France

France Quick Facts…

Official NameFrench Republic
Common NameFrance – /ˈfɹæns/
NationalityFrenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) – noun, French – adjective
IndependenceNo official date – Fifth French Republic established in 1958
Administrative Divisions18 total regions:
Metropolitan France – 13 regions located in Europe:
— France – the mainland country in Europe (12 regions)
— Corsica – an island in the Mediterranean Sea (1 region)
Overseas France – 5 regions located outside of Europe:
— French Guiana – geographic area in South America (1 region)
— Guadeloupe – island in the Caribbean Sea (1 region)
— Martinique – island in the Caribbean Sea (1 region)
— Mayotte – island in the Southern Indian Ocean (1 region)
— Reunion – island in southern Africa (1 region)
Total PopulationAll regions: 68.5 million (#21) with 81.8% urbanized – 2023 estimate
Major Urban AreasParis (capital city), Lyon, Marseille / Aix-en-Provence, Lille, Toulouse
Major LanguagesFrench (official)
Electricity Access100% of total population
Internet Access86% of total population
CurrencyEuros (EUR)
Real GDP (PPP)$3.0 trillion – 2021 estimate
Real GDP per Capita$45,000 (#37) – 2021 estimate
Total AreaAll regions: 643,801 sq km / 248,573 sq mi (#45) with 0.5% water area
Geographic RegionEurope – Western Europe
Bordering CountriesAndorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland
Bordering Water BodiesBay of Biscay, English Channel, Mediterranean Sea

Dependent Areas:
Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna

National Anthem: “The Song of Marseille”