Terrain
Mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
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
People
Nationality: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
Population: 66,259,012 (July 2014 est.) (FRANCE)
Languages: French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)
MUSLIM IMMIGRATION (1:09)
Religions
Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
CATHOLICISM & A SECULAR SOCIETY (1:25)
Economy
The French economy is diversified across all sectors. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, including Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. However, the government maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. With at least 82 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism.
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY (:42)
Living Conditions
Government
Republic
UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (:50)
US Military Presence/Support
France has been a key ally of the United States since the late 1700's when it supported American efforts during the Revolutionary War. The two countries share membership in numerous military and peace-keeping organizations like NATO and the U.N. Security Council, and work together on global efforts against terrorism, weapons proliferation and other regional issues.
FRENCH MILITARY FORCES (:30)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1:07)