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 BBC Missionaries in France
About France *
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 the euro in
January 2002. At present, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to exploit the momentum
of monetary union to advance the creation of a more unified and capable European defense and security
apparatus.
- Area:
Total: 547,030 sq km
Land: 545,630 sq km
note: includes only metropolitan France;
excludes the overseas administrative divisions
Water: 1,400 sq km
- Area - comparative:
Slightly less than twice the size of Colorado
- Government Type:
Republic
- Capital:
Paris
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Independence: 486 (unified by Clovis)
Population: 84,619,974 (July 2003 est.)
Ethnic groups: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
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Disputes - International:
Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso
Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island;
territorial dispute between Suriname and French Guiana; territorial claim in Antarctica
(Adelie Land); Matthew and Hunter Islands, east of New Caledonia, claimed by France and Vanuatu.
* Based on CIA-The World Factbook
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Tim