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ADVISE TRAVEL GUIDE

Things to See in UK Parks National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK The United

Getting to the U.K. The United Kingdom is physically linked to two other countries. The Channel Tunnel connects the

Italy Overview is a large country in Southern Europe. It is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Herita

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE - KEY FACTS

World Travel Guide Europe France Key Facts

Picture choosen by: MissKan Kongsom France Key Facts Location
Western Europe

Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area
545,630 sq km (339,054 sq miles) (not including overseas territories).

Population
61.8 million (2008 estimate).

Population Density
112 per sq km.

Capital
Paris. Population: 12.7 million (2.2 million in the city; 10.5 million in the suburbs) (2006).

Geography
France, the largest country in Europe,borders Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east and Spain to the south-west, across the Pyrenees mountain range (the small country of Andorra lies in between the two countries). The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbours, England (part of the United Kingdom).

EU
Member since 1958.

Government
Republic since 1792.

Head of State
Nicolas Sarkozy since May 2007.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Francois Fillon since May 2007.

Language
French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, but these are rapidly declining, with the exception of Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany. English becomes more common language for the new generation.

Religion
Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%; Jewish 1%; unaffiliated 9%.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.

Social Conventions
It is considered very rude to be loud in a crowded place, such as a subway car or restaurant. People won't be offended (although they may be surprised, especially in rural areas) if you wear clothing that is unusual in France, such as a sari, a Scottish kilt, or djelabas. Shaking hands and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are the usual forms of greeting. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and it may take time to get on first-name terms. At more formal dinners, it is the most important guest or host who gives the signal to start eating. Mealtimes are often a long, leisurely experience. Casual wear is common. Social functions, some clubs, casinos and exclusive restaurants warrant more formal attire. Evening wear is normally specified where required. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on most beaches but naturism is restricted to certain beaches - local tourist offices will advise where these are. A ban on smoking in workplaces (including airports, railway stations, shops and offices etc) came into force in February 2007, and bars and restaurants joined the list in January 2008. Other France Travel Guides Key Facts Money Getting There Night Life and Entertainment General Information Communication Public Holidays Shopping Getting Around Stay Safe and Healthy Climate Food and Drink Accommodation

RECENTLY SUBMITTED IN France

Getting to France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:52

France is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. European visa policy will be covered in the article about the EU. No visa is required for citizens of other EU member states, and those of some selected nations with whom the European Union or France have special treaties can enter... More

Shopping in France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:43

Shopping The special purchases for your trip in France will include lace, wines, crystal glass, cheeses, and coffee, etc. Arques, the home of Crystal D'Arques, is situated between St Omer and Calais. Lille, the main town of French Flanders, is known for its textiles, particularly fine lace... More

Nightlife&Entertainment in France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:35

There are many lively night clubs in main cities such as Paris, Lyon or Marseille. The drinks are likely to be more expensive. However, most of the entrances are free of charge. Nightclubs can also be found in rural areas even the remotest corners of France. There is no fixed style and music varies ... More

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Paris Accommodation, General Information, Communication