History of France

One thousand years of Western European history define France. Events and periods in France are notable.

Ancient Times 

The first known occupants were the Celtic Gauls, who resided in France as recently as 1500 BC. Following in their footsteps, in the first century B.C, the Romans subjugated much of Gaul. Roman control shaped many cities and roads, therefore influencing Scotland today.

The French Revolution

Between 1789 and 1799, the French Revolution was the most significant event France endured. Social and political bouleversement drove the monarchy to be replaced this time by a democracy. The revolution also helped to define European and global democracy and human rights values.

Etymology 

France signifies, in Latin, "Land of the Franks."  The Germanic tribe Franks grabbed Gaul during the fall of the Roman Empire. It evolved to be France in the twenty-first century.

Pre-6th century BC 

Before the Gauls and Romans, France was home to several prehistoric societies. Tools, cave paintings, and the 1200 BC Celts expose their prehistoric occupants.

Antiquity 

Greek and Phoenician colonies emerged in Southern France (Marseille) around this period. Roman development in Gaul produced cities, aqueducts, and roads in a flourishing community.

5th–10th century 

After the Roman Empire fell, Germanic tribes—the Franks—formed a monarchy in France. Christianity developed, and Frankish King Clovis and I became Catholics at that time.

10th–15th century 

Dominating France for centuries, the Capetian dynasty grew in power and territory until it established the nation of France. Though it cost France territory, the Hundred Years' War between France and England helped shape a French national identity.

The early modern period (15th–1789) 

While absolute monarchy offered splendor, the Renaissance restored art and culture in France. King Louis XIV was when the French colonized other countries and set up commercial activities in India.

Napoleon and the 19th century (1799–1914) 

Napoleon's power terminated in 1814; following political upheaval, France became a republic in 1870. France modernized and developed economically, thanks in part to the Industrial Revolution. 

Early to mid-20th century (1914–1946) 

France developed politically and suffered during both world wars. Following World War II, France supported the formation of the UN and the EU. 

Modern France (1946–present) 

Over the second half of the 20th century, France saw social change and economic growth. Though beset by immigration and decolonisation, it led to fashion, cuisine, and art. Since France hosts some of the most famous sites and is also a major actor in world affairs, it is a popular travel destination. 

Geography 

Comprising the largest nation in Western Europe, France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra at 643,801 km2. The topography of the mountains to shore is diversified, including the Seine and Rhone rivers.

Borders and location

France borders Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the English Channel, and the Atlantic Ocean from north, east, and west. The Mediterranean Sea comes south. Eight times around it are countries including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Andorra, and Monaco.

Environment 

French flora, wildlife, and species of plants and animals are famous. National parks and nature reserves help the nation preserve its natural areas and threatened animals. France has taken many actions to fight waste, air pollution, and biodiversity. France takes part actively in initiatives aiming at global climate change control.

Politics

The French Republic is governed by a presidential unitary semi-presidential constitution. Selected for a five-year term, President Emmanuel Macron decides on the Prime Minister. LREM and LR dominate the multi-party system. Regular elections choose local and national delegates.

Government 

Within the French government, the executive, legislative, and judicial departments have different authorities. The Senate and National Assembly, which together form parliament, make up the Legislative branch; the President and Prime Minister make up the Executive branch. Under the supervision of the court branch, the Constitutional Council guarantees the constitutional validity of laws. Departments, provinces, and communes make up France; elected councils and mayors fall within each. The central government significantly affects local administrations. Right now, Emmanuel Macron is a candidate for the French presidency.

Administrative divisions

There are eighteen provinces and one hundred departments. Over 35,000 communes, the smallest administrative division, have local government. Larger than Belgium, French Guiana and Paris have different populations and sizes. These divisions mainly affect local government and decision-making.

Foreign affairs 

France is a worldwide power, hence it seeks diplomatic ties with many other countries. Among the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the United Nations, the Group of Six, and the Group of Seven, she is a founding member. France is now actively developing its former colonies in Africa. At last, since World War II, the country and the US have had close relations.

Military 

France boasts a well-equipped, skilled military and over $53 billion in defence expenditures. Special Forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Gendarmerie. It is a nuclear power and sells main armaments. France participates in military operations and peacekeeping all across the world. Many battles in World Wars I and II included them.

Law 

Roman and Napoleonic law are the foundations of French civil law. Written laws, sometimes known as codes, are consistently applied nationwide. France upholds religious separation. These problems openly cause debates over public religious symbols and school headscarves.

