France
Geography
France is a country located in Western Europe with a total surface of 544 435 km2 extending 1000 km from north to south and from east to west (the largest distance from north to south: Bray-Dunes – Cerbère). It is the largest country in Europe (after Russia and Ukraine). France is surrounded by four maritime borders (from north to south): the North Sea, Manche, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The total length of its sides reaches 3427 km.
The Republic of France consists of 22 regions and divided into 96 departments plus 4 overseas departments and 2 overseas territory.
Climate
France is a country with 4 seasons and in general it has a tempered climate. The winter as well as the summer is quite mild.
Meanwhile in the Mediterranean, the climate is warmer with a very hot summer but a mild winter.
Population
The total population of France, including overseas areas, is 64.102.000 people (according to INSEE).
Population structure based on age on January 1st, 2005 (according to INSEE) is as follows:
- Below 20 years: 25.2% of the French population (including DOM TOM area)
- From 20 to 64 years: 58.6%
- Above 65 years: 16.2%
Density: 110 people /km² (France Metropolitan only)
Economy
France ranks as 4th country in the world in economy, after USA, Japan and German with a GDP of 2450 billion dollars (value of the 2004 current exchange). (However according to Eurostat, official European statistic body, its GDP position is only at 9th rank from 15 countries). France is in 1st rank for agricultural and food products, 2nd rank for services and 4th world exporter. France is the first world tourist destination with more than 80 million visitors annually.
The French economy is mainly focused on services and some people estimate that it is in the process of deindustrialization. French service sector involves 72% of its active population while the primary (agricultural and fishing industries) represents only 4% while the secondary sector (manufacturing) represents 24% of the population.
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