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France Information
Adapted from CIA World Factbook
Background
Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II,
France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth,
manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless,
France today is one of the most modern countries in
the world and is a leader among European nations. Since
1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant
to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary
democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and
cooperation with Germany have proved central to the
economic integration of Europe, including the introduction
of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January
1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts
to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement
progress toward an EU foreign policy.
Location
Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English
Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the
UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and
Spain
French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the
North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto
Rico
Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean
Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and
Tobago
Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean,
east of Madagascar
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
French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal
temperature variation
Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade
winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June
to October); vulnerable to devasting cyclones (hurricanes)
every eight years on average
Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation;
cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November
to April)
Languages
French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and
languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan,
Basque, Flemish)
overseas departments: French, Creole patois
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