France is a prominent Western European nation bordered by Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, with coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest country in Europe by land area and includes overseas territories across several continents. Strategically located and historically influential, France has long been a global leader in politics, culture, and philosophy. Paris, its capital, is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its historical landmarks, arts, and fashion.
As of 2025, France had a population of approximately 66,650,805 people (UN data), making it the second-most populous country in the European Union after Germany. The country has experienced steady but slow population growth, driven more by immigration than by natural increase. France is characterized by its religious and ethnic diversity, although a significant portion of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. In recent decades, secularism has been a strong political and cultural value, shaping debates over religion in public life.
Politically, France is a semi-presidential republic with a strong tradition of republicanism and centralized governance. The president holds significant authority, particularly in foreign policy and defense. Emmanuel Macron was reelected in 2022, continuing to lead with a centrist, pro-European agenda. France remains a core member of the European Union, NATO, and other global institutions.
Economically, France is one of the world’s largest economies, driven by diverse sectors such as aerospace, luxury goods, agriculture, and tourism. Despite challenges like high public debt and unemployment in some regions, France maintains a strong welfare state, robust infrastructure, and high human development indicators, making it one of the most influential countries globally.
French Republic