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

Money talks: Global climate summit reveals trillion-dollar needs for poor nations

Money talks: Global climate summit reveals trillion-dollar needs for poor nations

November 14 2024 , 11:51 AM  •  803 views
French far-right figure faces potential ban from next presidential race

French far-right figure faces potential ban from next presidential race

November 14 2024 , 11:38 AM  •  265 views
Trump's Ukraine stance forces Europe to rethink its defense strategy

Trump's Ukraine stance forces Europe to rethink its defense strategy

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Greek mussel farms face unexpected disaster as Mediterranean heats up

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Last-minute peace talks: Blinken reaches out to Middle East allies

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French authorities raise bird flu alert as cases spread across Europe

November 8 2024 , 03:35 PM  •  663 views
PSG faces questions after huge banner appears at Champions League match

PSG faces questions after huge banner appears at Champions League match

November 8 2024 , 02:05 AM  •  1482 views
French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

November 7 2024 , 05:16 PM  •  1991 views
French court blocks massive $15B claim against Malaysia in century-old land dispute

French court blocks massive $15B claim against Malaysia in century-old land dispute

November 7 2024 , 06:33 AM  •  2095 views
Former president plans to shake global markets with extreme trade rules

Former president plans to shake global markets with extreme trade rules

November 6 2024 , 07:40 PM  •  790 views
European leaders scramble to prepare for Trump's comeback to White House

European leaders scramble to prepare for Trump's comeback to White House

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New power shift: Global leaders react to unexpected US election outcome

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US election results: Why media's role makes American voting system so different

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Netanyahu makes surprise defense minister change amid Gaza conflict developments

Netanyahu makes surprise defense minister change amid Gaza conflict developments

November 5 2024 , 08:00 PM  •  542 views
G7 nations alert: North Korea's troops might join Russia's military actions

G7 nations alert: North Korea's troops might join Russia's military actions

November 5 2024 , 05:55 PM  •  700 views
French teacher murder: 8 suspects head to court in high-profile Paris case

French teacher murder: 8 suspects head to court in high-profile Paris case

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Ancient bog body meets modern politics in new dark comedy film

Ancient bog body meets modern politics in new dark comedy film

November 1 2024 , 06:54 PM  •  475 views
Chinese court sends well-known rights lawyer and spouse to prison, US responds

Chinese court sends well-known rights lawyer and spouse to prison, US responds

November 1 2024 , 09:42 AM  •  4226 views
North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

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Latest bird flu wave hits European farms harder than last year

Latest bird flu wave hits European farms harder than last year

October 31 2024 , 04:08 PM  •  824 views
French politician threatens government collapse over budget dispute

French politician threatens government collapse over budget dispute

Political stand-off intensifies in France as **Marine Le Pen** challenges government over 2025 budget plans. Legal troubles and cost-of-living issues create complex situation for coalition stability

Economics, Politics •   •  710 views
Macron seeks China's help to control nuclear risks after Putin's new doctrine

Macron seeks China's help to control nuclear risks after Putin's new doctrine

At G20 summit in Rio Macron asked Xi Jinping to influence Putin after Russia changed its nuclear-strike rules. French leader also plans tech-summit while managing trade talks with Beijing

Business, Politics • November 20 2024 , 05:31 AM  •  928 views
Baltic Sea mystery: Data cables go dark as experts debate Russian involvement

Baltic Sea mystery: Data cables go dark as experts debate Russian involvement

Two major undersea data cables in Baltic Sea stopped working this week causing concerns about possible sabotage. German and Finnish experts try to figure out if its an accident or part of wider geo-political game

Society, Politics • November 19 2024 , 10:42 PM  •  910 views
Early morning mishap hits French Alps cable car with construction crew aboard

Early morning mishap hits French Alps cable car with construction crew aboard

Construction workers got into trouble when their cable car crashed at Val Thorens ski station this morning. Six people needed medical help after the incident at one of Frances highest ski spots

Society, Sports • November 19 2024 , 11:53 AM  •  3265 views
North Korean soldiers join Russia's fight while US considers new weapon rules

North Korean soldiers join Russia's fight while US considers new weapon rules

US officials point to North-Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine as a major shift in the conflict. Meanwhile Bidenʼs team looks at new rules for Ukraineʼs use of American-made weapons

Politics • November 19 2024 , 07:02 AM  •  1957 views
US gives green light to Ukraine's deep-strike capability: What happens next?

