was a political failure (the (Gaullist) party emerged stronger than before) it announced a split between the French and de Gaulle, who resigned.
In the post-Gaullist era, France remained one of the most developed (economies in the world) but faced crises that resulted in high unemployment rates and increasing public debt. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, France has been at the forefront of the development of a supranational (European Union), notably by signing the (Maastricht Treaty) in 1992, establishing the (eurozone) in 1999 and signing the (Treaty of Lisbon) in 2007. France has fully reintegrated into NATO and since participated in most NATO-sponsored wars. Since the 19th century, France has (received many immigrants), often male (foreign workers) from European Catholic countries who generally returned home when not employed. During the 1970s France faced an economic crisis and allowed new immigrants (mostly from the (Maghreb), in northwest Africa) to permanently (settle in France with their families) and acquire citizenship. It resulted in hundreds of thousands of Muslims living in subsidised public housing and suffering from high unemployment rates. The government had a policy of (assimilation) of immigrants, where they were expected to adhere to French values and norms.
Since the (1995 public transport bombings), France has been targeted by Islamist organisations, notably the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015 which provoked the (largest public rallies) in French history, gathering 4.4 million people, the (November 2015 Paris attacks) which resulted in 130 deaths, the deadliest attack on French soil since World War II and the deadliest in the European Union since the (Madrid train bombings in 2004).(Opération Chammal), France's military efforts to contain (ISIS), killed over 1,000 ISIS troops between 2014-15.
Geography
Location and borders
The vast majority of France's territory and population is situated in Western Europe and is called (Metropolitan France), to distinguish it from the country's various overseas polities. It is bordered by the (North Sea) in the north, the (English Channel) in the northwest, the (Atlantic Ocean) in the west and the (Mediterranean Sea) in the southeast. Its land borders consist of (Belgium) and (Luxembourg) in the northeast, (Germany) and (Switzerland) in the east, (Italy) and (Monaco) in the southeast, and (Andorra) and (Spain) in the south and southwest. Except for the northeast, most of France's land borders are roughly delineated by natural boundaries and geographic features: to the south and southeast, the Pyrenees and the Alps and the Jura, respectively, and to the east, the Rhine river. Due to its shape, France is often referred to as l'Hexagone ("The (Hexagon)"). Metropolitan France includes various coastal islands, of which the largest is (Corsica). Metropolitan France is situated mostly between latitudes (41°) and (51° N), and longitudes (6° W) and (10° E), on the western edge of Europe, and thus lies within the northern (temperate) zone. Its continental part covers about 1000 km from north to south and from east to west.
Metropolitan France covers 551,500 square kilometres (212,935 sq mi), the largest among (European Union) members. France's total land area, with its overseas departments and territories (excluding (Adélie Land)), is 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi), 0.45% of the total land area on Earth. France possesses a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal plains in the north and west to mountain ranges of the (Alps) in the southeast, the (Massif Central) in the south-central and (Pyrenees) in the southwest.
Due to its numerous (overseas departments and territories) scattered across the planet, France possesses the second-largest (exclusive economic zone) (EEZ) in the world, covering 11,035,000 km2 (4,261,000 sq mi), just behind the EEZ of the (United States), which covers 11,351,000 km2 (4,383,000 sq mi), but ahead of the EEZ of Australia, which covers 8,148,250 km2 (3,146,000 sq mi). Its EEZ covers approximately 8% of the total surface of all the EEZs of the world.
Geology, topography and hydrography
Metropolitan France has a wide variety of topographical sets and natural landscapes. Large parts of the current territory of France were raised during several tectonic episodes like the (Hercynian uplift) in the (Paleozoic Era), during which the (Armorican Massif), the (Massif Central), the (Morvan), the (Vosges) and (Ardennes) ranges and the island of (Corsica) were formed. These massifs delineate several sedimentary basins such as the (Aquitaine Basin) in the southwest and the (Paris Basin) in the north, the latter including several areas of particularly fertile ground such as the silt beds of (Beauce) and (Brie). Various routes of natural passage, such as the (Rhône Valley), allow easy communication. The Alpine, Pyrenean and Jura mountains are much younger and have less eroded forms. At 4,810.45 metres (15,782 ft) above sea level, (Mont Blanc), located in the Alps on the (France–Italy border), is the highest point in Western Europe. Although 60% of municipalities are classified as having seismic risks, these risks remain moderate.
The coastlines offer contrasting landscapes: mountain ranges along the (French Riviera), coastal cliffs such as the (Côte d'Albâtre), and wide sandy plains in the (Languedoc). Corsica lies off the Mediterranean coast. France has an extensive river system consisting of the four major rivers (Seine), the (Loire), the (Garonne), the (Rhône) and their tributaries, whose combined catchment includes over 62% of the metropolitan territory. The Rhône divides the Massif Central from the Alps and flows into the Mediterranean Sea at the (Camargue). The Garonne meets the (Dordogne) just after Bordeaux, forming the (Gironde estuary), the largest estuary in Western Europe which after approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Other water courses drain towards the Meuse and Rhine along the northeastern borders. France has 11,000,000 km2 (4,200,000 sq mi) of marine waters within three oceans under its jurisdiction, of which 97% are overseas.
Environment
France was one of the first countries to create an environment ministry, in 1971. Although it is one of the most industrialised countries in the world, France is ranked (only 19th by carbon dioxide emissions), behind less populous nations such as Canada or Australia. This is due to the country's heavy investment in (nuclear power) following the (1973 oil crisis), which now accounts for 75 per cent of its electricity production and results in less pollution. According to the 2020 (Environmental Performance Index) conducted by (Yale) and (Columbia), France was the fifth most environmentally conscious country in the world (behind the United Kingdom).
Like all European Union state members, France agreed to cut (carbon emissions) by at least 20% of 1990 levels by 2020, compared to the United States' plan to reduce emissions by 4% of 1990 levels. As of 2009[update], French carbon dioxide emissions per capita were lower than that of China. The country was set to impose a (carbon tax) in 2009 at 17 euros per tonne of carbon emitted, which would have raised 4 billion euros of revenue annually. However, the plan was abandoned due to fears of burdening French businesses.
Forests account for 31 per cent of France's land area—the fourth-highest proportion in Europe—representing an increase of 7 per cent since 1990. French forests are some of the most diverse in Europe, comprising more than 140 species of trees. France had a 2018 (Forest Landscape Integrity Index) mean score of 4.52/10, ranking it 123rd globally out of 172 countries. There are nine (national parks) and 46 (natural parks) in France. A regional nature park (French: parc naturel régional or PNR) is a public establishment in France between local authorities and the (national government) covering an inhabited rural area of outstanding beauty, to protect the scenery and heritage as well as setting up sustainable economic development in the area. A PNR sets goals and guidelines for managed human habitation, sustainable economic development and protection of the natural environment based on each park's unique landscape and heritage. The parks foster ecological research programmes and public education in the natural sciences. As of 2019[update] there are 54 PNRs in France.
Government and politics
Government
France is a (representative democracy) organised as a (unitary), (semi-presidential) (republic). As one of the earliest republics of the modern world, democratic traditions and values are deeply rooted in French culture, identity and politics. The Constitution of the Fifth Republic was approved by (referendum) on 28 September 1958, establishing a framework consisting of executive, legislative and judicial branches. It sought to address the instability of the Third and Fourth Republics by combining elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems, while greatly strengthening the authority of the executive relative to the legislature.
The executive branch has two leaders. The (President of the Republic), currently (Emmanuel Macron), is the (head of state), elected directly by universal adult suffrage for a five-year term. The (Prime Minister), currently (Gabriel Attal), is the (head of government), appointed by the President to lead the (government). The President has the power to dissolve Parliament or circumvent it by submitting referendums directly to the people; the President also appoints judges and civil servants, negotiates and ratifies international agreements, as well as serves as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister determines public policy and oversees the civil service, with an emphasis on domestic matters. In the (2022 presidential election), president Macron was re-elected. 2 months later, in the (June 2022 legislative elections), Macron lost his parliamentary majority and had to form a (minority government).
