France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. It also includes overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, giving it one of the largest discontiguous exclusive economic zones in the world. Metropolitan France shares borders with Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany to the north east, Switzerland to the east, Italy and Monaco to the south east, Andorra and Spain to the south, and a maritime border with the United Kingdom to the north west. Its metropolitan area extends from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea. Its overseas territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the North Atlantic, the French West Indies, and many islands in Oceania and the Indian Ocean. Its eighteen integral regions span a combined area of 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi) and have a total population of 68.4 million as of January 2024. France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris, the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre; other major urban areas include Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Nice.
france

Some of the key events about France

  • 1337
    The Hundred Years' War began, devastating France for over a century
  • 1789
    The French Revolution began, marking a pivotal moment in European history and the birth of modern France
  • 1789
    The French Revolution erupted, leading to years of violence and political upheaval
  • 1804
    The Napoleonic Code was established, providing a unified legal system that influenced many other countries
  • 1804
    The Napoleonic Wars commenced, resulting in millions of deaths across Europe
  • 1848
    Universal male suffrage was introduced in France, expanding democratic participation
  • 1870
    The Franco-Prussian War ended in French defeat and loss of Alsace-Lorraine
  • 1885
    The Eiffel Tower was completed, becoming an iconic symbol of France and engineering achievement
  • 1895
    The first public film screening took place in Paris, marking the birth of cinema
  • 1900
    Paris hosted the Summer Olympics, the first time the games were held outside of Greece
  • 1914
    World War I began, causing massive destruction and loss of life in France
  • 1940
    Nazi Germany invaded and occupied France during World War II
  • 1944
    Paris was liberated from Nazi occupation during World War II
  • 1954
    France suffered a major military defeat at Dien Bien Phu, ending its colonial rule in Indochina
  • 1958
    The Fifth Republic was established, creating a new constitution and governmental system
  • 1961
    The Algerian War escalated, leading to increased violence and eventual French withdrawal
  • 1981
    The TGV high-speed rail network began operations, revolutionizing transportation in France
  • 1995
    A series of terrorist attacks struck Paris, killing eight and injuring over 200
  • 1998
    France won its first FIFA World Cup, hosting and winning the tournament on home soil
  • 2015
    Coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris killed 130 people and injured hundreds more

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

France Latest news

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Secret UK-France military plans for Ukraine leaked - what's really going on?

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Letters reveal deep concerns about healthcare, business taxes and cultural changes

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French workers must give up one workday to state - will others follow?

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Public voices: From Middle East tensions to British industry changes

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French mayors demand end to UK border checks as Channel crossings rise

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Breaking: Global arrest warrants shake Israeli leadership's travel plans

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UK fraud office starts probe into major defense contractor Thales

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71-year old man faces justice with 49 others in shocking French assault case

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First-time PM's world tour backfires as UK faces winter troubles

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Swedish mega-factory troubles show cracks in Europe's tech independence dreams

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Russia's nuclear fuel ban makes US energy markets nervous

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British farmers ready for biggest-ever protest as Clarkson joins despite injury

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UK energy chief's green promises dont match reality - heres why it matters

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German economic policy shift: Why debt limits might change after 15 years

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UK growth hits bottom: Fresh look at economic ties raises eyebrows

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Georgia erupts: Fireworks vs riot police as EU dreams fade away

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Special bond at risk: How UK might handle US-EU relationship challenge

Special bond at risk: How UK might handle US-EU relationship challenge

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MI6 chief exposes secret Russian attacks across Europe while speaking in Paris

MI6 chief exposes secret Russian attacks across Europe while speaking in Paris

British intelligence reveals multiple sabotage incidents across Europe linked to Moscowʼs actions. Recent events including damaged infrastructure and suspicious accidents point to a wider pattern of hostile activities

Politics • November 30 2024 , 07:03 AM  •  1458 views
Unexpected shift: Top leader proposes new path to end major European conflict

Unexpected shift: Top leader proposes new path to end major European conflict

Ukrainian leader suggests temporary territorial arrangement with specific protection conditions. This marks first-ever consideration of such compromise since conflicts start about 2 years ago

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 08:42 PM  •  697 views
French minister pushes back on UK Channel border deal with new demands

French minister pushes back on UK Channel border deal with new demands

Frances top security official wants major changes in UK-France border control setup. New deal should include legal ways for migrants to reach Britain while keeping strict control over illegal crossings

