Introduction

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. France is the largest West European nation. Its natural resources include coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorospar, gypsum, timber and fish. There is some forest damage from acid rain, air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions, water pollution from urban wastes and agricultural runoff.

Geographical Location

France is located in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain. It is slightly less than twice the size of Colorado, with an area of 547,030 sq. km. It has 3,427 km. of coastline. Its lowest point is the Rhone River delta at -2 m. and its highest point is Mont Blanc at 4,807 m.

Climate

France generally has cool winters and mild summers, with mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean. Occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral occurs. Flooding, avalanches, midwinter windstorms, drought, and forest fires in the south near the Mediterranean are natural hazards there.

Population

The estimated population of France in 2009 was 64,057,792. France has a population growth rate of .549% with a birth rate of 12.57 births per 1000 and a death rate of 8.56 deaths per 1000. Life expectancy at birth is 80.98 years. Ethnic groups in France are Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities.

Languages

French is the language of the country, with rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish). 99% of the population age 15 and over can read and write.

Religion

France is 83%-88% Roman Catholic with 2% Protestant, 1% Jewish, 5%-10% Muslim, and 4% unaffiliated.