The legislature consists of the (French Parliament), a (bicameral) body made up of a (lower house), the (National Assembly) (Assemblée nationale) and an (upper house), the (Senate). Legislators in the National Assembly, known as (députés), represent local constituencies and are directly elected for five-year terms. The Assembly has the power to dismiss the government by majority vote. Senators are chosen by an electoral college for six-year terms, with half the seats submitted to election every three years. The Senate's legislative powers are limited; in the event of disagreement between the two chambers, the National Assembly has the final say. The parliament is responsible for determining the rules and principles concerning most areas of law, political amnesty, and fiscal policy; however, the government may draft specific details concerning most laws.
Until World War II, (Radicals) were a strong political force in France, embodied by the (Republican, Radical and Radical-Socialist Party) which was the most important party of the Third Republic. From World War II until 2017, French politics was dominated by two politically opposed groupings: one left-wing, the (French Section of the Workers' International), which was succeeded by the (Socialist Party) (in 1969); and the other right-wing, the (Gaullist Party), whose name changed over time to the (Rally of the French People) (1947), the (Union of Democrats for the Republic) (1958), the (Rally for the Republic) (1976), the (Union for a Popular Movement) (2007) and (The Republicans) (since 2015). In the 2017 presidential and legislative elections, the (radical centrist) party (La République En Marche!) (LREM) became the dominant force, overtaking both Socialists and Republicans. LREM's opponent in the second round of the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections was the growing far-right party (National Rally) (RN). Since 2020, (Europe Ecology – The Greens) (EELV) have performed well in mayoral elections in major cities while on a national level, an alliance of Left parties (the (NUPES)) was the second-largest voting block elected to the lower house in 2022. Additionally, (right-wing populist) RN became the largest opposition party in the National Assembly in 2022.
The electorate is constitutionally empowered to vote on amendments passed by the Parliament and bills submitted by the president. Referendums have played a key role in shaping French politics and even foreign policy; voters have decided on such matters as Algeria's independence, the election of the president by popular vote, the formation of the EU, and the reduction of presidential term limits.
Administrative divisions
The French Republic is divided into 18 (regions) (located in Europe and overseas), five (overseas collectivities), one (overseas territory), one special collectivity – (New Caledonia) and one uninhabited island directly under the authority of the Minister of Overseas France – (Clipperton).
Regions
France
France
Franche-
Comté
Val de Loire
la Loire
Aquitaine
Rhône-Alpes
Alpes-
Côte d'Azur
Biscay
Sea
Sea
Since 2016, France is divided into 18 administrative regions: 13 regions in (metropolitan France) (including (Corsica)), and five (overseas). The regions are further subdivided into 101 (departments), which are numbered mainly alphabetically. The department number is used in postal codes and was formerly used on (vehicle registration plates). Among the 101 French departments, five ((French Guiana), Guadeloupe, (Martinique), (Mayotte), and (Réunion)) are in overseas regions (ROMs) that are simultaneously overseas departments (DOMs), enjoying the same status as metropolitan departments and are thereby included in the European Union.
The 101 departments are subdivided into 335 (arrondissements), which are, in turn, subdivided into 2,054 (cantons). These cantons are then divided into 36,658 (communes), which are municipalities with an elected municipal council. Three communes—Paris, Lyon and Marseille—are subdivided into 45 (municipal arrondissements).
Overseas territories and collectivities
In addition to the 18 regions and 101 departments, the French Republic has five (overseas collectivities) ((French Polynesia), (Saint Barthélemy), (Saint Martin), (Saint Pierre and Miquelon), and (Wallis and Futuna)), one (sui generis) collectivity ((New Caledonia)), one (overseas territory) ((French Southern and Antarctic Lands)), and one island possession in the Pacific Ocean ((Clipperton Island)). Overseas collectivities and territories form part of the French Republic, but do not form part of the European Union or its fiscal area (except for Saint Barthélemy, which seceded from Guadeloupe in 2007). The Pacific Collectivities (COMs) of French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and New Caledonia continue to use the (CFP franc) whose value is strictly linked to that of the euro. In contrast, the five overseas regions used the French franc and now use the euro.
Foreign relations
France is a founding member of the United Nations and serves as one of the (permanent members of the UN Security Council) with veto rights. In 2015, it was described as "the best networked state in the world" due to its membership in more international institutions than any other country; these include the G7, (World Trade Organization) (WTO), the (Pacific Community) (SPC) and the (Indian Ocean Commission) (COI). It is an associate member of the (Association of Caribbean States) (ACS) and a leading member of the (Organisation internationale de la Francophonie) (OIF) of 84 French-speaking countries.
As a significant hub for international relations, France has the (third-largest assembly) of (diplomatic missions), second only to China and the United States, which are far more populous. It also hosts the headquarters of several (international organisations), including the (OECD), (UNESCO), (Interpol), the (International Bureau of Weights and Measures), and the OIF.
French foreign policy after World War II has been largely shaped by membership in the European Union, of which it was a (founding member). Since the (1960s), France has developed close ties with reunified Germany to become the (most influential driving force of the EU). In the 1960s, France sought to exclude the British from the European unification process, seeking to build its standing in continental Europe. However, since 1904, France has maintained an "(Entente cordiale)" with the United Kingdom, and there has been a strengthening of links between the countries, especially (militarily).
France is a member of the (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) (NATO), but under President de Gaulle excluded itself from the joint military command, in protest of the (Special Relationship) between the United States and Britain, and to preserve the independence of French foreign and security policies. Under (Nicolas Sarkozy), France rejoined the NATO joint military command on 4 April 2009.
France retains strong political and economic influence in its (former African colonies) ((Françafrique)) and has supplied economic aid and troops for peacekeeping missions in (Ivory Coast) and (Chad). From 2012 to 2021, France and other African states intervened in support of the (Malian) government in the (Northern Mali conflict).
In 2017, France was the world's fourth-largest donor of (development aid) in absolute terms, behind the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This represents 0.43% of its (GNP), the 12th highest among the OECD. Aid is provided by the governmental (French Development Agency), which finances primarily humanitarian projects in (sub-Saharan Africa), with an emphasis on "developing infrastructure, access to health care and education, the implementation of appropriate economic policies and the consolidation of the rule of law and democracy".
Military
The French Armed Forces (Forces armées françaises) are the military and paramilitary forces of France, under the (President of the Republic) as supreme commander. They consist of the (French Army) (Armée de Terre), the (French Navy) (Marine Nationale, formerly called Armée de Mer), the (French Air and Space Force) (Armée de l'Air et de l’Espace), and the (National Gendarmerie) (Gendarmerie nationale), which serves as both (military police) and civil police in rural areas. Together they are among the (largest armed forces) in the world and the largest in the EU. According to a 2018 study by (Crédit Suisse), the French Armed Forces ranked as the (world's sixth-most powerful military), and the second most powerful in Europe after (Russia). France's annual military expenditure in 2022 was US$53.6 billion, or 1.9% (of its GDP), making it the (eighth biggest military spender in the world). There has been no national (conscription) since 1997.
France has been a since 1960. It is a party to both the (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty) (CTBT) and the (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty). The French nuclear force (formerly known as "(Force de Frappe)") consists of four Triomphant class submarines equipped with (submarine-launched ballistic missiles). In addition to the submarine fleet, it is estimated that France has about 60 ASMP medium-range (air-to-ground missiles) with (nuclear warheads); 50 are deployed by the Air and Space Force using the (Mirage 2000N) long-range nuclear strike aircraft, while around 10 are deployed by the French Navy's Super Étendard Modernisé (SEM) attack aircraft, which operate from the nuclear-powered (aircraft carrier) Charles de Gaulle.
France has major military industries and one of the largest (aerospace sectors) in the world. The country has produced such equipment as the Rafale fighter, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, the (Exocet) missile and the (Leclerc) tank among others. France is a major arms seller, with most of its arsenal's designs available for the export market, except for nuclear-powered devices.
One French intelligence unit, the (Directorate-General for External Security) (Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure), is considered to be a component of the Armed Forces under the authority of the Ministry of Defense. The other, the Central Directorate for Interior Intelligence (Direction centrale du renseignement intérieur) is a division of the National Police Force (Direction générale de la Police Nationale).[] France's (cybersecurity capabilities) are regularly ranked as some of the most robust of any nation in the world.