US gives green light to Ukraine's deep-strike capability: What happens next?

Biden administration changes its stance on long-range weapons use against Russian targets. This shift comes as Ukraine holds position in Kursk region while facing increased pressure on multiple fronts

Society, Politics • November 18 2024 , 03:15 PM  •  1537 views
French minister hints at new military policy towards Russia-Ukraine situation

French minister hints at new military policy towards Russia-Ukraine situation

French government keeps open position about Ukraineʼs military strikes into Russian territory. US makes significant change in weapon-use policy letting Ukraine hit targets deep in Russia

Society, Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:19 PM  •  454 views
French farmers ready tractors for massive protest against South American imports

French farmers ready tractors for massive protest against South American imports

French farmers plan country-wide protests against EU-Mercosur trade talks and foreign competition. Local dairy-farmers and crop-growers join forces to show their anger about cheaper imports from South America

Economics, Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:15 PM  •  266 views
Macron hits back at Putin while French farmers prepare for major action

Macron hits back at Putin while French farmers prepare for major action

French leader criticizes recent Russian attacks on Ukraine while discussing support strategy. Meanwhile a trade-deal dispute with South America leads to nation-wide farmer protests in France

Economics, Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:12 PM  •  210 views
G7 nations unite: New measures against Russia revealed in latest summit

G7 nations unite: New measures against Russia revealed in latest summit

Leading democratic nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine through strict economic measures. G7 group announced additional steps while Italy prepares to take presidential role in upcoming meetings

Economics, Politics • November 16 2024 , 11:12 PM  •  2727 views
Money talks: Global climate summit reveals trillion-dollar needs for poor nations

Money talks: Global climate summit reveals trillion-dollar needs for poor nations

Climate-change funding needs huge boost as experts call for $1. 3 trillion yearly support to developing countries. Current negotiations at COP29 show growing gap between rich and poor nations demands

Economics, Politics • November 14 2024 , 11:51 AM  •  803 views
French far-right figure faces potential ban from next presidential race

French far-right figure faces potential ban from next presidential race

Legal case from last year threatens to block **Marine Le Pen** from running in future elections. Paris court heard demands for strict penalties over alleged EU funds mis-use in decade-old investigation

Politics • November 14 2024 , 11:38 AM  •  265 views
Trump's Ukraine stance forces Europe to rethink its defense strategy

Trump's Ukraine stance forces Europe to rethink its defense strategy

Europe faces new reality as Trump hints at cutting Ukraine support worth $60 billion. EU must decide how to fill massive funding gap while dealing with internal political challenges

Economics, Politics • November 13 2024 , 10:46 AM  •  2829 views
Greek mussel farms face unexpected disaster as Mediterranean heats up

Greek mussel farms face unexpected disaster as Mediterranean heats up

Greek mussel farmers discover devastating losses with 90% of their harvest destroyed by extreme water temps. Small family businesses struggle as scientists confirm climate-related damage extends to next seasons crop

Business, Economics, Science • November 9 2024 , 01:29 PM  •  3604 views
Last-minute peace talks: Blinken reaches out to Middle East allies

Last-minute peace talks: Blinken reaches out to Middle East allies

US Secretary of State makes urgent calls to Arab partners about Gaza and Lebanon situations. Final diplomatic push comes as Biden administration prepares for upcoming transition

Society, Politics • November 8 2024 , 08:46 PM  •  911 views
French authorities raise bird flu alert as cases spread across Europe

French authorities raise bird flu alert as cases spread across Europe

France moves its bird flu risk status to high following new cases in neighboring regions. The decision leads to stricter farm protection rules and comes with a new vaccination program for ducks

Politics, Science • November 8 2024 , 03:35 PM  •  663 views
PSG faces questions after huge banner appears at Champions League match

PSG faces questions after huge banner appears at Champions League match

French govt officials demand answers from PSG after supporters show large-scale banner during UEFA game. Club states it didnt know about fans plans while UEFA wont take any action

