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

Russia Plans Major Fuel Pipeline Project in Republic of Congo

Russia Plans Major Fuel Pipeline Project in Republic of Congo

  •  434 views
Gunfire Erupts in Mali's Capital Bamako, Disrupting Morning Routine

Gunfire Erupts in Mali's Capital Bamako, Disrupting Morning Routine

  •  505 views
China Raises Retirement Age, Balancing Fiscal Needs and Social Impact

China Raises Retirement Age, Balancing Fiscal Needs and Social Impact

  •  347 views
Renowned Alabama Artist Fred Nall Hollis Dies at 76

Renowned Alabama Artist Fred Nall Hollis Dies at 76

September 16 2024, 10:39 PM  •  949 views
Armed Assailants Kill Two Police Officers in Northeastern Benin

Armed Assailants Kill Two Police Officers in Northeastern Benin

September 16 2024, 09:15 PM  •  5824 views
U.S. Military Completes Withdrawal from Niger Amid Regional Challenges

U.S. Military Completes Withdrawal from Niger Amid Regional Challenges

September 16 2024, 07:48 PM  •  431 views
Louisville Names Paul Humphrey as New Permanent Police Chief

Louisville Names Paul Humphrey as New Permanent Police Chief

September 16 2024, 07:29 PM  •  355 views
U.S. Completes Troop Withdrawal from Niger, Reshaping Sahel Security Landscape

U.S. Completes Troop Withdrawal from Niger, Reshaping Sahel Security Landscape

September 16 2024, 07:08 PM  •  500 views
Austria Reports Bluetongue Outbreaks, Including New Variant Spreading in Europe

Austria Reports Bluetongue Outbreaks, Including New Variant Spreading in Europe

September 16 2024, 02:38 PM  •  543 views
Fuel Tanker Explosion in Haiti Claims 26 Lives, Injures Dozens

Fuel Tanker Explosion in Haiti Claims 26 Lives, Injures Dozens

September 16 2024, 02:26 PM  •  596 views
French NGO Advisor's Trial in Moscow Postponed Amid Espionage Allegations

French NGO Advisor's Trial in Moscow Postponed Amid Espionage Allegations

September 16 2024, 02:22 PM  •  510 views
French EU Commissioner Resigns, Criticizing von der Leyen's Leadership

French EU Commissioner Resigns, Criticizing von der Leyen's Leadership

September 16 2024, 02:20 PM  •  280 views
Germany Tightens Borders: New Controls Spark EU Movement Debate

Germany Tightens Borders: New Controls Spark EU Movement Debate

September 16 2024, 12:12 PM  •  109 views
French EU Commissioner Resigns Amid Leadership Dispute

French EU Commissioner Resigns Amid Leadership Dispute

September 16 2024, 11:55 AM  •  84 views
EU's Future: Economic Stagnation and Global Pressures Threaten Bloc's Influence

EU's Future: Economic Stagnation and Global Pressures Threaten Bloc's Influence

September 16 2024, 11:52 AM  •  131 views
Vance Defends Unsubstantiated Claims About Haitian Immigrants in Ohio

Vance Defends Unsubstantiated Claims About Haitian Immigrants in Ohio

September 15 2024, 10:24 PM  •  1659 views
Tragedy Strikes English Channel: 8 Dead in Failed Crossing Attempt

Tragedy Strikes English Channel: 8 Dead in Failed Crossing Attempt

September 15 2024, 10:21 PM  •  857 views
G7 Condemns Iran-Russia Missile Deal, Demands Immediate Cessation

G7 Condemns Iran-Russia Missile Deal, Demands Immediate Cessation

September 14 2024, 06:30 PM  •  1497 views
Catalonian Wildfire Disrupts Major Transport Routes Near French Border

Catalonian Wildfire Disrupts Major Transport Routes Near French Border

September 14 2024, 05:22 PM  •  718 views
Algeria's Constitutional Court Confirms Tebboune's Landslide Victory

Algeria's Constitutional Court Confirms Tebboune's Landslide Victory

September 14 2024, 02:32 PM  •  9692 views
Global Tensions Rise: Hezbollah Incident, Meta's Ban, and Mali Attack

Global Tensions Rise: Hezbollah Incident, Meta's Ban, and Mali Attack

Explosive devices target Hezbollah, Meta bans Russian media, and Mali faces extremist attack. Meanwhile, global democracy declines and Germany hosts unique hobby horse championship.

Society, Politics •   •  412 views
Martinique Unrest: Police Injured in Cost-of-Living Protests

Martinique Unrest: Police Injured in Cost-of-Living Protests

Violent demonstrations in Martinique over high living costs resulted in injuries to six police officers. Authorities arrested two suspects and reported looting, calling for calm amidst ongoing unrest.

Society, Economics, Politics •   •  478 views
Russian Disinformation Targets VP Harris in Lead-up to 2024 Election

Russian Disinformation Targets VP Harris in Lead-up to 2024 Election

Microsoft report unveils Russian-linked troll farms spreading false stories about VP Kamala Harris. Kremlin-aligned actors adapt tactics, collaborating with cyber "hacktivists" to potentially undermine U.S. election confidence.