French weapons exported totaled 27 billion euros in 2022, up from 11.7 billion euros the previous year 2021. Additionally, the UAE alone contributed more than 16 billion euros arms to the French total. Among the largest French defence companies are (Dassault), (Thales) and (Safran).
Law
France uses a (civil legal) system, wherein law arises primarily from written statutes; judges are not to make law, but merely to interpret it (though the amount of judicial interpretation in certain areas makes it equivalent to (case law) in a (common law) system). Basic principles of the (rule of law) were laid in the (Napoleonic Code) (which was, in turn, largely based on the royal law codified under (Louis XIV)). In agreement with the principles of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, the law should only prohibit actions detrimental to society. As (Guy Canivet), first president of the (Court of Cassation) wrote about the management of prisons: "Freedom is the rule, and its restriction is the exception; any restriction of Freedom must be provided for by Law and must follow the principles of necessity and proportionality." That is, Law should lay out prohibitions only if they are needed, and if the inconveniences caused by this restriction do not exceed the inconveniences that the prohibition is supposed to remedy.
French law is divided into two principal areas: (private law) and (public law). Private law includes, in particular, (civil law) and (criminal law). Public law includes, in particular, (administrative law) and (constitutional law). However, in practical terms, French law comprises three principal areas of law: civil law, criminal law, and administrative law. Criminal laws can only address the future and not the past (criminal (ex post facto) laws are prohibited). While administrative law is often a subcategory of civil law in many countries, it is completely separated in France and each body of law is headed by a specific supreme court: (ordinary courts) (which handle criminal and civil litigation) are headed by the (Court of Cassation) and administrative courts are headed by the (Council of State). To be applicable, every law must be officially published in the (Journal officiel de la République française).[]
France does not recognise (religious law) as a motivation for the enactment of prohibitions; it has long abolished (blasphemy) laws and (sodomy laws) (the latter in 1791). However, "offences against (public decency)" (contraires aux bonnes mœurs) or (disturbing public order) (trouble à l'ordre public) have been used to repress public expressions of homosexuality or street prostitution.[]
France generally has a positive reputation regarding (LGBT rights). Since 1999, (civil unions) for homosexual couples have been permitted, and since 2013, (same-sex marriage) and (LGBT adoption) are legal. Laws prohibiting discriminatory speech in the press are (as old as 1881). Some consider (hate speech laws in France) to be too broad or severe, undermining (freedom of speech). France has laws against racism and (antisemitism), while the 1990 (Gayssot Act) prohibits (Holocaust denial). In 2024, France became the first nation in the European Union to explicitly protect (abortion) in its (constitution).
(Freedom of religion) is constitutionally guaranteed by the 1789 (Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen). The (1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State) is the basis for (laïcité) (state secularism): the state does not formally recognise any religion, (except in Alsace-Moselle), which was part of Germany in 1905, and continues to subsidize education and clergy of Catholicism, Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Judaism. Nonetheless, France does recognise religious associations. The Parliament has since 1995 and has (banned wearing conspicuous religious symbols in schools) since 2004. In 2010, it banned the (wearing of face-covering Islamic veils in public); human rights groups such as (Amnesty International) and (Human Rights Watch) described the law as discriminatory towards Muslims. However, it is supported by most of the population.
Economy
Overview
France has a (mixed market economy), characterised by (sizeable government involvement), and (economic diversity). For roughly two centuries, the French economy has (consistently ranked) among the ten largest globally; it is currently the world's (ninth-largest) by (purchasing power parity), the (seventh-largest) by (nominal GDP), and the second-largest in the European Union by both metrics. France is considered an (economic power), with membership in the (Group of Seven) leading (industrialised countries), the (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) (OECD), and the (Group of Twenty) largest economies.
France's economy is highly diversified; (services) represent two-thirds of both the workforce and GDP, while the (industrial sector) accounts for a fifth of GDP and a similar proportion of employment. France is the third-biggest manufacturing country in Europe, behind Germany and Italy, and ranks eighth in the world by share of global manufacturing output, at 1.9 per cent. Less than 2 per cent of GDP is generated by the (primary sector), namely agriculture; however, France's agricultural sector is among the largest in value and leads the EU in terms of overall production.
In 2018, France was the fifth-largest trading nation in the world and the second-largest in Europe, with the value of exports representing over a fifth of GDP. Its membership in the (eurozone) and the broader (European single market) facilitates access to capital, goods, services, and skilled labour. Despite (protectionist) policies over certain industries, particularly in agriculture, France has generally played a leading role in fostering free trade and commercial integration in Europe to enhance its economy. In 2019, it ranked first in Europe and 13th in the world in (foreign direct investment), with European countries and the United States being leading sources. According to the (Bank of France) (founded in 1800), the leading recipients of FDI were manufacturing, real estate, finance and insurance. The (Paris Region) has the highest concentration of multinational firms in Europe.
Under the doctrine of Dirigisme, the government historically played a major role in the economy; policies such as (indicative planning) and (nationalisation) are credited for contributing to three decades of unprecedented postwar economic growth known as (Trente Glorieuses). At its peak in 1982, the public sector accounted for one-fifth of industrial employment and over four-fifths of the credit market. Beginning in the late 20th century, France loosened regulations and state involvement in the economy, with most leading companies now being privately owned; state ownership now dominates only transportation, defence and broadcasting. Policies aimed at promoting economic dynamism and privatisation have improved France's economic standing globally: it is among the world's 10 most (innovative) countries in the 2020 (Bloomberg Innovation Index), and the 15th most competitive, according to the 2019 (up two places from 2018).
The Paris stock exchange (French: La Bourse de Paris) is one of the oldest in the world, created by (Louis XV) in 1724. In 2000, it merged with counterparts in Amsterdam and Brussels to form (Euronext), which in 2007 merged with the (New York stock exchange) to form (NYSE Euronext), the world's largest stock exchange.(Euronext Paris), the French branch of NYSE Euronext, is Europe's second-largest stock exchange market, behind the (London Stock Exchange). Some examples of the most valuable French companies include (LVMH), (L'Oréal) and (Sociéte Générale.)
France has historically been one of the world's major agricultural centres and remains a "global agricultural powerhouse"; France is the world's sixth-biggest exporter of agricultural products, generating a trade surplus of over €7.4 billion. Nicknamed "the granary of the old continent", over half its total land area is (farmland), of which 45 per cent is devoted to permanent field crops such as cereals. The country's diverse climate, extensive arable land, modern farming technology, and (EU subsidies) have made it Europe's leading agricultural producer and exporter.
Tourism
With 89 million international tourist arrivals in 2018, France is the world's (top tourist destination), ahead of Spain (83 million) and the United States (80 million). However, it ranks third in tourism-derived income due to the shorter duration of visits. The most popular tourist sites include (annual visitors): (Eiffel Tower) (6.2 million), (Château de Versailles) (2.8 million), (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle) (2 million), (Pont du Gard) (1.5 million), (Arc de Triomphe) (1.2 million), (Mont Saint-Michel) (1 million), (Sainte-Chapelle) (683,000), (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg) (549,000), (Puy de Dôme) (500,000), (Musée Picasso) (441,000), and (Carcassonne) (362,000).
France, especially Paris, has some of the world's largest and most renowned museums, including the (Louvre), which is the (7.7 million visitors in 2022), the (Musée d'Orsay) (3.3 million), mostly devoted to (Impressionism), the (Musée de l'Orangerie) (1.02 million), which is home to eight large (Water Lily) murals by (Claude Monet), as well as the (Centre Georges Pompidou) (3 million), dedicated to (contemporary art). (Disneyland Paris) is Europe's most popular theme park, with 15 million combined visitors to the resort's (Disneyland Park) and (Walt Disney Studios Park) in 2009.
With more than 10 million tourists a year, the (French Riviera) (French: Côte d'Azur), in Southeast France, is the second leading tourist destination in the country, after the (Paris Region). It benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, 115 kilometres (71 mi) of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and 3,000 restaurants.: 31 Each year the Côte d'Azur hosts 50% of the world's (superyacht) fleet.: 66
With 6 million tourists a year, the (castles of the Loire Valley) (French: châteaux) and the (Loire Valley) itself are the third leading tourist destination in France; this (World Heritage Site) is noteworthy for its architectural heritage, in its historic towns but in particular its castles, such as the (Châteaux) d'(Amboise), de (Chambord), d'(Ussé), de (Villandry), (Chenonceau) and (Montsoreau). The (Château de Chantilly), (Versailles) and (Vaux-le-Vicomte), all three located near Paris, are also visitor attractions.
