France
French Republic
Europe Paris
Population
68.51M
Area
643,801 km²
GDP
$3.16T
GDP Per Capita
$54,500
Pop. Density
106/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
€euro(EUR)
Calling Code
+33
Primary Timezone
UTC-10:00
+13 more
Languages
French
Driving Side
right
Demonym
French
Background
France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations. France rejoined NATO's integrated military command structure in 2009, reversing then President Charles DE GAULLE's 1966 decision to withdraw French forces from NATO. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier, more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common currency, the euro, in January 1999. In the early 21st century, five French overseas entities -- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion -- became French regions and were made part of France proper.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑36.4% since 2006$2.3T (2006)$3.2T (2024)
Population
↑7.7% since 200663.6M (2006)68.6M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 82.9 years2006: 80.8 years2023: 82.9 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography21
Location
metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain
French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico
Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname
Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico
Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Geographic coordinates
metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E
French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W
Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W
Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E
Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E
French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W
Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W
Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E
Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E
Map references
metropolitan France: Europe
French Guiana: South America
Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean
Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean
Mayotte: Africa
Reunion: World
French Guiana: South America
Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean
Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean
Mayotte: Africa
Reunion: World
Area
total : 643,801 sq km ; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France)
land: 640,427 sq km ; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)
water: 3,374 sq km ; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)
land: 640,427 sq km ; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)
water: 3,374 sq km ; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)
Area - comparative
slightly more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than the size of Texas
Land boundaries
total: 3,956 km
border countries: Andorra 55 km; Belgium 556 km; Germany 418 km; Italy 476 km; Luxembourg 69 km; Monaco 6 km; Spain 646 km; Switzerland 525 km
metropolitan France - total: 2751 km
French Guiana - total: 1205 km
border countries: Andorra 55 km; Belgium 556 km; Germany 418 km; Italy 476 km; Luxembourg 69 km; Monaco 6 km; Spain 646 km; Switzerland 525 km
metropolitan France - total: 2751 km
French Guiana - total: 1205 km
Coastline
4,853 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean Sea)
continental shelf: 200m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean Sea)
continental shelf: 200m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral
Terrain
metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east
French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains
Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin
Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Mayotte: generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks
Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast
French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains
Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin
Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
Mayotte: generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks
Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast
Elevation
highest point: Mont Blanc 4,810
lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m
mean elevation: 375 m
lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m
mean elevation: 375 m
Natural resources
metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, arable land, fish; French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay
Land use
agricultural land
52.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 31.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
forest
32.7% (2023 est.)
other
15% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
14,236 sq km (2020)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Geneva (shared with Switzerland) - 580 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rhin (Rhine) (shared with Switzerland [s], Germany, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km; Loire - 1,012 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Loire (115,282 sq km), Seine (78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km)
Major aquifers
Paris Basin
Population distribution
much of the population is concentrated in the north and southeast; although there are many urban agglomerations throughout the country, Paris is by far the largest city, with Lyon ranked a distant second
Natural hazards
metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south
overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding
volcanism: Montagne Pelée (1,394 m) on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean is the most active volcano of the Lesser Antilles arc, although it last erupted in 1932; a catastrophic eruption in 1902 destroyed the city of St. Pierre, killing an estimated 30,000 people; La Soufrière (1,467 m) on the island of Guadeloupe has also had explosive eruptions in recent years
overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding
volcanism: Montagne Pelée (1,394 m) on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean is the most active volcano of the Lesser Antilles arc, although it last erupted in 1932; a catastrophic eruption in 1902 destroyed the city of St. Pierre, killing an estimated 30,000 people; La Soufrière (1,467 m) on the island of Guadeloupe has also had explosive eruptions in recent years
Geography - note
largest Western European nation; most major French rivers -- the Meuse, Seine, Loire, Charente, Dordogne, and Garonne -- flow northward or westward into the Atlantic Ocean, only the Rhone flows southward into the Mediterranean Sea
People & Society33
Population
total: 68,512,806 (2025 est.)
