France

France Flag

Basic Information | France

Official NameFrench Republic
Common NameFrance
ContinentEurope
RegionWestern Europe
Capital CityParis
Largest CityParis (Greater Paris Metropolitan Area)

Geography | France

Total Area (sq km)643,801
Land Borders8 countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Andorra)
Coastline~4,853 km (Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, English Channel)
Major RiversSeine, Loire, Rhône, Garonne
Major MountainsAlps (Mont Blanc – 4,810 m, highest in Western Europe), Pyrenees, Massif Central
ClimateMostly temperate; Mediterranean in the south, oceanic in the west, continental in the east

Demographics | France

Population~65 million (2024 est.)
Population Density~120/sq km
Urbanization~81% of population lives in cities
Official Language(s)French
Regional LanguagesBreton, Corsican, Occitan, Alsatian, Basque, Catalan (minority use)
Major Ethnic GroupsPredominantly French, with minorities from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Asia
Major ReligionsChristianity (mostly Catholic), Islam, Judaism, non-religious/secular

Government & Politics | France

Government TypeUnitary Semi-Presidential Republic
Current LeaderPresident Emmanuel Macron (as of 2025)
Administrative Divisions18 regions (13 metropolitan, 5 overseas)
Independence / Founding DateJuly 14, 1789 (French Revolution – National Day)

Economy | France

CurrencyEuro (€)
GDP (Nominal)~$3.2 trillion (2024 est., 7th largest globally)
GDP Per Capita~$48,000
Major IndustriesAerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Luxury goods, Agriculture, Energy, Fashion
Major ExportsMachinery, aircraft, cosmetics, wine, luxury goods
Major ImportsMachinery, chemicals, vehicles, crude oil, natural gas
Trade PartnersGermany, Italy, Spain, USA, Belgium, UK

Culture & Society | France

National SymbolsTricolour flag (blue, white, red), Gallic Rooster, Marianne
National SportFootball (Soccer)
Famous FestivalsBastille Day (July 14), Cannes Film Festival, Fête de la Musique, Tour de France
Cuisine HighlightsCroissants, Baguette, Cheese, Wine, Escargot, Crêpes
Literature & ArtsRenowned for Enlightenment philosophy, Impressionist art, French cinema
UNESCO Heritage SitesMont Saint-Michel, Palace of Versailles, Chartres Cathedral, Historic Centre of Avignon, Loire Valley, Paris Banks of the Seine, and many more (49 total)

Travel & Tourism | France

Top Tourist AttractionsEiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, French Riviera, Mont Saint-Michel, Palace of Versailles
Best Time to VisitSpring (April–June) and Autumn (Sept–Oct)
Famous CitiesParis, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, Lille
Visa RequirementSchengen Visa (for non-EU/EEA citizens)

Other Key Facts | France

Time Zone(s)CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Internet Domain.fr
Calling Code+33
Major AirportsParis Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nice Côte d’Azur, Lyon Saint-Exupéry
Currency Symbol
Literacy Rate~99%
Life Expectancy~82 years
Interesting FactFrance is the most visited country in the world, attracting over 90 million tourists annually.

France on the World Map

France on World Map

Gallery