France has 52 sites inscribed in (UNESCO's World Heritage List) and features cities of high cultural interest, beaches and seaside resorts, ski resorts, as well as rural regions that many enjoy for their beauty and tranquillity ((green tourism)). Small and picturesque French villages are promoted through the association (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) (literally "The Most Beautiful Villages of France"). The "(Remarkable Gardens)" label is a list of the over 200 gardens classified by the (Ministry of Culture). This label is intended to protect and promote remarkable gardens and parks. France attracts many religious (pilgrims) on their (way to St. James), or to (Lourdes), a town in the (Hautes-Pyrénées) that hosts several million visitors a year.
Energy
France is the world's tenth-largest producer of electricity.(Électricité de France) (EDF), which is majority-owned by the French government, is the country's main producer and distributor of electricity, and one of the world's largest (electric utility companies), ranking third in revenue globally. In 2018, EDF produced around one-fifth of the (European Union)'s electricity, primarily from (nuclear power). As of 2021, France was the biggest energy exporter in Europe, mostly to the U.K. and Italy, and the largest net exporter of electricity in the world.
Since the (1973 oil crisis), France has pursued a strong policy of (energy security), namely through (heavy investment in nuclear energy). It is one of 32 countries with (nuclear power plants), ranking second in the world by the (number of operational nuclear reactors), at 56. Consequently, 70% of France's electricity is generated by nuclear power, the highest proportion in the world by a wide margin; only Slovakia and Ukraine also derive a majority of electricity from nuclear power, at roughly 53% and 51%, respectively. France is considered a world leader in nuclear technology, with reactors and fuel products being major exports.
France's significant reliance on nuclear power has resulted in comparatively slower development of (renewable energy) sources than in other Western nations. Nevertheless, between 2008 and 2019, France's production capacity from renewable energies rose consistently and nearly doubled.(Hydropower) is by far the leading source, accounting for over half the country's renewable energy sources and contributing 13% of its electricity, the highest proportion in Europe after Norway and Turkey. As with nuclear power, most hydroelectric plants, such as (Eguzon), (Étang de Soulcem), and (Lac de Vouglans), are managed by EDF. France aims to further expand hydropower into 2040.
Transport
France's (railway network), which stretches 29,473 kilometres (18,314 mi) as of 2008, is the second most extensive in Western Europe after (Germany). It is operated by the (SNCF), and high-speed trains include the (Thalys), the (Eurostar) and (TGV), which travels at 320 km/h (199 mph). The Eurostar, along with the (Eurotunnel Shuttle), connects with the United Kingdom through the (Channel Tunnel). Rail connections exist to all other neighbouring countries in Europe except Andorra. Intra-urban connections are also well developed, with most major cities having (underground) or tramway services complementing bus services.
There are approximately 1,027,183 kilometres (638,262 mi) of serviceable roadway in France, ranking it the most extensive network of the European continent. The Paris Region is enveloped with the densest network of roads and highways, which connect it with virtually all parts of the country. French roads also handle substantial international traffic, connecting with cities in neighbouring Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Andorra and Monaco. There is no annual registration fee or (road tax); however, usage of the mostly privately owned motorways is through tolls except in the vicinity of large communes. The new car market is dominated by domestic brands such as (Renault), (Peugeot) and (Citroën). France possesses the (Millau Viaduct), the world's tallest bridge, and has built many important bridges such as the (Pont de Normandie). (Diesel) and (petrol)-driven cars and lorries cause a large part of the country's (air pollution) and (greenhouse gas emissions).
There are 464 (airports) in France.(Charles de Gaulle Airport), located in the vicinity of Paris, is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling the vast majority of popular and commercial traffic and connecting Paris with virtually all major cities across the world. (Air France) is the national carrier airline, although numerous private airline companies provide domestic and international travel services. There are ten major ports in France, the largest of which is in (Marseille), which also is the largest bordering the Mediterranean Sea. 12,261 kilometres (7,619 mi) of waterways traverse France including the (Canal du Midi), which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean through the (Garonne) river.
Science and technology
Since the (Middle Ages), France has contributed to scientific and technological achievement. In the early 11th century, the French-born (Pope Sylvester II) reintroduced the (abacus) and (armillary sphere) and introduced (Arabic numerals) and (clocks) to much of Europe. The (University of Paris), founded in the mid-12th century, is still one of the most important academic institutions in the Western world. In the 17th century, mathematician and philosopher (René Descartes) pioneered (rationalism as a method for acquiring scientific knowledge), while (Blaise Pascal) became famous for his work on (probability) and (fluid mechanics); both were key figures of the (Scientific Revolution), which blossomed in Europe during this period. The (French Academy of Sciences), founded in the mid-17th century by (Louis XIV) to encourage and protect French (scientific research), was one of the earliest (national scientific institutions) in history.
The (Age of Enlightenment) was marked by the work of biologist (Buffon), one of the first naturalists to recognize (ecological succession), and chemist (Lavoisier), who discovered the role of (oxygen) in (combustion). (Diderot) and (D'Alembert) published the (Encyclopédie), which aimed to give the public access to "useful knowledge" that could be applied to everyday life. The (Industrial Revolution) of the 19th century saw spectacular scientific developments in France, with (Augustin Fresnel) founding modern (optics), (Sadi Carnot) laying the foundations of (thermodynamics), and (Louis Pasteur) pioneering (microbiology). Other eminent French scientists of the period have their (names inscribed on the Eiffel Tower).
Famous French scientists of the 20th century include the mathematician and physicist (Henri Poincaré); physicists (Henri Becquerel), (Pierre) and (Marie Curie), who remain famous for their work on (radioactivity); physicist (Paul Langevin); and virologist (Luc Montagnier), co-discoverer of (HIV AIDS). (Hand transplantation) was developed in (Lyon) in 1998 by an international team that included (Jean-Michel Dubernard), who afterward performed the first successful double hand transplant.(Telesurgery) was (first performed) by French surgeons led by (Jacques Marescaux) on 7 September 2001 across the Atlantic Ocean. A (face transplant) was first done on 27 November 2005 by (Bernard Devauchelle). France ranked 11th in the 2023 (Global Innovation Index), compared to 16th in 2019.
Demographics
With an estimated January 2024 population of 68,373,433 people, France is the , the third-most populous in Europe (after (Russia) and (Germany)), and the second most populous in the (European Union) (after Germany).
France is an outlier among developed countries, particularly in Europe, for its relatively high rate of (natural population growth): By birth rates alone, it was responsible for almost all natural population growth in the European Union in 2006. Between 2006 and 2016, France saw the second-highest overall increase in population in the EU and was one of only four EU countries where natural births accounted for the most population growth. This was the highest rate since the end of the (baby boom) in 1973 and coincides with the rise of the (total fertility rate) from a nadir of 1.7 in 1994 to 2.0 in 2010.
As of January 2021[update], the fertility rate declined slightly to 1.84 children per woman, below the (replacement rate) of 2.1, and considerably below the high of 4.41 in 1800. France's fertility rate and crude birth rate nonetheless remain among the highest in the EU. However, like many developed nations, the French (population is aging); the average age is 41.7 years, while about a fifth of French people are 65 or over. The (life expectancy) at birth is 82.7 years, the 12th highest in the world.
From 2006 to 2011, population growth averaged 0.6 per cent per year; since 2011, annual growth has been between 0.4 and 0.5 per cent annually. Immigrants are major contributors to this trend; in 2010, 27 per cent of newborns in metropolitan France had at least one parent and another 24 per cent had at least one parent born outside Europe (excluding French overseas territories).
Major cities
France is a highly urbanised country, with its (largest cities) (in terms of (metropolitan area) population in 2019) being Paris (13,114,718 inh.), (Lyon) (2,280,845), (Marseille) (1,873,270), (Lille) (1,510,079), (Toulouse) (1,454,158), (Bordeaux) (1,363,711), (Nantes) (1,011,020), (Strasbourg) (853,110), (Montpellier) (801,595), and (Rennes) (755,668). (Note: since its 2020 revision of metropolitan area borders, (INSEE) considers that (Nice) is a metropolitan area separate from the (Cannes)-(Antibes) metropolitan area; these two combined would have a population of 1,008,296, as of the 2019 census). (Rural flight) was a perennial political issue throughout most of the 20th century.
