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'''France''', officially known as the French Republic, is a country located in Western [[Europe]]. It shares borders with [[Belgium]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], [[Italy]], [[Monaco]], [[Spain]], [[Andorra]], and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of France is [[Paris]], one of the most important cultural, economic, and political centres in the world.
	'''France''', officially the French Republic, is a country whose metropolitan territory is in Western Europe, with overseas regions and territories in the Americas, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. Its capital is [[Paris]].

	France is a republic with a strong presidency, a prime minister, and a bicameral parliament. It is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, NATO, the Council of Europe, the G7, and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

== Geography ==	== Geography ==
France is known for its diverse geography, with mountains, plains, rivers, and coastline. The country is divided into several regions, each with its own unique landscape. The Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Vosges are some of the mountain ranges in France. The Loire, Seine, and Rhône are some of the major rivers. The country also has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
	Metropolitan France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. It has coastlines on the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

	The country includes plains, major river valleys, mountain ranges, and coastal regions. The Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, and Jura shape much of its physical geography. Major rivers include the Seine, Loire, Garonne, and Rhone.

	France also includes overseas territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, and other island territories.

	== Population ==
	INSEE estimated the population of France at about 69.1 million inhabitants on 1 January 2026. The population is ageing, with people aged 65 or over making up a large and growing share of the country.

	Paris is the capital and largest urban centre. Other major cities include Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Lille, and Rennes.

	== Government ==
	France's current constitutional system is the Fifth Republic, founded in 1958. The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year term. The president appoints the prime minister, who leads the government.

	Parliament is made up of the National Assembly and the Senate. The French system is often described as semi-presidential because executive authority is shared between the president and the government, with the balance depending on election results and parliamentary support.

== History ==	== History ==
The history of France dates back to ancient times, with the Celts, Gauls, and Romans among the earliest inhabitants. France was later conquered by Germanic tribes and became part of the Frankish Empire. In the Middle Ages, France emerged as a powerful kingdom, with the Capetian dynasty ruling for nearly 800 years. The Hundred Years' War, the French Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars are some of the key events in French history.
	France developed from Roman Gaul, the Frankish kingdoms, and the medieval French monarchy. It became one of Europe's major powers through royal centralisation, military expansion, trade, and cultural influence.

== Culture ==
France is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on the arts, literature, music, and cuisine. The country has produced many influential writers, philosophers, and artists, including Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso. French cuisine is also highly regarded, with dishes like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and croissants being popular worldwide.
	The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended the old monarchy. It reshaped French politics around citizenship, republicanism, secular authority, rights, and national sovereignty. The Napoleonic period spread French influence across Europe but ended in military defeat and restoration politics.

== Economy ==
France has a mixed economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being the main sectors. The country is one of the largest producers of agricultural products in Europe, including wheat, corn, and wine. France is also known for its automotive, aerospace, and luxury goods industries, with companies like Renault, Airbus, and LVMH being major players.
	Modern France was shaped by industrialisation, colonial expansion, the First World War, the Second World War, decolonisation, and the creation of the Fifth Republic. Its post-war history includes European integration, social reform, immigration, and repeated debates over secularism, national identity, and the role of the state.

== Politics ==
France is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a bicameral legislature, with the National Assembly and the Senate. The President is elected for a five-year term, while members of the National Assembly are elected for five-year terms.
	== Economy ==
	France has a large, diversified economy. Important sectors include services, manufacturing, aerospace, transport, luxury goods, agriculture, energy, tourism, and public services. INSEE's economic dashboard reported that GDP slightly fell back in the first quarter of 2026.

== Education ==
France has a highly developed education system, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation. The country has a large number of universities and research institutions, including the University of Paris, which is one of the oldest universities in the world. France is also home to several prestigious schools and colleges, including the Sorbonne and the École Normale Supérieure.
	The country is known for major firms in aerospace, rail, energy, finance, food, fashion, cosmetics, and technology. Agriculture remains culturally and economically important, especially wine, dairy, cereals, and regional food production.

== Healthcare ==
France has a comprehensive healthcare system, with universal coverage and high-quality care. The country has a large network of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, with a focus on preventive medicine and public health. France is also known for its high life expectancy and low infant mortality rate.
	== Culture and Tourism ==
	France has a major cultural presence in literature, philosophy, film, fashion, art, architecture, food, and music. French is the national language and is also used internationally through Francophone institutions.

== Transportation ==
France has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with a network of highways, railways, and airports. The country has one of the largest high-speed rail networks in the world, with the TGV connecting major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. France also has several international airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly.
	Tourism is a major part of France's economy and public image. France Diplomatie describes France as one of the world's leading tourist destinations, helped by its cities, coastlines, mountain regions, museums, food culture, historic sites, and overseas destinations.

== Tourism ==
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions of visitors each year. The country is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. France also has a rich cultural heritage, with festivals, concerts, and events taking place throughout the year.
	== References ==
	* [https://www.insee.fr/en/statistiques/8726555 INSEE: Demographic report 2025]
	* [https://www.insee.fr/en/statistiques/2405582 INSEE: Economic dashboard]
	* [https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions Elysee: The institutions]
	* [https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/services-to-foreigners/visiting-france France Diplomatie: Visiting France]

== Environment ==
France is committed to protecting its natural environment, with policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and preserving biodiversity. The country has several national parks and protected areas, including the Vanoise National Park and the Camargue Regional Nature Park. France is also a leader in sustainable agriculture and organic farming.
	[[Category:Countries]]
	[[Category:Europe]]