France
France Overview- France's economy is the fifth largest in the world that is advanced and diversified. A strong member of EU economy and euro user; France has strong tourism, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. It is also challenged with ongoing pension reform protests; high public debts and COVID-19 spending increases. France is considered an global environmental leader.
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Geo-Locator
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How France Compares to US in Geographical Size
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Background - France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations. France rejoined NATO's integrated military command structure in 2009, reversing DE GAULLE's 1966 decision to withdraw French forces from NATO.
Paris, including both the City of Paris and the Île-de-France region (Paris Region), is the most important center of economic activity in France, accounting for about thirty percent of the French GDP. In fact Paris also boosts of hosting the highest number of Corporate Headquarters in the world. See this link for a list.
Source: CIA Fact Book
Source: Wikipedia
Paris, including both the City of Paris and the Île-de-France region (Paris Region), is the most important center of economic activity in France, accounting for about thirty percent of the French GDP. In fact Paris also boosts of hosting the highest number of Corporate Headquarters in the world. See this link for a list.
Source: CIA Fact Book
Source: Wikipedia
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Economic Strengths
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Economic Weaknesses
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Background - France has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. The Celts and Romans were among the first groups to settle in the region, and over the centuries, the area that is now France was controlled by a succession of different peoples and empires. In the Middle Ages, France emerged as a powerful kingdom under the rule of the Capetian dynasty, and during the Renaissance, the country experienced a cultural and artistic flowering. In the 17th and 18th centuries, France was a major European power under the rule of the Bourbon kings, and the French Revolution of 1789 marked the beginning of a new era in French and world history.In the 19th and 20th centuries, France played a leading role in European and world affairs. It was a colonial power, with territories and influence in Africa, Asia and America. The country was involved in both World War I and World War II, and following the second war, it became a founding member of the European Union. Today, France is a republic with a strong central government and a diverse economy. It remains a major player on the world stage, and is known for its contributions to culture, art, fashion, cuisine, and technology.
Charatertistic |
Fact |
Terrain |
metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in eas |
Percentage of English Spoken |
25% to 60% |
Population |
68,084,217 (July 2021 est.) note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and five overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 |
Target Cities |
Paris |
Main Industries |
machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism |
GDP |
1.49% (2019 est.) |
Government |
semi-presidential republic |
Relevant History |
trente glorieuses (“thirty years of glory”) Economic growth |
Global Corporate Headquarters |
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Urbanization |
81% of total population (2020) |
Internet Connectivity |
82.04% (July 2018 est.) |
Moody's Credit Rating |
Aa2 (2015) |
Corruption Index Rank |
22 |
Coface Business Climate |
A1 |
Travel Advisory |
Level 1 |
VAT Tax |
20% |