Society, Politics •   •  579 views
Haitian Immigrants: From Scapegoats to Unsung Heroes of Liberty

Haitian Immigrants: From Scapegoats to Unsung Heroes of Liberty

Explore the historical context of anti-Haitian sentiment in the US, from HIV-era discrimination to recent political rhetoric. Uncover Haiti's overlooked role in shaping freedom and democracy in the Americas.

Society, Politics •   •  751 views
Portugal Battles Deadly Wildfires: EU Allies Offer Support

Portugal Battles Deadly Wildfires: EU Allies Offer Support

Northern Portugal grapples with multiple wildfires, causing casualties and evacuations. EU countries provide aerial support as firefighters struggle against challenging conditions.

Society, Politics •   •  497 views
Macron's EU Influence Wanes as Commissioner Swap Favors von der Leyen

Macron's EU Influence Wanes as Commissioner Swap Favors von der Leyen

French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to replace EU Commissioner Thierry Breton with Stéphane Séjourné has been seen as a victory for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, potentially weakening France's influence in Brussels.

Business, Politics •   •  496 views
France's Pioneering Law Targets Tech Giants: Telegram's Durov in Legal Spotlight

France's Pioneering Law Targets Tech Giants: Telegram's Durov in Legal Spotlight

France's new LOPMI law allows prosecution of tech platform owners for illegal activities. Telegram's Pavel Durov faces investigation, highlighting global debate on platform responsibility and cybercrime prevention.

Society, Politics •   •  3865 views
Military Training Camp in Mali's Capital Targeted in Early Morning Attack

Military Training Camp in Mali's Capital Targeted in Early Morning Attack

A military training facility in Bamako, Mali's capital, was attacked early Tuesday. Details remain scarce as authorities investigate the incident amidst ongoing regional security challenges.

Politics •   •  1921 views
French Man Admits to Orchestrating Wife's Decade-Long Sexual Abuse

French Man Admits to Orchestrating Wife's Decade-Long Sexual Abuse

A 71-year-old Frenchman confessed to arranging his wife's rape by numerous men over ten years. The case, involving 50 other defendants, has sparked nationwide demonstrations supporting the victim.

Society, Culture •   •  1524 views
Shocking Trial Begins: Man Accused of Facilitating Wife's Rape for Years

Shocking Trial Begins: Man Accused of Facilitating Wife's Rape for Years

A 71-year-old man faces trial in France for allegedly drugging his wife and inviting dozens of men to rape her over a decade. The case has sparked national outrage and discussions on hidden abuse.

Society, Culture •   •  516 views
Russia Plans Major Fuel Pipeline Project in Republic of Congo

Russia Plans Major Fuel Pipeline Project in Republic of Congo

Russia agrees to construct a fuel pipeline in Congo, linking Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville. The project, with 90% Russian control, aims to strengthen Moscow's ties with Africa amid Western tensions.

Economics, Politics •   •  434 views
Gunfire Erupts in Mali's Capital Bamako, Disrupting Morning Routine

Gunfire Erupts in Mali's Capital Bamako, Disrupting Morning Routine

Reports of gunfire in multiple areas of Bamako, Mali's capital, have disrupted the early morning calm. Residents and a security source confirm shots heard near the airport and other neighborhoods.

Society, Politics •   •  505 views
China Raises Retirement Age, Balancing Fiscal Needs and Social Impact

China Raises Retirement Age, Balancing Fiscal Needs and Social Impact

China approves gradual increase in retirement age to address demographic challenges and pension fund sustainability. The reform aims to bolster workforce amid economic slowdown, with cautious implementation over 15 years.

Society, Economics •   •  347 views
Renowned Alabama Artist Fred Nall Hollis Dies at 76

Renowned Alabama Artist Fred Nall Hollis Dies at 76

Fred Nall Hollis, a celebrated Alabama visual artist known for his diverse and genre-bending work, has passed away at 76. His prolific career spanned multiple mediums and garnered international acclaim.

Society, Culture • September 16 2024, 10:39 PM  •  949 views
Armed Assailants Kill Two Police Officers in Northeastern Benin

Armed Assailants Kill Two Police Officers in Northeastern Benin

Two police officers were killed in an ambush near the Niger border in northeastern Benin. The attack highlights growing security concerns in the region bordering insurgency-affected countries.

Politics • September 16 2024, 09:15 PM  •  5824 views
U.S. Military Completes Withdrawal from Niger Amid Regional Challenges

U.S. Military Completes Withdrawal from Niger Amid Regional Challenges

The U. S. military has finalized its withdrawal from Niger, following orders from the country's ruling junta. This marks a significant shift in America's counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel region.

