France (metropolitan)
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| France (metropolitan) | |
|---|---|
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| Conventional long name | French Republic (metropolitan) |
| Common name | France (metropolitan) |
| Capital | Paris |
| Largest city | Paris |
| Official languages | French |
| Area km2 | 551695 |
| Population estimate | 65,000,000 |
| Government | Unitary semi-presidential republic |
| Leader title1 | President |
| Leader title2 | Prime Minister |
France (metropolitan) is the European part of the French Republic, comprising mainland territory in Western Europe and the island of Corsica. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and the Principality of Andorra, and faces the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Metropolitan France is the core of institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations Security Council, and hosts major cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and Nice.
Geography
Metropolitan France spans regions from the Alps—home to Mont Blanc and the Mer de Glace—to the Massif Central, the Pyrenees bordering Spain, and the Méditerranée coastlines including the Côte d'Azur and the Provence. River systems include the Seine, Loire, Garonne, and Rhone, which flow through urban centers like Rouen, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Lyon. The climate varies from oceanic in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire to Mediterranean in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and continental in Grand Est and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Metropolitan France's biogeography supports protected areas such as Vanoise National Park, Écrins National Park, and Calanques National Park.
History
The territory saw settlement by Gauls and incorporation into the Roman Empire as Gallia; later kingdoms included the Frankish Kingdom under Clovis I and the Carolingian Empire of Charlemagne. Feudal consolidation produced dynasties such as the Capetians, Valois, and Bourbons; key medieval events include the Hundred Years' War and the Battle of Agincourt. Early modern history features the French Wars of Religion, the reign of Louis XIV at Versailles, and colonial expansion via entities like the Compagnie des Indes Orientales. Revolutionary upheaval occurred during the French Revolution, culminating in the Napoleonic Wars under Napoleon Bonaparte. The 19th century saw the July Monarchy, the Second Empire, and the Third Republic, with conflicts including the Franco-Prussian War and participation in World War I and World War II, including events like the Battle of France and the Normandy landings. Postwar reconstruction led to the Fourth Republic and the establishment of the Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle, decolonisation involving Algeria and other territories, and integration into the European Coal and Steel Community and later the European Union.
Government and Politics
Metropolitan France operates under the institutions of the Fifth Republic with a dual executive: the President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of France. National legislature is bicameral, comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. Major political parties include Les Républicains, the Socialist Party, La République En Marche!, National Rally, and La France Insoumise. Notable political events include constitutional reforms, referenda such as the 1992 Maastricht Treaty referendum and the 2005 French European Constitution referendum, and domestic movements like the May 1968 events in France and the Yellow vests movement. France participates in defence and security organizations including NATO and maintains strategic forces such as the French nuclear force.
Economy
Metropolitan France is a leading economy in the European Union with major sectors centered in regions such as Île-de-France for finance and services, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes for industry, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine for aerospace. Key companies include Airbus, LVMH, TotalEnergies, BNP Paribas, Renault, Peugeot, and Sanofi. Major infrastructure projects and institutions include the Eurostar, the TGV, the Réseau Ferré de France networks, and financial centers like La Défense. France is a top tourist destination featuring landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, and regions such as Champagne (wine region), Bordeaux wine region, and Provence. Trade partners include Germany, United States, China, Italy, and Belgium.
Demographics
Metropolitan France's population concentrates in metropolitan areas such as Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Hauts-de-France with major cities like Lille and Strasbourg. The demographic profile reflects migration from countries including Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Italy, and Spain and internal movement from rural areas like Brittany and Normandy to urban centres. Religious and cultural heritage includes institutions such as Notre-Dame de Paris, the Cathedral of Reims, and secular frameworks established by the 1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State. Notable demographic trends involve ageing population patterns similar to Germany and birthrate policies linked to family support measures like those administered by Caisse d'Allocations Familiales.
Culture and Society
Metropolitan France is central to movements in art, literature, and philosophy with figures such as Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Edouard Manet, and Henri Matisse. The nation hosts institutions like the Académie française, the Comédie-Française, the Opéra National de Paris, and festivals including the Cannes Film Festival and the Festival d'Avignon. Culinary traditions celebrated globally include Haute cuisine, Bordeaux wine region, Champagne (wine region), Camembert, Baguette, and restaurants awarded Michelin Guide. Intellectual contributions trace through the Enlightenment with figures like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Diderot and scientific achievements by Louis Pasteur and Marie Curie.
Infrastructure and Transport
Metropolitan France's transport networks include high-speed rail TGV lines connecting hubs such as Paris Gare du Nord, Lyon Part-Dieu, and Marseille-Saint-Charles, international rail links like Eurostar to London and the LGV Méditerranée, and major airports such as Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. Road arteries include the A10 autoroute and A6 autoroute, while ports like Port of Le Havre, Marseille Provence Port, and Port of Calais support trade and ferry links to Dover. Energy and utilities involve facilities such as the EDF nuclear power plants and renewable projects in regions like Brittany and Occitanie. Telecommunications infrastructure includes providers like Orange S.A. and regulatory frameworks involving institutions such as the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel.
Category:Countries in Europe