| Area |
543,965 sq km (210,025 sq miles). |
| Population |
58,416,500 (1998). |
| Capital |
Paris- population 2,115,757 (1999). |
| Climate |
A temperature climate in the north; northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate. Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snows in winter. |
| Language |
French is the official language, but there are many regional dialects. Basque is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton by some in Brittany. Many people, particularly those connected with tourism in the major areas, will speak at least some English. |
| Religion |
Approximately 81 per cent Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority. Almost every religion has at least some adherents. |
| Time |
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
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| Highlights |
The country offers a huge variety of cultural and historical attractions and much scenery, from the Alps to the beautiful river valleys of Loire, Rhône and Dordogne. The country's coastline is also an excellent area to visit - with sandy beaches and plenty of sunshine. One cannot visit this France without being drawn to its cuisine!
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| Country Facts |
Europe's largest country, France borders with the English Channel to the north, on the northeast it borders with Belgium and Luxembourg, the east by Germany, Switzerland and Italy, the Mediterranean to the south, Spain on the southwest and finally the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
France enjoys a temperate climate in the north, with the northeastern having a more continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Southern part of the country in the Mediterranean; mountains are cooler with heavy snow in winter. The Atlantic influences the weather in the western part of the country, where the weather is mild and summers can be very hot and sunny.
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