Politics • September 16 2024, 07:48 PM  •  431 views
Louisville Names Paul Humphrey as New Permanent Police Chief

Louisville Names Paul Humphrey as New Permanent Police Chief

Paul Humphrey, a veteran officer, has been appointed as Louisville's permanent police chief. The decision aims to bring stability to the department following recent leadership changes and challenges.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 07:29 PM  •  355 views
U.S. Completes Troop Withdrawal from Niger, Reshaping Sahel Security Landscape

U.S. Completes Troop Withdrawal from Niger, Reshaping Sahel Security Landscape

U. S. forces have fully withdrawn from Niger, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics. Only embassy guards remain as Niger turns to Russia for military support, impacting counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.

Politics • September 16 2024, 07:08 PM  •  500 views
Austria Reports Bluetongue Outbreaks, Including New Variant Spreading in Europe

Austria Reports Bluetongue Outbreaks, Including New Variant Spreading in Europe

Austria has detected two bluetongue disease outbreaks on cattle farms, including the rapidly spreading BTV3 variant. Sweden also confirmed BTV3 cases, prompting vaccination efforts across affected European nations.

Science • September 16 2024, 02:38 PM  •  543 views
Fuel Tanker Explosion in Haiti Claims 26 Lives, Injures Dozens

Fuel Tanker Explosion in Haiti Claims 26 Lives, Injures Dozens

A gasoline tanker truck explosion in southern Haiti has resulted in 26 fatalities and at least 40 injuries. The incident occurred in Miragoane, with severely injured victims being transferred to Port-au-Prince for treatment.

Society, Economics, Politics • September 16 2024, 02:26 PM  •  596 views
French NGO Advisor's Trial in Moscow Postponed Amid Espionage Allegations

French NGO Advisor's Trial in Moscow Postponed Amid Espionage Allegations

Laurent Vinatier, a French citizen, faces trial in Moscow for allegedly gathering sensitive military information. The case, highlighting tensions between Russia and the West, has been adjourned until mid-October.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 02:22 PM  •  510 views
French EU Commissioner Resigns, Criticizing von der Leyen's Leadership

French EU Commissioner Resigns, Criticizing von der Leyen's Leadership

Thierry Breton, French EU Commissioner, resigns over leadership concerns. The move impacts the formation of the new European Commission team, highlighting political tensions within the EU's executive branch.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 02:20 PM  •  280 views
Germany Tightens Borders: New Controls Spark EU Movement Debate

Germany Tightens Borders: New Controls Spark EU Movement Debate

Germany implements temporary border checks with western and northern neighbors to address irregular migration and crime. The move, affecting five countries, raises concerns about free movement within the EU.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 12:12 PM  •  109 views
French EU Commissioner Resigns Amid Leadership Dispute

French EU Commissioner Resigns Amid Leadership Dispute

Thierry Breton steps down from European Commission over alleged conflict with President von der Leyen. Resignation comes as new Commission lineup is being finalized.

Business, Politics • September 16 2024, 11:55 AM  •  84 views
EU's Future: Economic Stagnation and Global Pressures Threaten Bloc's Influence

EU's Future: Economic Stagnation and Global Pressures Threaten Bloc's Influence

The European Union faces economic stagnation and external pressures, potentially weakening its global influence. Despite proposed reforms, political and financial obstacles hinder implementation, leaving the bloc's future uncertain.

Economics, Politics • September 16 2024, 11:52 AM  •  131 views
Vance Defends Unsubstantiated Claims About Haitian Immigrants in Ohio

Vance Defends Unsubstantiated Claims About Haitian Immigrants in Ohio

Senator JD Vance maintains controversial statements about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, despite official rebuttals. The situation has led to threats against the local Haitian community and political debate.

Society, Politics • September 15 2024, 10:24 PM  •  1659 views
Tragedy Strikes English Channel: 8 Dead in Failed Crossing Attempt

Tragedy Strikes English Channel: 8 Dead in Failed Crossing Attempt

Eight migrants perished during a Channel crossing attempt near Ambleteuse, France. Rescue efforts saved 53 others, highlighting the ongoing crisis and dangers faced by those seeking refuge in the UK.

Society, Politics • September 15 2024, 10:21 PM  •  857 views
G7 Condemns Iran-Russia Missile Deal, Demands Immediate Cessation

G7 Condemns Iran-Russia Missile Deal, Demands Immediate Cessation

G7 foreign ministers strongly denounce Iran's export of ballistic missiles to Russia. They call for an immediate halt to weapon transfers, citing threats to Ukrainian and international security.

Politics • September 14 2024, 06:30 PM  •  1497 views
Catalonian Wildfire Disrupts Major Transport Routes Near French Border

Catalonian Wildfire Disrupts Major Transport Routes Near French Border

A forest fire in northern Catalonia has led to the closure of a key motorway and high-speed rail link. Emergency services have deployed multiple units to combat the blaze near Girona.

Society • September 14 2024, 05:22 PM  •  718 views
Algeria's Constitutional Court Confirms Tebboune's Landslide Victory

Algeria's Constitutional Court Confirms Tebboune's Landslide Victory

Algeria's constitutional court has certified President Tebboune's re-election after vote retabulation. The final results show Tebboune winning 84.3% of the vote, with increased shares for his opponents.

Economics, Politics • September 14 2024, 02:32 PM  •  9692 views