All About France

France is the largest country in Western Europe. It is a unitary semi-presidential republic with territories on other continents and islands in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. France is often referred to as “The Hexagon” because of the shape that its territories make up.
Territories
The whole of Metropolitan France is located in Western Europe but all of the French Republic is not located in Europe. It contains territories in North America, South America, Antarctica, as well as a variety of islands. These territories are part of the French Republic but are not contained in the European Union. Some of the overseas territories included in the republic are: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Martinique, Clipperton Island, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayoette, and French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
Government
France is a democratic republic with two formal executive leaders. The first is the President who is voted in by the people for a term of five years. This role of the Head of State is currently held by Nicolas Sarkozy. The second is the Prime-Minister who is appointed by the President. This role of the Government is currently held by François Fillon. The Parliament is made up of both a Senate and a National Assembly. The Senate has limited powers and can be overruled by the National Assembly in cases of disagreement. The National Assembly members are elected by the general public for five year terms and have the power to dismiss the cabinet.
Tourism
France is listed in directories as the most visited country in the world, far beating out the number two tourist destination of Spain and number three destination of the United States. The country receives nearly 82 million tourists each year. Paris is the most popular city for tourists to visit in France with sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Disneyland Paris being big draws for visitors. Religious pilgrimages also occur in astounding numbers as destinations in the country to St. James and Lourdes. There are huge numbers of fantastic museums that draw art lovers from around the world in large numbers as well as the seaside lovers to the French Riviera. France truly has something for everyone.
Culture
The people of France have their own particular and distinct culture in every possible way. French cuisine is seen as the finest in the world and different regions have their own specialties. The French are world renowned for their more than 400 different varieties of cheese and fantastic assortment of wines. Some of the most popular sports in the country are football, rugby, tennis, and judo. Paris is considered the birthplace of “haute couture” and is considered one of the main fashion capitals of the world. The country is also well known for their works of cinema arts and hosts the Cannes film festival every year to honor film makers from around the world.
France is the birthplace of the cinema, haute couture, and the Father of Modern Philosophy and can be found in many directories for its unique works of art, literature, and architecture. The French way of life is an extremely popular one which has led to a surge in its population and its rates of tourists.