male: 33,627,639
female: 34,885,167
male: 33,627,639
female: 34,885,167
Nationality
noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
adjective: French
adjective: French
Ethnic groups
Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African (Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian), Indochinese, Basque minorities
Languages
Languages: French (official) 100%, declining regional dialects and languages (Provençal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish, Occitan, Picard)
major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 47%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 2%, Buddhist 2%, Orthodox 1%, Jewish 1%, other 1%, none 33%, unspecified 9% (2021 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 17.3% (male 6,060,087/female 5,792,805)
15-64 years: 60.7% (male 20,875,861/female 20,615,847)
65 years and over: 22% (2024 est.) (male 6,621,146/female 8,408,845)
15-64 years: 60.7% (male 20,875,861/female 20,615,847)
65 years and over: 22% (2024 est.) (male 6,621,146/female 8,408,845)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 65.2 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 28.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 36.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 28.4 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 36.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 2.7 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 42.7 years (2025 est.)
male: 41 years
female: 44.2 years
male: 41 years
female: 44.2 years
Population growth rate
0.2% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
10.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
9.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
much of the population is concentrated in the north and southeast; although there are many urban agglomerations throughout the country, Paris is by far the largest city, with Lyon ranked a distant second
Urbanization
urban population: 81.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
11.208 million PARIS (capital), 1.761 million Lyon, 1.628 million Marseille-Aix-en-Provence, 1.079 million Lille, 1.060 million Toulouse, 1.000 million Bordeaux (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
28.9 years (2020 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
7 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 3.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 82.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 79.8 years
female: 85.5 years
male: 79.8 years
female: 85.5 years
Total fertility rate
1.9 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.93 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 12.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.28 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
6 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 11.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 6.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 6.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 28.9% (2025 est.)
male: 30.7% (2025 est.)
female: 27.3% (2025 est.)
male: 30.7% (2025 est.)
female: 27.3% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.9% (2020 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 5.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 9.1% national budget (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 9.1% national budget (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Government26
Country name
conventional long form: French Republic
conventional short form: France
local long form: République française
local short form: France
etymology: derives from the Latin name Francia, meaning "Land of the Franks"; the Franks were a group of Germanic tribes located along the middle and lower Rhine River in the 3rd century A.D.; the origin of the tribal name is unclear but may come from the Old German word franka, meaning "brave," or from a personal name such as Francio or Francus
conventional short form: France
local long form: République française
local short form: France
etymology: derives from the Latin name Francia, meaning "Land of the Franks"; the Franks were a group of Germanic tribes located along the middle and lower Rhine River in the 3rd century A.D.; the origin of the tribal name is unclear but may come from the Old German word franka, meaning "brave," or from a personal name such as Francio or Francus
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Capital
name
Paris
geographic coordinates
48 52 N, 2 20 E
time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
time zone note
applies to metropolitan France only; for its overseas regions the time difference is UTC-4 for Guadeloupe and Martinique, UTC-3 for French Guiana, UTC+3 for Mayotte, and UTC+4 for Reunion
etymology
name derives from the Parisii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the area from the 3rd century B.C.; the Celtic settlement became the Roman town of Lutetia Parisiorum (Lutetia of the Parisii); over subsequent centuries it became Parisium and then Paris
Administrative divisions
18 regions (régions, singular - région); Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Bretagne (Brittany), Centre-Val de Loire (Center-Loire Valley), Corse (Corsica), Grand Est (Grand East), Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Hauts-de-France (Upper France), Ile-de-France, Martinique, Mayotte, Normandie (Normandy), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (New Aquitaine), Occitanie (Occitania), Pays de la Loire (Lands of the Loire), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Réunion
Dependent areas
Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna (8)
Legal system
civil law; review of administrative but not legislative acts
Constitution