Largest metropolitan areas in France 2019 census | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Rank) | (Name) | (Region) | (Municipal pop.) | (Rank) | (Name) | (Region) | (Pop.) | ||
(Paris) (Lyon) | 1 | (Paris) | (Île-de-France) | 13,114,718 | 11 | (Grenoble) | (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) | 717,469 | |
2 | (Lyon) | 2,280,845 | 12 | (Rouen) | (Normandy) | 705,627 | |||
3 | (Marseille) | (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) | 1,873,270 | 13 | (Nice) | (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) | 615,126 | ||
4 | (Lille) | (Hauts-de-France) | 1,510,079 | 14 | (Toulon) | (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) | 573,230 | ||
5 | (Toulouse) | Occitania (administrative region) | 1,454,158 | 15 | (Tours) | (Centre-Val de Loire) | 519,778 | ||
6 | (Bordeaux) | (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) | 1,363,711 | 16 | (Nancy) | (Grand Est) | 510,306 | ||
7 | (Nantes) | (Pays de la Loire) | 1,011,020 | 17 | (Clermont-Ferrand) | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 507,479 | ||
8 | (Strasbourg) | (Grand Est) | 853,110 | 18 | (Saint-Étienne) | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 498,849 | ||
9 | (Montpellier) | Occitania (administrative region) | 801,595 | 19 | (Caen) | (Normandy) | 472,161 | ||
10 | (Rennes) | (Brittany) | 755,668 | 20 | (Orléans) | (Centre-Val de Loire) | 451,373 |
Ethnic groups
Historically, (French people) were mainly of (Celtic)-(Gallic) origin, with a significant admixture of (Italic) ((Romans)) and (Germanic) ((Franks)) groups reflecting centuries of respective migration and settlement. Through the course of the (Middle Ages), France incorporated various neighbouring ethnic and linguistic groups, as evidenced by (Breton) elements in the west, (Aquitanian) in the southwest, (Scandinavian) in the northwest, (Alemannic) in the northeast, and (Ligurian) in the southeast.
Large-scale immigration over the last century and a half have led to a more multicultural society; beginning with the French Revolution, and further codified in the (French Constitution of 1958), the government is prohibited from collecting data on ethnicity and ancestry; most demographic information is drawn from private sector organisations or academic institutions. In 2004, the Institut Montaigne estimated that within Metropolitan France, 51 million people were White (85% of the population), 6 million were Northwest African (10%), 2 million were Black (3.3%), and 1 million were Asian (1.7%).
A 2008 poll conducted jointly by (the Institut national d'études démographiques) and (the French National Institute of Statistics) estimated that the largest minority ancestry groups were (Italian) (5 million), followed by (Northwest African) (3–6 million),(Sub-Saharan African) (2.5 million), Armenian (500,000), and Turkish (200,000). There are also sizeable minorities of other (European ethnic groups), namely (Spanish), (Portuguese), (Polish), and (Greek). France has a significant (Gitan (Romani)) population, numbering between 20,000 and 400,000; many foreign (Roma) are (expelled back to Bulgaria and Romania frequently.)
Immigration
It is currently estimated that 40% of the French population is descended at least partially from the different waves of immigration since the early 20th century; between 1921 and 1935 alone, about 1.1 million net immigrants came to France. The next largest wave came in the 1960s when around 1.6 million (pieds noirs) returned to France following the independence of its Northwest African possessions, Algeria and Morocco. They were joined by numerous former colonial subjects from North and West Africa, as well as numerous European immigrants from Spain and Portugal.
France remains a major destination for immigrants, accepting about 200,000 legal immigrants annually. In 2005, it was Western Europe's leading recipient of (asylum) seekers, with an estimated 50,000 applications (albeit a 15% decrease from 2004). In 2010, France received about 48,100 asylum applications—placing it among the top five asylum recipients in the world. In subsequent years it saw the number of applications increase, ultimately doubling to 100,412 in 2017. The European Union allows free movement between the member states, although France established controls to curb (Eastern European) migration.[] Foreigners' rights are established in the (Code of Entry and Residence of Foreigners and of the Right to Asylum). Immigration remains a contentious political issue.
In 2008, the (INSEE) (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) estimated that the total number of foreign-born immigrants was around 5 million (8% of the population), while their French-born descendants numbered 6.5 million, or 11% of the population. Thus, nearly a fifth of the country's population were either first or second-generation immigrants, of which more than 5 million were of European origin and 4 million of (Maghrebi) ancestry. In 2008, France granted (citizenship) to 137,000 persons, mostly from Morocco, Algeria and Turkey.
In 2014, the INSEE reported a significant increase in the number of immigrants coming from Spain, Portugal and Italy between 2009 and 2012. According to the institute, this increase resulted from the financial crisis that hit several European countries in that period. Statistics on Spanish immigrants in France show a growth of 107 per cent between 2009 and 2012, with the population growing from 5,300 to 11,000. Of the total of 229,000 foreigners who were in France in 2012, nearly 8% were Portuguese, 5% British, 5% Spanish, 4% Italian, 4% German, 3% Romanian, and 3% Belgian.
Language
The official language of France is French, a (Romance language) derived from (Latin). Since 1635, the (Académie française) has been France's official authority on the French language, although its recommendations carry no legal weight. There are also regional languages spoken in France, such as (Occitan), (Breton), (Catalan), (Flemish) ((Dutch) dialect), (Alsatian) (German dialect), (Basque), and (Corsican) (Italian dialect). Italian was the official language of Corsica until 9 May 1859.
The Government of France does not regulate the choice of language in publications by individuals, but the use of French is required by law in commercial and workplace communications. In addition to mandating the use of French in the territory of the Republic, the French government tries to promote French in the European Union and globally through institutions such as the (Organisation internationale de la Francophonie). The perceived threat from (anglicisation) has prompted efforts to safeguard the position of the French language in France. Besides French, there exist 77 vernacular minority languages of France, eight spoken in French metropolitan territory and 69 in the French (overseas territories). It is estimated that between 300 million and 500 million people worldwide can speak French, either as a mother tongue or as a second language.
According to the 2007 Adult Education survey, part of a project by the (European Union) and carried out in France by the (INSEE) and based on a sample of 15,350 persons, French was the native language of 87.2% of the total population, or roughly 55.81 million people, followed by Arabic (3.6%, 2.3 million), Portuguese (1.5%, 960,000), Spanish (1.2%, 770,000) and Italian (1.0%, 640,000). Native speakers of other languages made up the remaining 5.2% of the population.
Religion
France is a secular country in which (freedom of religion) is a constitutional right. The French policy on religion is based on the concept of (laïcité), a strict (separation of church and state) under which the government and public life are kept completely secular, detached from any religion. The region of (Alsace) and (Moselle) is an exception to the general French norm, since the (local law) stipulates official status and state funding for (Lutheranism), (Catholicism) and (Judaism). According to the national survey of 2020 holden by the (INSEE), 34% of the French population adhered to (Christianity), of whom 25% were Catholics and 9% other Christians (without further specification); at the same time, 11% of the French population adhered to (Islam), 0.5% to (Buddhism), 0.5% to Judaism, and 1.0% to other religions. 53% of the population declared that they had no religion.
Catholicism was the main religion in France for more than a millennium, and it was once the country's (state religion). Its role nowadays, however, has been greatly reduced, although, as of 2012, among the 47,000 religious buildings in France 94% were still Catholic churches. During the (French Revolution), activists conducted a brutal (campaign of de-Christianisation), which put an end to the role of the Catholic Church as the state religion. In some cases, clergy and churches were attacked, with iconoclasm stripping the churches of statues and ornaments. After alternating between royal and secular republican governments during the 19th century, in 1905 France passed the (1905 law on the Separation of the Churches and the State), which established the aforementioned principle of laïcité.