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 08:32 PM  •  689 views
UK sends crime-fighters to Iraq: New plan targets Channel crossing networks

UK sends crime-fighters to Iraq: New plan targets Channel crossing networks

British officers heading to Iraq under fresh security deal to fight people-smuggling groups. Agreement includes joint operations deportation plans and tech-support for border control systems

Politics • November 28 2024 , 07:53 PM  •  529 views
UK might arrest Israeli leader: Top diplomat reveals legal duty that shocked allies

UK might arrest Israeli leader: Top diplomat reveals legal duty that shocked allies

British foreign minister explains mandatory legal steps if Israeli PM visits UK‚ differing from other western nations stance. France and US reject similar actions‚ leaving Britain in unique position

Society, Politics • November 27 2024 , 07:19 PM  •  505 views
French financial troubles put Euro stability to an unexpected test

French financial troubles put Euro stability to an unexpected test

Frances bond-market position weakens as government faces budget crisis and political deadlock. Markets signal growing doubt about the countrys status as a core EU economy member

Economics, Politics • November 27 2024 , 10:01 AM  •  432 views
Public voices concerns over job market, healthcare and inheritance rules

Public voices concerns over job market, healthcare and inheritance rules

Recent letters highlight growing worries about complex hiring processes and their effect on employment. Writers also share thoughts about inheritance tax changes business ownership and healthcare system problems

Society, Business • November 27 2024 , 12:07 AM  •  518 views
French satellite firm with UK backing questioned over Russian TV broadcasts

French satellite firm with UK backing questioned over Russian TV broadcasts

A satellite company part-owned by British taxpayers faces questions about Russian channels on its network. French activists found dozens of Russian broadcasts still running despite European restrictions

Business, Politics • November 25 2024 , 09:12 PM  •  441 views
Secret UK-France military plans for Ukraine leaked - what's really going on?

Secret UK-France military plans for Ukraine leaked - what's really going on?

British-French talks about military presence in Ukraine got exposed by French media despite Kremlins denial. Recent developments show growing involvement of Western private defense companies in the conflict

Politics • November 25 2024 , 07:19 PM  •  641 views
Netanyahu's anger at France puts Lebanon peace deal at risk

Netanyahu's anger at France puts Lebanon peace deal at risk

Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon face new obstacles due to disagreements over French involvement. The year-long border conflict might end soon‚ but key implementation issues remain unresolved

Society, Politics • November 25 2024 , 12:47 PM  •  748 views
Letters reveal deep concerns about healthcare, business taxes and cultural changes

Letters reveal deep concerns about healthcare, business taxes and cultural changes

Readers share personal stories about end-of-life care and discuss recent business tax changes. Letters also touch on cultural debates including Christmas celebrations and defense spending priorities

Society, Business, Culture • November 25 2024 , 07:44 AM  •  164 views
Secret profit numbers leak ahead of historic newspaper's controversial sale

Secret profit numbers leak ahead of historic newspaper's controversial sale

Internal documents show The Observer making millions in profit‚ contradicting reasons for its planned sale. The 233-year-old newspaper faces uncertain future as key vote approaches

Business, Politics • November 24 2024 , 10:36 PM  •  590 views
Top EU officials sound alarm over Trump's comeback and economic threats

Top EU officials sound alarm over Trump's comeback and economic threats

European leaders warn about major changes needed in EU policy after Trumpʼs win. Central bankers and ECB chief point at growing economic gap between EU and US‚ while calling for quick reforms

Economics, Politics • November 23 2024 , 12:08 PM  •  523 views
French workers must give up one workday to state - will others follow?

French workers must give up one workday to state - will others follow?

French senate approved a law making citizens work one day for free‚ with earnings going straight to government. This move might show where other European countries are heading with their growing state expenses

Economics, Politics • November 23 2024 , 08:17 AM  •  1689 views
Public voices: From Middle East tensions to British industry changes

Public voices: From Middle East tensions to British industry changes

Readers share their thoughts on current events from international conflicts to domestic policy changes. Letters touch on heated debates about foreign policy business concerns and cultural shifts

Society, Politics • November 23 2024 , 08:00 AM  •  1698 views
French mayors demand end to UK border checks as Channel crossings rise

French mayors demand end to UK border checks as Channel crossings rise

Northern France local leaders want to cancel a long-standing border deal with Britain due to rising migrant numbers. UK-France agreement faces new pressure as Channel crossings reach record-high numbers