history: many previous; latest effective 4 October 1958
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic (upon recommendation of the prime minister and Parliament) or by Parliament; proposals submitted by Parliament members require passage by both houses followed by approval in a referendum; passage of proposals submitted by the government can bypass a referendum if submitted by the president to Parliament and passed by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament’s National Assembly
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic (upon recommendation of the prime minister and Parliament) or by Parliament; proposals submitted by Parliament members require passage by both houses followed by approval in a referendum; passage of proposals submitted by the government can bypass a referendum if submitted by the president to Parliament and passed by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament’s National Assembly
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of France
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of France
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017)
head of government
Sébastien LECORNU (since 10 September 2025)
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister
election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date
10 April 2022, with a runoff held on 24 April 2022
election results
2022: Emmanuel MACRON reelected in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (LREM) 27.8%, Marine LE PEN (RN) 23.2%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (LFI) 22%, Eric ZEMMOUR (Reconquête) 7.1%, Valerie PECRESSE (LR) 4.8%, Yannick JADOT (EELV) 4.6%, other 10.6%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 58.5%, LE PEN 41.5%
2017: Emmanuel MACRON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (EM) 24%, Marine LE PEN (FN) 21.3%, Francois FILLON (LR) 20%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (FI) 19.6%, Benoit HAMON (PS) 6.4%, other 8.7%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 66.1%, LE PEN 33.9%
expected date of next election
April 2027
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Parlement)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
number of seats
577 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
9/24/2023
parties elected and seats per party
New Popular Front (NFP)/UG (178); Ensemble (presidential majority) (150); National Rally (RN) (125); The Republicans (LR) (39); Other (85)
percentage of women in chamber
36.2%
expected date of next election
June 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Sénat)
number of seats
348 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections
partial renewal
term in office
6 years
most recent election date
6/30/2024 to 7/7/2024
percentage of women in chamber
37.1%
expected date of next election
September 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation (consists of the court president, 6 divisional presiding judges, 120 trial judges, and 70 deputy judges organized into 6 divisions -- 3 civil, 1 commercial, 1 labor, and 1 criminal); Constitutional Council (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by the president of the republic from nominations from the High Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the Court of Cassation and 15 appointed members; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council has 3 members appointed by the president of the republic and 3 each by the National Assembly and Senate presidents; members serve 9-year, non-renewable terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: appellate courts or cours d'appel; regional courts or tribunaux judiciaires; first instance courts or tribunaux de proximité; administrative courts
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by the president of the republic from nominations from the High Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the Court of Cassation and 15 appointed members; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council has 3 members appointed by the president of the republic and 3 each by the National Assembly and Senate presidents; members serve 9-year, non-renewable terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: appellate courts or cours d'appel; regional courts or tribunaux judiciaires; first instance courts or tribunaux de proximité; administrative courts
Political parties
Citizen and Republican Movement or MRC
Debout la France or DLF
Democratic Movement or MoDem
Ensemble or ENS (electoral coalition including RE, MoDem, Horizons, PRV, UDI)
The Ecologists - the Greens or EELV
French Communist Party or PCF
Horizons
La France Insoumise or FI
Liberties, Independents, Overseas and Territories or LIOT
Movement of Progressives or MDP
National Rally or RN (formerly National Front or FN)
New Democrats or LND (formerly Ecology Democracy Solidarity or EDS)
New Popular Front or NFP (electoral coalition including FI, EELV, PS, PCF)
Radical Party of the Left or PRV
Reconquete or REC
Renaissance or RE
Résistons!
Socialist Party or PS
The Republicans or LR
Union of Democrats and Independents or UDI
Union of Far Right or UXD (electoral coalition of LR, RN)
Debout la France or DLF
Democratic Movement or MoDem
Ensemble or ENS (electoral coalition including RE, MoDem, Horizons, PRV, UDI)
The Ecologists - the Greens or EELV
French Communist Party or PCF
Horizons
La France Insoumise or FI
Liberties, Independents, Overseas and Territories or LIOT
Movement of Progressives or MDP
National Rally or RN (formerly National Front or FN)
New Democrats or LND (formerly Ecology Democracy Solidarity or EDS)
New Popular Front or NFP (electoral coalition including FI, EELV, PS, PCF)
Radical Party of the Left or PRV
Reconquete or REC
Renaissance or RE
Résistons!
Socialist Party or PS
The Republicans or LR
Union of Democrats and Independents or UDI
Union of Far Right or UXD (electoral coalition of LR, RN)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Laurent BILI (since 19 April 2023)
chancery
4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone
[1] (202) 944-6000
FAX
[1] (202) 944-6166
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Charles KUSHNER (since 11 July 2025); note - also accredited to Monaco
embassy
2 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris
mailing address
9200 Paris Place, Washington DC 20521-9200
telephone
[33] (1) 43-12-22-22, [33] (1) 42-66-97-83
FAX
[33] (1) 42-66-97-83
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Marseille, Strasbourg
consulate(s)
Bordeaux, Lyon, Rennes
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic established); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)
National holiday
Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790)
Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of blue (left side), white, and red
history: known as the le tricolore (tricolor), the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution, when the traditional color of white was combined with the blue and red of the Paris militia; for the first four years of the flag's use (1790-94), the order of colors was reversed (red-white-blue)
history: known as the le tricolore (tricolor), the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution, when the traditional color of white was combined with the blue and red of the Paris militia; for the first four years of the flag's use (1790-94), the order of colors was reversed (red-white-blue)
National symbol(s)
Gallic rooster, fleur-de-lis, Marianne (female personification of the country)
National color(s)
blue, white, red
National anthem(s)
title: "La Marseillaise" (The Song of Marseille)
lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle
history: adopted 1795, restored 1870; acquired its name when the National Guard of Marseille sang the song while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolution; one of the most recognized anthems in the world
lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle
history: adopted 1795, restored 1870; acquired its name when the National Guard of Marseille sang the song while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolution; one of the most recognized anthems in the world
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 54 (46 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed); note - includes one site in New Caledonia and one site in French Polynesia
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chartres Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Versailles (c); Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (c); Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley (c); Pyrénées - Mont Perdu (m); Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay (c); Paris, Banks of the Seine (c); The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (c); Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) (c); Amiens Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Fontainebleau (c); Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (c); The Maison Carrée of Nîmes (c); Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve (Corsica) (n); Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chartres Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Versailles (c); Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (c); Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley (c); Pyrénées - Mont Perdu (m); Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay (c); Paris, Banks of the Seine (c); The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (c); Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) (c); Amiens Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Fontainebleau (c); Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (c); The Maison Carrée of Nîmes (c); Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve (Corsica) (n); Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan (c)
Economy31
Economic overview
high-income, advanced EU economy and eurozone member; strong tourism, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors; high public debt; ongoing pension reform efforts; transitioning to a green economy via "France 2030" strategy
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $3.732 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $3.689 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $3.655 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $3.689 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $3.655 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 1.2% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 2.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $54,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $54,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $53,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $54,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $53,700 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$3.162 trillion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.2% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.4% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.5% (2024 est.)
services: 70.4% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.5% (2024 est.)
services: 70.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
53.4% (2023 est.)
government consumption
23.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
23.1% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
34.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-36.3% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
wheat, sugar beets, milk, maize, barley, potatoes, grapes, rapeseed, pork, sunflower seeds (2023)
Industries
machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, textiles, food processing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate
0.7% (2024 est.)
Labor force
31.725 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 7.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 7.4% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 7.4% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 16.6% (2024 est.)
male: 17.1% (2024 est.)
female: 16% (2024 est.)
male: 17.1% (2024 est.)
female: 16% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
15.6% (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 31.2 (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 12.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 24.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 24.6% (2022 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $1.29 trillion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $1.447 trillion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $1.447 trillion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 98.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
23.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $12.382 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$30.334 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$33.069 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$30.334 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$33.069 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $1.071 trillion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.05 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.021 trillion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.05 trillion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.021 trillion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 11%, Italy 9%, USA 8%, Belgium 8%, Spain 7% (2023)
Exports - commodities
aircraft, cars, packaged medicine, gas turbines, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.074 trillion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.094 trillion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.092 trillion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.094 trillion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.092 trillion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Germany 15%, Belgium 11%, Netherlands 9%, Spain 8%, Italy 8% (2023)
Imports - commodities
cars, natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, garments (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $282.857 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $240.792 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $242.416 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $240.792 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $242.416 billion (2022 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
0.876 (2020 est.)
