Population: 60,656,178 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Paris
Languages: French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and
languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
Government: republic
Climate: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and
hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral
Terrain: mostly flat plains or gently
rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
Geography: largest West European nation
Ethnic groups: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities
Economy: France is in the midst of transition, from a
well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market
mechanisms. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers. It retains controlling
stakes in several leading firms, including Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales, and is dominant in some sectors,
particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. The telecommunications sector is gradually being opened to
competition. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax
policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. The
government has lowered income taxes and introduced measures to boost employment and reform the pension system. In addition, it
is focusing on the problems of the high cost of labor and labor market inflexibility resulting from the 35-hour workweek and
restrictions on lay-offs. The tax burden remains one of the highest in Europe (nearly 50% of GDP in 2005). The lingering
economic slowdown and inflexible budget items have pushed the budget deficit above the eurozone's 3%-of-GDP limit;
unemployment stands at 10%.
GDP per capita: purchasing power
parity - $29,900 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 1.5%
(2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 10% (2005 est.)
Internet country code: .fr
Dial code: +33
Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive
losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most
modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy
resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and
cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common
exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military
capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.