Society, Politics • November 22 2024 , 03:42 PM  •  755 views
Meet the people who found unusual ways to avoid full retirement

Meet the people who found unusual ways to avoid full retirement

Age-related job market limits pushed these professionals to re-think their careers. From corporate offices to donkey sanctuaries and wedding ceremonies‚ they found unique paths to stay active

Society, Business • November 22 2024 , 02:06 PM  •  608 views
Breaking: Global arrest warrants shake Israeli leadership's travel plans

Breaking: Global arrest warrants shake Israeli leadership's travel plans

ICC issues arrest orders for top Israeli officials over Gaza-related charges. European nations and other global powers declare their stance on implementing the courts decision

Society, Politics • November 22 2024 , 06:07 AM  •  281 views
UK fraud office starts probe into major defense contractor Thales

UK fraud office starts probe into major defense contractor Thales

British investigators launched a fraud probe into defense giant Thales‚ following multi-country searches of its offices. The company which supplies key military tech to UK and Ukraine is facing serious bribery claims

Business, Politics • November 22 2024 , 04:33 AM  •  250 views
71-year old man faces justice with 49 others in shocking French assault case

71-year old man faces justice with 49 others in shocking French assault case

French court examines case of man who drugged his wife and invited dozens to assault her over 10 years. Trial reveals disturbing family drama with daughterʼs additional accusations

Society, Culture • November 21 2024 , 06:51 AM  •  107 views
First-time PM's world tour backfires as UK faces winter troubles

First-time PM's world tour backfires as UK faces winter troubles

A newly-elected British PM chose global summits over local issues while UK faces economic slowdown. His fifteen international trips since summer have left domestic problems unaddressed

Economics, Politics • November 20 2024 , 11:37 AM  •  333 views
ECB chief warns about European welfare costs as UK plans bigger state spending

ECB chief warns about European welfare costs as UK plans bigger state spending

European social spending faces big problems due to slow tech growth and aging population. ECBʼs Lagarde points to US success while UK Labour party looks to copy EU high-spending model

Business, Economics, Politics • November 20 2024 , 08:41 AM  •  449 views
Swedish mega-factory troubles show cracks in Europe's tech independence dreams

Swedish mega-factory troubles show cracks in Europe's tech independence dreams

Europeʼs biggest battery venture faces major money problems while Asian makers dominate the market. Technical challenges and rising competition from China put EUʼs tech independence plans at risk

Business, Economics, Science • November 19 2024 , 05:54 PM  •  650 views
Russia's nuclear fuel ban makes US energy markets nervous

Russia's nuclear fuel ban makes US energy markets nervous

Russia just blocked uranium exports to US nuclear plants which use quarter of Russian supplies for power generation. Western countries try to find quick solution while markets show first signs of instability

Economics, Politics • November 19 2024 , 11:14 AM  •  423 views
British farmers ready for biggest-ever protest as Clarkson joins despite injury

British farmers ready for biggest-ever protest as Clarkson joins despite injury

Over 20k farmers plan to gather near Parliament to oppose new inheritance tax rules Next month‚ while dealing with back pain **Jeremy Clarkson** wants to support the protest despite his injury.

Economics, Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:12 PM  •  601 views
UK energy chief's green promises dont match reality - heres why it matters

UK energy chief's green promises dont match reality - heres why it matters

British energy policy faces tough questions as costs rise and security concerns grow. New environmental targets might cost more than expected while Chinese companies get involved in key infrastructure projects

Economics, Politics, Science • November 17 2024 , 10:53 PM  •  914 views
German economic policy shift: Why debt limits might change after 15 years

German economic policy shift: Why debt limits might change after 15 years

German politician **Friedrich Merz** suggests changing long-standing debt rules as economy stays flat. His statement comes before snap election and possible Trump presidency‚ signaling major policy shift

Economics, Politics • November 16 2024 , 08:53 AM  •  175 views
UK growth hits bottom: Fresh look at economic ties raises eyebrows

UK growth hits bottom: Fresh look at economic ties raises eyebrows

Latest economic data shows UK struggling with second-worst G7 growth rates while per-capita numbers drop. Bank of England chief and Labour leaders suggest controversial solution that might not fix the problem

Economics, Politics • November 16 2024 , 06:06 AM  •  402 views
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