Energy8
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 151.463 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 415.542 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 76.207 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 25.107 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 35.282 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 415.542 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 76.207 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 25.107 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 35.282 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels
7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
63.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
4.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind
10.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
10.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
tide and wave
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 57 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 61.37GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 64.8% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 14 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 61.37GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 64.8% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 14 (2025)
Coal
production: 2.157 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.57 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 64,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 10.347 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 160 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 12.57 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 64,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 10.347 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 160 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 80,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 1.536 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 61.719 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 1.536 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 61.719 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 17.928 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 33.238 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 13.584 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 46.909 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 7.787 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 33.238 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 13.584 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 46.909 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 7.787 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 123.526 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 37.3 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 77.5 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 117 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 117 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
a mix of both publicly operated and privately owned TV stations; state-owned TV stations operate 4 networks and have part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels; large number of privately owned regional and local TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7 national networks, a series of regional networks, and services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio France Internationale, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster; large number of commercial FM stations
Internet country code
metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Mayotte - .yt; Reunion - .re
Internet users
percent of population: 87% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 32.3 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2023 est.)
Transportation7
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
F
Airports
1,218 (2025)
Heliports
405 (2025)
Railways
total: 27,860 km (2020) 16,660 km electrified
narrow gauge: -5 km
narrow gauge: -5 km
Merchant marine
total: 553 (2023)
by type: container ship 32, general cargo 48, oil tanker 25, other 448
by type: container ship 32, general cargo 48, oil tanker 25, other 448
Ports
total ports
66 (2024)
large
6
medium
12
small
22
very small
26
ports with oil terminals
31
key ports
Bayonne, Bordeaux, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dunkerque Port Est, Dunkerque Port Ouest, La Pallice, La Rochelle, Les Sables d'Olonne, Lorient, Montoir, Nantes, Le Havre, Rouen, Rade de Brest, Rade de Cherbourg, Rochefort, St. Nazaire, Toulon
Transportation - note
begun in 1988 and completed in 1994, the Channel Tunnel (nicknamed the Chunnel) is a 50.5-km (31.4-mi) rail tunnel under the English Channel at the Strait of Dover; it runs from Folkestone, Kent, in England to Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, in northern France and is the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and mainland Europe
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
French Armed Forces (Forces Armées Françaises): Army (l'Armee de Terre; includes Foreign Legion), Navy (Marine Nationale), Air and Space Force (l'Armee de l’Air et de l’Espace); includes Air Defense), National Guard (Garde Nationale), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2.1% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 200,000 active duty Armed Forces; approximately 150,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 80,000 National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the French military's inventory consists mostly of domestically produced weapons systems, including some jointly produced with other European countries; there is a smaller mix of armaments from other Western countries, particularly the US; France has a large and sophisticated defense industry capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of air, land, and naval military weapons systems (2025)
Military service age and obligation
generally 17-30 years of age for both men and women with some variations by service, position, and enlisted versus officer; 17-40 for National Gendarmerie; basic service contract is for 12 months; no conscription (abolished 2001) (2025)
Military deployments
France typically has up to 30,000 total air, ground, and naval forces deployed on permanent or temporary foreign missions; up to 10,000 are permanently deployed, including Djibouti (1,500); French Guyana (2,600); French Polynesia (1,000); French West Indies (1,000); Reunion Island (2,100); UAE (800)
other non-permanent deployments include military missions under NATO, the EU, and the UN, as well as some unilateral operations, in such places as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and adjacent waters (2025)
other non-permanent deployments include military missions under NATO, the EU, and the UN, as well as some unilateral operations, in such places as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and adjacent waters (2025)
Military - note
the French military has a global footprint and a wide range of missions and responsibilities, to include protecting French territory, population, and interests, and fulfilling France’s commitments to NATO, European security, and international peacekeeping operations under the UN; it is the largest military in the EU and has a leading role in the EU security framework, as well as in NATO; in recent years, it has actively participated in coalition peacekeeping and other security operations in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans, often in a lead role; the military regularly conducts large-scale exercises and participates in a variety of bi-lateral and multinational exercises; it also has a domestic security mission, including providing enhanced security at sensitive sites and large events and support during national crises or disasters, such as fighting forest fires; in recent years, defense responsibilities have expanded to include cyber and space domains
in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, including high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations (2025)
in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, including high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 810,325 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 59 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 2,634 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 59 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 2,634 (2024 est.)