Country Profile: France
France is a prominent nation in Western Europe, renowned for its rich history, cultural influence, and significant global impact. It boasts a diverse geography, featuring flat plains, rolling hills, and mountainous regions, while its population is approximately 68 million, predominantly urban. The economy is classified as a high-income, advanced economy, highlighted by strong sectors in tourism, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, with ongoing efforts to transition towards a sustainable, green economy. Governed as a semi-presidential republic, France holds a vital role in international relations and various multilateral organizations.
Geography
France's location spans both metropolitan and overseas regions, including territories in North America, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Metropolitan France is characterized by a diverse landscape, including mountain ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees, along with vast plains.
- Total area: 643,801 sq km
- Metropolitan area: 551,500 sq km
- Coastline: 4,853 km
- Natural resources: Coal, iron ore, bauxite, and uranium
- Climate: Ranges from mild winters and cool summers in metropolitan areas to tropical conditions in overseas territories.
People and Society
France's population stands at around 68.4 million as of 2024, with a mix of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, primarily of Celtic and Latin descent. French is the official language, while a variety of regional dialects exist. The country maintains a secular framework guiding its diverse religious practices.
- Urban population: 81.8% (2023)
- Median age: 42.6 years (2024)
- Life expectancy: 82.6 years (2024)
- Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2024)
- Population growth rate: 0.2% (2024)
Economy
France's economy is characterized as a high-income, advanced economy, with a strong focus on sectors like tourism, aircraft manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Despite facing challenges such as high public debt, the nation is committed to fostering sustainable growth through initiatives like the "France 2030" strategy.
- GDP (PPP): $3.732 trillion (2024)
- GDP per capita: $54,500 (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 7.4% (2024)
- Public debt: 98.5% of GDP (2023)
- Agricultural contribution: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
Government
France operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a rich history of governance evolving through various constitutions since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. The country is divided into multiple administrative regions and has a robust political framework with universal suffrage for citizens over 18.
- Chief of State: President Emmanuel MACRON (since May 2017)
- Capital: Paris
- Legislature: Bicameral Parliament, comprising the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Voting age: 18 years
- Next presidential election: Scheduled for April 2027.
Military and Security
The French Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, Air and Space Force, and National Guard, amounting to approximately 205,000 active personnel. France has a sophisticated defense industry and maintains a global military presence, participating in NATO, EU missions, and various international peacekeeping operations.
- Military expenditure: 2.1% of GDP (2024)
- Active-duty personnel: 205,000 (2024)
- Military deployments: Up to 30,000 forces internationally
- Nuclear reactors: 57 operational by 2025
Energy
France has made significant advancements in its energy sector, primarily relying on nuclear energy for electricity. With nearly universal electrification and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, France's energy production is largely derived from renewable sources and nuclear power.
- Electricity generation capacity: 151.463 million kW (2023)
- Nuclear energy share: 64.8% of total electricity (2023)
- Total energy consumption per capita: 123.526 million Btu (2023)
- Installed renewable energy capacity: 27.7% from wind and solar (2023)
Environment
France confronts various environmental issues, including air and water pollution, largely stemming from industrial activity and agricultural practices. The nation participates in numerous international agreements aimed at addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity.
- Forest cover: 31.8% (2022)
- Air pollutants: 10.46 micrograms of particulate matter/m3 (2019)
- Recycling rate: 22.3% of municipal waste (2015)
- Total renewable water resources: 211 billion cubic meters (2020)
Transportation
France boasts an extensive transportation network, including high-speed rail systems and numerous airports. The country is well-connected, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
- Total airports: 1,218 (2025)
- Total railway length: 27,860 km (2020)
- Merchant marine vessels: 553 (2023)
- Airports in overseas territories: 29
Communications
France has a comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure, with high levels of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions. The media landscape includes public and private broadcasters catering to both domestic and international audiences.
- Internet users: 87% of the population (2023)
- Total mobile subscriptions: 77.4 million (2023)
- Fixed telephone lines: 37.22 million (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 32.3 million (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,374,591 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 643,801 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $3.732 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 123.526 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 10.9 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 82.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Public debt | 98.5% of GDP | 2023 estimate |
| Urban population | 81.8% of total population | 2023 |
| Total fertility rate | 1.9 children born/woman | 2024 estimate |
Explore more about this country: