When the word France is mentoned what comes to

mind? For most it's berets, croissants, class and style. It's
that and more, filled with hard working people who's culture
is admired throughout the world. From fleeting images of top
class chefs to stylishly dressed women in expensive clothes,
the possibilities are endless. Paris, "City of Lights", views are
an absolutley breathtaking sight. In France there is
something for everyone; music, food, literture, art and
architecture. Come learn about France ther's bound to be
something for you.
France is located on the southern part of the continet of
Europe. To it's northern border there is the North Sea,
England, Belgium, the English Channel and Germany. In
France's southern border is Spain and the Mediterrian Sea.
Switzerland and Italy are to the East. France's west is the
Atlantic Ocean.
The climate and seasons in France are like ours here in
the United States. The range of temprature in Paris is 37
degrees farinhight in January and 65 degrees July. The
hottest month in France is July and the coldest month is
January. Paris gets an average of about 24 inches of rain per
year. The seasons France has are fall, winter, spring and
summer.
Major land features of France are mountains, rolling
plains river valleys, ridges and hills. The major mountain are
the Alps and the Pyrennes. Some rivers are the Loire, Rhine,
Rhone, and Garonne. The Alps are lcated on the south
eastern corner bordering Italy and Switzerland. Located in
the south are the Pyrennes. The Pyrennes border Spain.
France is not rich in natural resorcues. Scattered throughout
France are deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite and other
minerals. France is not rich in natural rescources and makes
most of its money through manufacturing various products.
The population of all of France is 60,656,178. In its
capital Paris about 2,218,000 live there. Some of the major
cities are Paris, Orleans, Toulouse, and Reims. Orleans is the
site of "Siege of Orleans". This battle was important to
France as a turning point in the 100 year war, fought against
the Brittish. Toulouse is home to many museums. Touloise is
located in southwestern area of France near the banks of the
Garrone River. Reims is northeast if you go from Paris. Reims
is an old city dating all the way back to the time of the
Roman Empire. Reims has a role in French history also since
this is the site were the kings of France were crowned. Paris
is the country's heart of economy. It's location is on the
Rhine River.
As many European countries do, France uses the Euro.
For each U.S dollar it's about seventy-five cents of the Euro
banknote. The coins all look the same on the front, but on
the back they have different countries. No matter what
country is on the back of the coin it'll be accepted in all
countries that use the Euro. Euro coins can come in 8
different ammounts. These ammounts are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20,
and 50 cents. Before the Euro France was known to use the
French Franc.
People make money in France by manufacturing a
variety of products. A large part of the industry is making
cars. France has the 6th largest automobile industry, after
the United States, Japan, China, Germany and South Korea.
Minning is a part of the economy too, 20 miilion tons of steel
are mined each year. Weaving wool into cotton, silk and
synthetic fibers into cloth are popular jobs. Banking and
insurance is the job of choice for some. While others prefer
farming.
Another major industry is perfume and fashion.Some
familliar fFrench names may be Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior,
Yves St Lauren, and Chanle. France is also one of the world's
leading agricultureal countries. Tourism is a large part of the
economy. With people coming at all times of the year to ski
the Alps and see the sights of the cities. Cosmetticare also a
strong part in France's economy also. Trade made about 23
billion dollars in 2004. Being the 2nd largest trading industry
afteer Germany, in Western Europe.
The agriculture of France is large.Each region of France
produces its own cheese. A leading producer of milk and
cheese. In northern France there are many wheat farms.
Dary, pork, poultry, and apples are grown in the west. Beef is
mostly found in central France. Fruits, vegetables, and wine
are produced from central and southern France. France
follows the United States as second in agriculture.
France's government is a semi-presidential unitary
republic. The head of the state is the president for a five
year term (it used to be seven), unlike our president's four
year term. There is a council called the "Constitutional
Council" which ensures the ellection of the president is fair.
The president appoints the prime minister. Who in turn
chooses the Council of Ministers. France is also a democracy.
Cuisine of France is world renkowed. With 365 cheeses
and 450 wines it has a large variety of tastes for a variety of
pallets. A typical day begins with a light breakfast, lunch is
then served between 12 and 2 PM, and children are allowed
to go home from school to enjoy this main meal of the day
with their families. Dinner is then served after 7in the
evening. Some famous French dishes are crepes, escargot,
frogs legs, and goose pate.