To this day, the government is prohibited from recognising specific rights to any religious community (with the exception of legacy statutes like those of military chaplains and the aforementioned local law in Alsace-Moselle). It recognises religious organisations according to formal legal criteria that do not address religious doctrine, and religious organisations are expected to refrain from intervening in policymaking. Some religious groups, such as (Scientology), the (Children of God), the (Unification Church), and the (Order of the Solar Temple), are considered (cults) (sectes in French, which is considered a pejorative term) in France, and therefore they are not granted the same status as recognised religions.
Health
The (French health care system) is one of (universal health care) largely financed by government (national health insurance). In its 2000 assessment of world health care systems, the (World Health Organization) found that France provided the "close to best overall health care" in the world. The French health care system was ranked first worldwide by the World Health Organization in 1997. In 2011, France spent 11.6% of its GDP on health care, or US$4,086 per capita, a figure much higher than the average spent by countries in Europe but (less than in the United States). Approximately 77% of health expenditures are covered by government-funded agencies.
Care is generally free for people affected by (chronic diseases) (affections de longues durées) such as cancer, AIDS or (cystic fibrosis). The life expectancy at birth is 78 years for men and 85 years for women, one of the highest in the European Union and the World. There are 3.22 physicians for every 1000 inhabitants in France, and average health care spending per capita was US$4,719 in 2008. As of 2007[update], approximately 140,000 inhabitants (0.4%) of France are living with HIV/AIDS.
Education
In 1802, (Napoleon) created the (lycée), the second and final stage of secondary education that prepares students for higher education studies or a profession. Nevertheless, (Jules Ferry) is considered the father of the French modern school, leading reforms in the late 19th century that established free, secular and compulsory education (currently mandatory until the age of 16).
French education is centralised and divided into three stages: primary, secondary, and higher education. The (Programme for International Student Assessment), coordinated by the (OECD), ranked France's education as near the OECD average in 2018. France was one of the PISA-participating countries where school children perceived some of the lowest levels of support and feedback from their teachers. Schoolchildren in France reported greater concern about the disciplinary climate and behaviour in classrooms compared to other (OECD) countries.
Higher education is divided between (public universities) and the prestigious and selective (Grandes écoles), such as (Sciences Po Paris) for political studies, (HEC Paris) for economics, (Polytechnique), the (École des hautes études en sciences sociales) for social studies and the (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) that produce high-profile engineers, or the (École nationale d'administration) for careers in the (Grands Corps) of the state. The Grandes écoles have been criticised for alleged (elitism), producing many if not most of France's high-ranking civil servants, CEOs and politicians.
Culture
Art
The origins of French art were very much influenced by (Flemish art) and by (Italian art) at the time of the (Renaissance). (Jean Fouquet), the most famous medieval French painter, is said to have been the first to travel to Italy and experience the Early Renaissance firsthand. The Renaissance painting (School of Fontainebleau) was directly inspired by Italian painters such as (Primaticcio) and (Rosso Fiorentino), who both worked in France. Two of the most famous French artists of the time of the (Baroque era), (Nicolas Poussin) and (Claude Lorrain), lived in Italy.
French artists developed the (rococo) style in the 18th century, as a more intimate imitation of the old baroque style, the works of the court-endorsed artists (Antoine Watteau), (François Boucher) and (Jean-Honoré Fragonard) being the most representative in the country. The French Revolution brought great changes, as (Napoleon) favoured artists of (neoclassic style) such as (Jacques-Louis David) and the highly influential (Académie des Beaux-Arts) defined the style known as (Academism).
In the second part of the 19th century, France's influence over painting grew, with the development of new styles of painting such as (Impressionism) and (Symbolism). The most famous impressionist painters of the period were (Camille Pissarro), (Édouard Manet), (Edgar Degas), (Claude Monet) and (Auguste Renoir). The second generation of impressionist-style painters, (Paul Cézanne), (Paul Gauguin), (Toulouse-Lautrec) and (Georges Seurat), were also at the avant-garde of artistic evolutions, as well as the (fauvist) artists (Henri Matisse), (André Derain) and (Maurice de Vlaminck).
At the beginning of the 20th century, Cubism was developed by (Georges Braque) and the Spanish painter (Pablo Picasso), living in Paris. Other foreign artists also settled and worked in or near Paris, such as (Vincent van Gogh), (Marc Chagall), (Amedeo Modigliani) and (Wassily Kandinsky).
There are many art museums in France, the most famous of which being the state-owned (Musée du Louvre), which collects artwork from the 18th century and earlier. The (Musée d'Orsay) was inaugurated in 1986 in the old railway station (Gare d'Orsay), in a major reorganisation of national art collections, to gather French paintings from the second part of the 19th century (mainly Impressionism and Fauvism movements). It was voted the best museum in the world in 2018. Modern works are presented in the (Musée National d'Art Moderne), which moved in 1976 to the (Centre Georges Pompidou). These three state-owned museums are visited by close to 17 million people a year.
Architecture
During the Middle Ages, many fortified castles were built by feudal nobles to mark their powers. Some French castles that survived are (Chinon), (Château d'Angers), the massive and the so-called (Cathar castles). During this era, France had been using (Romanesque architecture) like most of Western Europe.
(Gothic architecture), originally named Opus Francigenum meaning "French work", was born in (Île-de-France) and was the first French style of architecture to be imitated throughout Europe. Northern France is the home of some of the most important Gothic cathedrals and basilicas, the first of these being the (Saint Denis Basilica) (used as the royal necropolis); other important French Gothic cathedrals are (Notre-Dame de Chartres) and (Notre-Dame d'Amiens). The kings were crowned in another important Gothic church: (Notre-Dame de Reims).
The final victory in the Hundred Years' War marked an important stage in the evolution of French architecture. It was the time of the (French Renaissance) and several artists from Italy were invited to the French court; many residential palaces were built in the (Loire Valley), from 1450 as a first reference the (Château de Montsoreau). Examples of such residential castles include the (Château de Chambord), the (Château de Chenonceau), or the (Château d'Amboise).
Following the renaissance and the end of the Middle Ages, (Baroque architecture) replaced the traditional Gothic style. However, in France, baroque architecture found greater success in the secular domain than in the religious one. In the secular domain, the (Palace of Versailles) has many baroque features. (Jules Hardouin Mansart), who designed the extensions to Versailles, was one of the most influential French architects of the baroque era; he is famous for his dome at (Les Invalides). Some of the most impressive provincial baroque architecture is found in places that were not yet French such as in (Nancy). On the military architectural side, (Vauban) designed some of the most efficient fortresses in Europe and became an influential military architect; as a result, imitations of his works can be found all over Europe, the Americas, Russia and Turkey.
After the Revolution, the (Republicans) favoured (Neoclassicism) although it was introduced in France before the revolution with such buildings as the (Parisian Pantheon) or the (Capitole de Toulouse). Built during the first French Empire, the (Arc de Triomphe) and (Sainte Marie-Madeleine) represent the best example of (Empire-style) architecture. Under (Napoleon III), a new wave of urbanism and architecture was given birth; extravagant buildings such as the neo-baroque (Palais Garnier) were built. The urban planning of the time was very organised and rigorous; most notably, (Haussmann's renovation of Paris). The architecture associated with this era is named (Second Empire) in English, the term being taken from the (Second French Empire). At this time there was a strong Gothic resurgence across Europe and in France; the associated architect was (Eugène Viollet-le-Duc). In the late 19th century, (Gustave Eiffel) designed many bridges, such as the (Garabit viaduct), and remains one of the most influential bridge designers of his time, although he is best remembered for the (Eiffel Tower).
In the 20th century, French-Swiss architect (Le Corbusier) designed several buildings in France. More recently, French architects have combined both modern and old architectural styles. The (Louvre Pyramid) is an example of modern architecture added to an older building. The most difficult buildings to integrate within French cities are skyscrapers, as they are visible from afar. For instance, in Paris, since 1977, new buildings had to be under 37 metres (121 ft). France's largest financial district is (La Défense), where a significant number of skyscrapers are located. Other massive buildings that are a challenge to integrate into their environment are large bridges; an example of the way this has been done is the (Millau Viaduct). Some famous modern French architects include (Jean Nouvel), (Dominique Perrault), (Christian de Portzamparc) and (Paul Andreu).
