France
From 1789 blue
and red, the traditional colors of Paris, were included in flags
with Bourbon royal white. In 1794 the tricolor was made official. It
embodied liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy, secularism, and
modernization. It has been the sole national flag since March 5, 1848.
France is the largest country of Western Europe in area. Paris, the capital of
France and largest city in the country, ranks as one of the world's
great cities. For hundreds of years, Paris has been a world capital of art and
learning. Its university is over 800 years old, and is one of the largest in
the world. Paris attracts artists and writers of all nationalities. Many great
artists have produced their finest masterpieces there.
| Country: | France ( official: République Française ) |
| Capital: | Paris |
| Government type: | Republic |
| Population: | 59,900,300 (July 2004 est.) |
| Languages: | French (official), 100% some regional dialects |
| Official Currency: | Euro (EUR) note: on 1 January 1999, the European
Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be
used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1
January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday
transactions within the member countries Current Euro Exchange Rates |
| Climate: | A lot of variety, but temperate. Cool winters and mild summers on most of the territory, and especially in Paris. |
| Independence Day: | July 14 - Bastille Day |
| Religion: | predominately Roman Catholic 84%-88% , Muslim 5- 10% Protestant 2% , Jewish 1%, and 4% unaffiliated |
| Area: | total: 547,030 sq km |
| Country Phone Code: | 33 |
Top Destinations in France
Paris | Marseilles | Grenoble | Nice |
Alp d'Huez | Montpellier | Bordeaux | Lyon
Le Havre | Strasbourg | Lille | Tours
France
Europe (EU)