Sports, Politics • November 8 2024 , 02:05 AM  •  1482 views
French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

French officials warn North Korea over secret military help to Russia

French diplomats took action against North Koreaʼs support of Russian military operations. Paris warned about firm counter-measures in response to North Korean troops deployment

Politics • November 7 2024 , 05:16 PM  •  1991 views
French court blocks massive $15B claim against Malaysia in century-old land dispute

French court blocks massive $15B claim against Malaysia in century-old land dispute

French supreme court ends decade-long legal battle over historic Malaysian territory deal from 1800s. Court rejected Filipino heirs $15B claim related to old sultanate lands spanning Malaysia and Philippines

Economics, Politics • November 7 2024 , 06:33 AM  •  2095 views
Former president plans to shake global markets with extreme trade rules

Former president plans to shake global markets with extreme trade rules

Ex-president aims to bring back massive import fees that could change how Americans shop. His bold plan includes fees up to 200% on foreign goods‚ which might start trade conflicts worldwide

Economics, Politics • November 6 2024 , 07:40 PM  •  790 views
European leaders scramble to prepare for Trump's comeback to White House

European leaders scramble to prepare for Trump's comeback to White House

French and German heads meet to discuss EUʼs response to Trumpʼs election win. Both leaders push for stronger European unity while facing trade worries and security concerns

Economics, Politics • November 6 2024 , 04:55 PM  •  632 views
New power shift: Global leaders react to unexpected US election outcome

New power shift: Global leaders react to unexpected US election outcome

Major world powers respond to Trumpʼs return to White House after defeating Harris in presidential race. European allies maintain diplomatic stance while Russia and Ukraine show contrasting reactions

Politics • November 6 2024 , 12:24 PM  •  589 views
US election results: Why media's role makes American voting system so different

US election results: Why media's role makes American voting system so different

American media outlets play a unique role in declaring election winners‚ unlike other democratic nations where official bodies handle this task. This system emerged from the countrys vast size and complex voting structure

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 11:34 PM  •  518 views
Netanyahu makes surprise defense minister change amid Gaza conflict developments

Netanyahu makes surprise defense minister change amid Gaza conflict developments

Israeli PM replaced key cabinet member due to trust issues‚ as military actions continue in Gaza region. Over 100 patients await evacuation while French diplomatic efforts aim to ease regional situation

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 08:00 PM  •  542 views
G7 nations alert: North Korea's troops might join Russia's military actions

G7 nations alert: North Korea's troops might join Russia's military actions

Ten leading world nations dont like North Korea sending its soldiers to help Russia. G7 members and their allies plan to work together against this new military partnership

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 05:55 PM  •  700 views
French teacher murder: 8 suspects head to court in high-profile Paris case

French teacher murder: 8 suspects head to court in high-profile Paris case

A terrorism trial begins in Paris for eight people linked to a teachers death near the capital about 4 years ago. The case changed how French schools approach freedom-of-speech topics

Society, Politics • November 4 2024 , 05:27 AM  •  2170 views
Ancient bog body meets modern politics in new dark comedy film

Ancient bog body meets modern politics in new dark comedy film

A new dark-comedy uses preserved ancient corpses to mock todays world leaders. The film combines historical artifacts with political satire showing how past and present leadership failures connect

Politics, Culture • November 1 2024 , 06:54 PM  •  475 views
Chinese court sends well-known rights lawyer and spouse to prison, US responds

Chinese court sends well-known rights lawyer and spouse to prison, US responds

A Chinese court handed prison terms to rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan for state subversion charges. Multiple western countries called for their immediate release after closed-door trial

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 09:42 AM  •  4226 views
North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

US officials spot 10000 North-Korean troops near Ukraine border getting ready for combat. Pentagon confirms soldiers training in drones and artillery while NK tests new missile

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  1588 views
Latest bird flu wave hits European farms harder than last year

Latest bird flu wave hits European farms harder than last year

Bird-flu outbreaks in EU farms jumped to 62 cases since August‚ compared to just 7 last year. Eastern European countries face the biggest impact with Hungary and Poland reporting major livestock losses

Business, Science • October 31 2024 , 04:08 PM  •  824 views
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