Country Guide • France
France is in western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, south east of the UK, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain.
| Official Name | French Republic |
|---|---|
| Area | 547,030km² (211,208mile²) |
| Population | 60,000,000 |
| Continent | Europe |
| Population per mile² | 285 |
| Capital City | Paris |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 76%, other Christian denominations 4% and Muslims 3% |
| Language | French |
| Government | Democracy |
| Member of EU | Yes |
| Currency | Euro |
| GDP | $1.786 trillion |
| GDP per Head | $29,188 |
| Natural Resources | Bauxite, coal, iron ore, zinc, potash, timber and fish |
| Land Use | Arable Land 33% |
| Agriculture | Cereals, (wheat, barley, maize), sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes, beef, dairy products and fish |
| Industry | Oil refining, steel, cement, aluminium, agricultural products and foodstuffs (wheat, barley, maize, cheese), chemicals, motor manufacturing |
| Tourism | France's varied landscape and climate allow for a wide ride range of outdoor pursuits. The Alps and Pyrenees for an array of winter sports, the south of France for its beaches and water sports and then the rest of the country for history, scenery, vineyards etc etc |
| Natural Hazards | Flooding; avalanches; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean |
| Health Risks | None |
| Climate | France's climate ranges from a Mediterranean one in the south with warm humid winters and hot dry summers to a maritime in the north west with mild winters and cool summers as well as frequent rain. In the east a continental climate is dominant, characterised by cold winters with frost, long periods of snow cover and warm summers with thunderstorms. Rainfal/snow in France is on average 20 inches per year. Average temperature ranges in Paris are from 1 to 6°C in January to 14 to 25°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC+1 hour |
| National Days | July 14 |
| Visas | Visas are not required by British nationals, nationals of the EU, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Israel when visiting France as tourists for up to three months. You will need a valid passport to enter France. If you intend to work or remain in France for more than three months you should apply for a residence permit, carte de séjour, at the local Préfecture |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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