- Population:
- 66,549,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
France's history includes Celtic tribes, Roman rule, and the Frankish kingdom, which evolved into medieval France. It became a dominant European power under the Bourbon monarchy but underwent revolution in 1789, leading to the rise of Napoleon. France played a key role in both world wars and later decolonization. Today, it is a major global economy, a leader in European affairs, and known for its cultural and scientific contributions.
France, officially the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe, with several overseas regions and territories. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. Covering an area of approximately 551,695 square kilometers, it is the largest country in the European Union. As of 2023, France has a population of about 67 million people. The capital and largest city is Paris. The official language is French. France operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic. The economy is the seventh-largest in the world, with key sectors including aerospace, automotive, luxury goods, and tourism. France is a founding member of the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO, and is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.