Country Profile: France
France, a leading nation in Europe, boasts a diverse geography that encompasses both metropolitan and overseas regions. It has a population of approximately 68 million people, reflecting a mix of ethnicities and cultures. The country displays a high-income economy characterized by robust sectors in tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, while maintaining a semi-presidential republic governance structure. France plays a significant role in global politics, being a permanent member of several international organizations.
Geography
France is located in Western Europe, bordered by the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its metropolitan area is characterized by flat plains in the north and mountainous terrain in the south and east, with significant geographical features like the Alps and the Pyrenees. The country has numerous overseas regions, including French Guiana in South America and several Caribbean islands.
- Total area: 643,801 sq km (includes overseas regions)
- Land area: 640,427 sq km
- Highest point: Mont Blanc at 4,810 meters
- Climate: Generally cool winters and mild summers in metropolitan France
- Coastline: 4,853 km (including metropolitan France)
People and Society
The population of France is estimated at 68,374,591 in 2024, with a diverse ethnic makeup primarily comprising Celtic, Latin, and various minority groups. French is the official language, and the country practices a strong secular tradition, impacting its religious demographics. The population is predominantly urban, with a significant concentration in cities such as Paris.
- Urban population: 81.8% of total population (2023)
- Life expectancy: 82.6 years (2024)
- Birth rate: 10.9 births/1,000 population (2024)
- Median age: 42.6 years (2024)
- Ethnic groups include North African, Basque, and others.
Economy
France has a high-income and advanced economy with significant contributions from tourism, manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical sector. It is part of the eurozone and is transitioning towards a more sustainable economy. The nation's public debt remains a concern amid ongoing pension reforms, but it is supported by a diverse range of industries.
- GDP (PPP): $3.732 trillion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $54,500 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 7.4% (2024 est.)
- Industrial production growth rate: 0.7% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 98.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Government
France operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a legal system based on civil law. The President serves as the chief of state, while the Prime Minister acts as the head of government. The French Parliament consists of a bicameral legislature, with a National Assembly and Senate. Notably, France maintains a strong tradition of secularism.
- Capital: Paris
- Chief of state: President Emmanuel Macron (since 2017)
- Voting age: 18 years
- Administrative divisions: 18 regions
Military and Security
The French Armed Forces comprise various branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. France dedicates a significant portion of its GDP to military expenditure and maintains a robust global presence through various deployments.
- Active military personnel: Approximately 205,000
- Military expenditures: 2.1% of GDP (2025 est.)
- Nuclear reactors: 57 operational (2025)
- Foreign military missions: Up to 30,000 personnel deployed
Energy
France is a leader in nuclear energy, relying heavily on it for its electricity generation. The country has transitioned towards renewable sources, while maintaining substantial fossil fuel production.
- Nuclear power share: 63.9% of total installed capacity (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 415.542 billion kWh (2023)
- Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
- Natural gas consumption: 33.238 billion cubic meters (2023)
Environment
France faces environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, primarily from industrial and urban waste. It is committed to various international agreements aimed at environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
- Total emissions of CO2: 303.779 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Urban population: 81.8% (2023)
- Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 31.6% (2022 est.)
- Total renewable water resources: 211 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Transportation
France boasts a well-developed transportation network, with extensive railways, highways, and airports supporting both domestic and international travel.
- Total railways: 27,860 km (2020)
- Airports: 1,218 (2025)
- Merchant marine vessels: 553 (2023)
- Total ports: 66 (2024)
Communications
The communications sector in France features widespread access to telephony and the internet, with significant investment in broadcast media and telecommunications.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 77.4 million (2023)
- Internet users: 87% of the population (2023)
- Fixed broadband subscriptions: 32.3 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,374,591 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 643,801 sq km | Includes overseas regions |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.732 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 2024 estimated |
| Electricity access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 82.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 10.9 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Median age | 42.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military expenditures | 2.1% of GDP | 2025 estimate |
| Total emissions CO2 | 303.779 million metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
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