Literature and philosophy
The earliest French literature dates from the (Middle Ages) when what is now known as modern France did not have a single, uniform language. There were several languages and dialects, and writers used their own spelling and grammar. Some authors of French medieval texts, such as (Tristan and Iseult) and (Lancelot-Grail) are unknown. Three famous medieval authors are (Chrétien de Troyes), ((langue d'oïl)), and (Duke William IX of Aquitaine) ((langue d'oc)). Much medieval French poetry and literature was inspired by the legends of the (Carolingian cycle), such as the (Song of Roland) and the (chansons de geste). The Roman de Renart, written in 1175 by Perrout de Saint Cloude, tells the story of the medieval character (Reynard) ('the Fox') and is another example of early French writing. An important 16th-century writer was (François Rabelais), who wrote five popular early (picaresque) novels. Rabelais was also in regular communication with (Marguerite de Navarre), author of the (Heptameron). Another 16th-century author was (Michel de Montaigne), whose most famous work, (Essais), started a literary genre.
French literature and poetry flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. (Denis Diderot)'s best-known works are (Jacques the Fatalist) and (Rameau's Nephew). He is best known, however, as the main editor of the (Encyclopédie), whose aim was to sum up all the knowledge of his century (in fields such as arts, sciences, languages, and philosophy) and to fight ignorance and (obscurantism). During that same century, (Charles Perrault) was a prolific writer of children's fairy tales including (Puss in Boots), (Cinderella), (Sleeping Beauty) and (Bluebeard). At the start of the 19th century, (symbolist poetry) was an important movement in French literature, with poets such as (Charles Baudelaire), (Paul Verlaine) and (Stéphane Mallarmé).
The 19th century saw the writings of many renowned French authors. Victor Hugo is sometimes seen as "the greatest French writer of all time" for excelling in all (literary genres). The preface of his play (Cromwell) is considered to be the manifesto of the (Romantic movement). (Les Contemplations) and (La Légende des siècles) are considered "poetic masterpieces", Hugo's verse has been compared to that of Shakespeare, (Dante) and (Homer). His novel (Les Misérables) is widely seen as one of the greatest novels ever written and (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) has remained immensely popular. Other major authors of that century include (Alexandre Dumas) ((The Three Musketeers) and (The Count of Monte-Cristo)), (Jules Verne) ((Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea)), (Émile Zola) ((Les Rougon-Macquart)), (Honoré de Balzac) ((La Comédie humaine)), (Guy de Maupassant), (Théophile Gautier) and (Stendhal) ((The Red and the Black), (The Charterhouse of Parma)), whose works are among the most well known in France and the world.
In the early 20th century France was a haven for literary freedom. Works banned for obscenity in the US, the UK and other Anglophone nations were published in France decades before they were available in the respective authors' home countries. The French were disinclined to punish literary figures for their writing, and prosecutions were rare. Important writers of the 20th century include (Marcel Proust), (Louis-Ferdinand Céline), (Jean Cocteau), (Albert Camus), and (Jean-Paul Sartre). (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) wrote (The Little Prince), which has remained popular for decades and is one of the best selling books in history.
Medieval philosophy was dominated by (Scholasticism) until the emergence of (Humanism) in the Renaissance. (Modern philosophy) began in France in the 17th century with the philosophy of (René Descartes), (Blaise Pascal) and (Nicolas Malebranche). Descartes was the first (Western philosopher) since ancient times to attempt to build a philosophical system from the ground up rather than building on the work of predecessors. France in the 18th century saw major philosophical contributions from (Voltaire) who came to embody the Enlightenment and (Jean-Jacques Rousseau) whose work highly influenced the French Revolution. French philosophers made major contributions to the field in the 20th century including the (existentialist) works of (Simone de Beauvoir), Camus, and Sartre. Other influential contributions during this time include the moral and political works of (Simone Weil), contributions to (structuralism) including from (Claude Lévi-Strauss) and the (post-structuralist) works by (Michel Foucault).
Music
France has a long and varied musical history. It experienced a golden age in the 17th century thanks to Louis XIV, who employed talented musicians and composers in the royal court. The most renowned composers of this period include (Marc-Antoine Charpentier), (François Couperin), (Michel-Richard Delalande), (Jean-Baptiste Lully) and (Marin Marais), all of them composers at the court. After the death of the "Roi Soleil", French musical creation lost dynamism, but in the next century the music of (Jean-Philippe Rameau) reached some prestige, and he is still one of the most renowned French composers. Rameau became the dominant composer of (French opera) and the leading French composer of the harpsichord.
(Erik Satie) was a key member of the early-20th-century Parisian (avant-garde). (Francis Poulenc)'s best-known works are his piano suite (Trois mouvements perpétuels) (1919), the ballet (Les biches) (1923), the (Concert champêtre) (1928) for (harpsichord) and orchestra, the opera (Dialogues des Carmélites) (1957) and the (Gloria) (1959) for (soprano), choir and orchestra. (Maurice Ravel) and (Claude Debussy) are the most prominent figures associated with (Impressionist music). Debussy was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his use of non-traditional scales and (chromaticism) influenced many composers who followed. Debussy's music is noted for its sensory content and frequent usage of (atonality). The two composers invented new musical forms and new sounds. Ravel's piano compositions, such as (Jeux d'eau), (Miroirs), (Le tombeau de Couperin) and (Gaspard de la nuit), demand considerable virtuosity. His mastery of orchestration is evident in the (Rapsodie espagnole), (Daphnis et Chloé), his arrangement of (Modest Mussorgsky)'s (Pictures at an Exhibition) and his orchestral work (Boléro) (1928). More recently, in the middle of the 20th century, (Maurice Ohana), (Pierre Schaeffer) and (Pierre Boulez) contributed to the evolution of contemporary classical music.
French music then followed the rapid emergence of pop and rock music in the middle of the 20th century. Although English-speaking creations achieved popularity in the country, (French pop music), known as (chanson française), has also remained very popular. Among the most important French artists of the century are (Édith Piaf), (Georges Brassens), (Léo Ferré), (Charles Aznavour) and (Serge Gainsbourg). Although there are very few rock bands in France compared to English-speaking countries, bands such as (Noir Désir), (Mano Negra), (Niagara), (Les Rita Mitsouko) and more recently (Superbus), (Phoenix) and (Gojira), or (Shaka Ponk), have reached worldwide popularity.
Cinema
France has historical and strong links with (cinema), with two Frenchmen, Auguste and Louis Lumière (known as the (Lumière Brothers)) credited with creating cinema in 1895. The world's first female filmmaker, (Alice Guy-Blaché), was also from France. Several important cinematic movements, including the late 1950s and 1960s (Nouvelle Vague), began in the country. It is noted for having a strong film industry, due in part to protections afforded by the (Government of France). France remains a leader in filmmaking, as of 2015[update] producing more films than any other European country. The nation also hosts the (Cannes Festival), one of the most important and famous film festivals in the world.
Apart from its strong and innovative film tradition, France has also been a gathering spot for artists from across Europe and the world. For this reason, French cinema is sometimes intertwined with the cinema of foreign nations. Directors from nations such as Poland ((Roman Polanski), (Krzysztof Kieślowski), (Andrzej Żuławski)), Argentina ((Gaspar Noé), (Edgardo Cozarinsky)), Russia ((Alexandre Alexeieff), (Anatole Litvak)), Austria ((Michael Haneke)) and Georgia ((Géla Babluani), (Otar Iosseliani)) are prominent in the ranks of French cinema. Conversely, French directors have had prolific and influential careers in other countries, such as (Luc Besson), (Jacques Tourneur) or (Francis Veber) in the (United States). Although the French film market is dominated by Hollywood, France is the only nation in the world where American films make up the smallest share of total film revenues, at 50%, compared with 77% in Germany and 69% in Japan. French films account for 35% of the total film revenues of France, which is the highest percentage of national film revenues in the developed world outside the United States, compared to 14% in Spain and 8% in the UK. In 2013 France was the second greatest exporter of films in the world, after the United States.
As part of its advocacy of (cultural exception), a political concept of treating culture differently from other commercial products, France succeeded in convincing all EU members to refuse to include culture and audiovisuals in the list of liberalised sectors of the WTO in 1993. Moreover, this decision was confirmed in a vote by (UNESCO) in 2005: the principle of "cultural exception" won an overwhelming victory with 198 countries voting for it and only 2 countries, the United States and Israel, voting against it.