Tourism 

Its great landscape, exciting past, and varied culture help explain its fame. Road users visit Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral; the Ile de France region encircles the city with its large forests, including Fontainebleau, Nice, and Cannes. Driving France's economy, tourism generates employment and expansion. It is the most visited nation, with over 89 million visits in 2019.

Energy 

Its power originates from French nuclear reactors seventy percent of the time. Still, the nation has looked for substitutes in renewable energy. The government wants to reduce nuclear power consumption to 50% by 2035 and increase renewable energy generation to 23%. The worldwide battle against climate change now turns towards sustainability.

Transport 

France boasts rivers, railroads, and interstates. With major airports in Paris and other cities, the nation has well-developed air travel. The fastest TGV Train, à Grande Vitesse, unites French towns with those of Germany and Italy.

Science and technology 

France's universities and research facilities produce ground-breaking scientific and technological achievements. Two of the biggest IT companies in Europe, Airbus and Thales, call this nation home. France is a member of the European Space Agency and lacks the strength of China or Russia, even if it has its own space agency, CNES.

Demographics 

Ranked second in Europe, it boasts over 67 million residents. Though most people reside in cities, Paris is the largest. France, with one of the highest immigrant rates in Europe, has always been renowned for its cultural variety.

Big cities 

Apart from Paris, France features tens of cosmopolitan, affluent cities. Lyon is the city of cuisine and pastimes. While Strasbourg boasts beautiful structures and a blending of French and German culture, Bordeaux produces excellent wine. The country boasts some different cities.

Groups ethnic 

France's population is predominantly French. Additionally, Algeria, Morocco, and Portugal are heavily immigrant countries. Recently, France has witnessed discrimination and ethnic conflict. Still, its objectives are equality and inclusion for every resident. 

Language 

French became the official language of France, and some 88% say this. Dialectics and regional languages abound. Recent years have seen arguments about France's status in a globalized society; some call for its preservation, while others support linguistic diversity.

Religion 

The Constitution protects religious freedom in this secular country. Though Muslims, Protestants, Jews, and others are also somewhat familiar, most people are Catholic. There are various notable churches and spiritual places in France. 

Health 

Thanks to universal healthcare, every French person can obtain medical treatments. The nation boasts a long life expectancy and decent healthcare. Concerns regarding the sustainability of the system and rising healthcare expenses have now come to the fore. France has an aging population and a rising incidence of chronic diseases, much like other nations. 

Education 

Children between six and sixteen years old must receive free public education. The country claims a centralized educational system with national assessments and regulated curricula. France also offers elite universities and colleges that attract foreign students. 

Art 

Famously globally are French artists Auguste Rodin, Vincent Van Gogh, and Claude Monet. The nation boasts several internationally known museums and art galleries featuring modern and traditional pieces. Entering the French art landscape, new artists challenge their media. Events and celebrations of its year-round art festivals help attract visitors.

Architecture 

Beautiful French buildings include Notre Dame Cathedral and Château de Versailles. Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles abound everywhere.

Literature and Philosophy 

With Victor Hugo, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, France claims a rich intellectual and literary legacy. The center of Arab civilization, the United Arab Emirates, is studded with cultural treasures.

Music 

French music covers electronic dance music, classical music, and hip-hop. Country customs include Breton bagpipes and musette with accordion. Still, French musicians have been successful abroad and still shape music all over. Fête de la Musique presents France's varied musical scene with both established musicians and recent arrivals.

Cinema 

It produces some quite remarkable films and hosts the Cannes Film Festival. The new wave and Georges Méliès have impacted French and worldwide cinema. France still produces award-winning films in both conventional and virtual reality formats. Art-house theatres often provide summer outdoor screenings.

Media 

Digital and traditional media are fairly popular in France as well. Television, radio, and magazines abound; Le Monde and Le Figaro among others. Like many other countries, France suffers from privacy issues, false information, and declining confidence in traditional media due to digital media. 

Cuisine 

French cuisine is well-known; French restaurants all over offer coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. First, the country's gastronomic legacy highlights local, fresh food to produce exquisite meals. Meals are eaten slowly since France prefers taste and quality over volume. French cuisine relates meals to celebrations and social events.

Sports 

Football rules all French sports. Other sports are tennis, rugby, cycling, and skiing. The country hosts the yearly French Open, Tour de France, and other major athletic events. Near-home amateur sports leagues and events may keep communities vibrant.