Fashion
Fashion has been an important industry and cultural export of France since the 17th century, and modern "(haute couture)" originated in Paris in the 1860s. Today, Paris, along with London, Milan, and New York City, is considered one of the world's (fashion capitals), and the city is home or headquarters to many of the premier fashion houses. The expression Haute couture is, in France, a legally protected name, guaranteeing certain quality standards.
The association of France with fashion and style (French: la mode) dates largely to the reign of (Louis XIV) when the luxury goods industries in France came increasingly under royal control and the French royal court became, arguably, the arbiter of taste and style in Europe. But France renewed its dominance of the high fashion (French: couture or haute couture) industry in the years 1860–1960 through the establishment of the great (couturier) houses such as (Chanel), (Dior), and (Givenchy). The French perfume industry is the world leader in its sector and is centred on the town of (Grasse).
According to 2017 data compiled by (Deloitte), (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey) (LVMH), a French brand, is the largest luxury company in the world by sales, selling more than twice the amount of its nearest competitor. Moreover, France also possesses 3 of the top 10 luxury goods companies by sales ((LVMH), (Kering SA), (L'Oréal)), more than any other country in the world.
Media
In 2021, regional daily newspapers, such as (Ouest-France), (Sud Ouest), (La Voix du Nord), (Dauphiné Libéré), (Le Télégramme), and (Le Progrès), more than doubled the sales of national newspapers, such as (Le Monde), (Le Figaro), (L'Équipe) (sports), (Le Parisien), and (Les Echos) (finance). Free dailies, distributed in metropolitan centers, continue to increase their market share. The sector of weekly magazines includes more than 400 specialised weekly magazines published in the country.
The most influential news magazines are the left-wing (Le Nouvel Observateur), centrist (L'Express) and right-wing (Le Point) (in 2009 more than 400,000 copies), but the highest circulation numbers for weeklies are attained by TV magazines and by women's magazines, among them (Marie Claire) and (ELLE), which have foreign versions. Influential weeklies also include investigative and satirical papers (Le Canard Enchaîné) and (Charlie Hebdo), as well as (Paris Match). As in most industrialised nations, the print media have been affected by a (severe crisis) with the rise of the internet. In 2008, the government launched a major initiative to help the sector reform and become financially independent, but in 2009 it had to give 600,000 euros to help the print media cope with the (economic crisis), in addition to existing subsidies. In 1974, after years of centralised monopoly on radio and television, the governmental agency (ORTF) was split into several national institutions, but the three already-existing TV channels and four national radio stations remained under state control. It was only in 1981 that the government allowed free broadcasting in the territory, ending the state monopoly on radio.
Cuisine
French cuisine is renowned for being one of the finest in the world. Different regions have different styles. In the North, butter and cream are common ingredients, whereas (olive oil) is more commonly used in the South. Each region of France has traditional specialties: (cassoulet) in the Southwest, (choucroute) in Alsace, (quiche) in the (Lorraine region), (beef bourguignon) in (Burgundy), (provençal) (tapenade), etc. France is most famous for its (wines), and (cheeses), which are often named for the territory where they are produced ((AOC)). A meal typically consists of three courses, entrée (starter), plat principal (main course), and fromage (cheese) or dessert, sometimes with a salad served before the cheese or dessert.
French cuisine is also regarded as a key element of the (quality of life) and the attractiveness of France. A French publication, the (Michelin guide), awards Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments. The acquisition or loss of a star can have dramatic effects on the success of a restaurant. By 2006, the Michelin Guide had awarded 620 stars to French restaurants.
In addition to its wine tradition, France is also a major producer of beer and rum. The three main French brewing regions are Alsace (60% of national production), Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Lorraine. (French rum) is made in distilleries located on islands in the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Sports
France hosts "the world's biggest annual sporting event", the (Tour de France). Other popular sports played in France include: (football), (judo), (tennis),(rugby union) and (pétanque). France has hosted events such as the (1938) and (1998 FIFA World Cups), the (2007 Rugby World Cup), and the (2023 Rugby World Cup). The country also hosted the (1960 European Nations' Cup), (UEFA Euro 1984), (UEFA Euro 2016) and (2019 FIFA Women's World Cup). The (Stade de France) in (Saint-Denis) is France's largest stadium and was the venue for the 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2007 Rugby World Cup finals. Since 1923, France is famous for its (24 Hours of Le Mans) (sports car) (endurance race). Several major tennis tournaments take place in France, including the (Paris Masters) and the (French Open), one of the four (Grand Slam) tournaments. French (martial arts) include (Savate) and (Fencing).
France has a close association with the Modern Olympic Games; it was a French aristocrat, Baron (Pierre de Coubertin), who suggested the Games' revival, at the end of the 19th century. After (Athens) was awarded the first Games, in reference to the Olympics' Greek origins, Paris hosted the second Games (in 1900). Paris was the first home of the (International Olympic Committee), before it moved to (Lausanne). Since 1900, France has hosted the Olympics on 4 further occasions: the (1924 Summer Olympics), again in Paris and three (Winter Games) ((1924) in (Chamonix), (1968) in (Grenoble) and (1992) in (Albertville)). Similar to the Olympics, France introduced Olympics for the deaf people (Deaflympics) in (1924) with the idea of a French deaf car mechanic, (Eugène Rubens-Alcais) who paved the way to organise the inaugural edition of the (Summer Deaflympics) in Paris.
Both the (national football team) and the (national rugby union team) are nicknamed "Les Bleus" in reference to the team's shirt colour as well as the national (French tricolour flag). Football is the most popular sport in France, with over 1,800,000 registered players and over 18,000 registered clubs.
The French Open, also called Roland-Garros, is a major (tennis) tournament held over two weeks between late May and early June at the (Stade Roland-Garros) in Paris. It is the premier clay court tennis championship event in the world and the second of four annual (Grand Slam) tournaments.
(Rugby union) is popular, particularly in Paris and the southwest of France. The national rugby union team has competed at every (Rugby World Cup); it takes part in the annual (Six Nations Championship).
See also
- (Outline of France)
Notes
- French:
- French: République française
- The current (Constitution of France) does not specify a national emblem. The (lictor's fasces) is very often used to represent the French Republic, although today it holds no official status. In addition to the coat of arms, France also uses a (different emblem) for diplomatic and consular purposes.
- For information about regional languages, see (Languages of France).
- (European Union) since 1993
- French data, which includes bodies of water
- French (Land Register) data, which exclude lakes, ponds and (glaciers) larger than 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) as well as the estuaries of rivers
- Whole of the except the overseas territories in the Pacific Ocean
- French overseas territories in the Pacific Ocean only
- Time zones across the span from UTC−10 ((French Polynesia)) to UTC+12 ((Wallis and Futuna))
- Daylight saving time is observed in metropolitan France and (Saint Pierre and Miquelon) only.
- The overseas regions and collectivities form part of the (French telephone numbering plan), but have their own country calling codes: (Guadeloupe) +590; (Martinique) +596; (French Guiana) +594; (Réunion) and (Mayotte) +262; (Saint Pierre and Miquelon) +508. The overseas territories are not part of the French telephone numbering plan; their country calling codes are: (New Caledonia) +687; (French Polynesia) +689; (Wallis and Futuna) +681.
- In addition to (.fr), several other Internet TLDs are used in French overseas départements and territories: (.re), (.mq), (.gp), (.tf), (.nc), (.pf), (.wf), (.pm), (.gf) and (.yt). France also uses (.eu), shared with other members of the European Union. The (.cat) domain is used in (Catalan-speaking territories).
- (French Guiana) is in South America; (Guadeloupe) and (Martinique) are in the Caribbean Sea; and (Réunion) and (Mayotte) are in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa. All five (are considered integral parts of the French Republic). France also comprises (Saint Pierre and Miquelon) in North America; (Saint Barthélemy) and (Saint Martin) in the Caribbean; (French Polynesia), (New Caledonia), (Wallis and Futuna) and (Clipperton Island) in the Pacific Ocean; and the (French Southern and Antarctic Lands).
- The last sacre was that of (Charles X), 29 May 1825.
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