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France, country of northwestern Europe. Historically and culturally among the most important nations in the Western world, France has also played a highly significant role in international affairs, with former colonies in every corner of the globe. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps and the Pyrenees, France has long provided a geographic, economic, and linguistic bridge joining northern and southern Europe. It is Europe’s most important agricultural producer and one of the world’s leading industrial powers.

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Overview of France

Overview of France

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The influence France has on the world, both in the past and today, is difficult to overstate. Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world's oldest countries, and its reach extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all, culture.

Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally, into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual. France today is a democracy with a separation of power falling between executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

The World Bank classifies France as a wealthy, high-income nation. French citizens look to the federal government to guarantee certain social services, such as education, health care and pensions for retirement.

The French economy is one of the world's largest and is a mixture of private enterprise and government involvement. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy - France generally tops lists of most visited countries. Other major economic sectors include industry, agriculture, energy and defense. The country is one of the world's top exporters of weapons.

The French people have traditionally been a mix of Celtic, Germanic and Latin ethnicities. Waves of immigration in the 20th and 21st centuries, however, are altering the country's population. Immigrants typically come from northern Africa and other parts of Europe.

[Explore the top universities in France]

France faces various domestic challenges, most notably how it confronts terrorism in the wake of the November 2015 attacks in Paris that claimed 130 lives and a deadly attack on a satirical newspaper earlier that year. Polls had shown public attitudes toward Islam and immigrants worsening and in April 2017 voters chose an outsider candidate, Emmanuel Macron, as their new president. The country also faces slowed economic growth and growing unemployment. Joblessness is especially hitting the country's youth and young adults and the government has launched an effort to reform the labor market to help tackle high unemployment.

France has a rich cultural heritage. French literature began in the Middle Ages, and the country has a long history in fine arts, music and dance. Cinema occupies an important place in the country's cultural life. French cuisine is popular around the world, as is the wine produced in the country.

France is a founding member of the United Nations and has a permanent seat on its Security Council. Other major groups it belongs to include the European Union, World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and NATO.

The French economy is one of the world's largest and is a mixture of private enterprise and government involvement. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy - France generally tops lists of most visited countries. Other major economic sectors include industry, agriculture, energy and defense. The country is one of the world's top exporters of weapons.

The French people have traditionally been a mix of Celtic, Germanic and Latin ethnicities. Waves of immigration in the 20th and 21st centuries, however, are altering the country's population. Immigrants typically come from northern Africa and other parts of Europe.

[Explore the top universities in France]

France faces various domestic challenges, most notably how it confronts terrorism in the wake of the November 2015 attacks in Paris that claimed 130 lives and a deadly attack on a satirical newspaper earlier that year. Polls had shown public attitudes toward Islam and immigrants worsening and in April 2017 voters chose an outsider candidate, Emmanuel Macron, as their new president. The country also faces slowed economic growth and growing unemployment. Joblessness is especially hitting the country's youth and young adults and the government has launched an effort to reform the labor market to help tackle high unemployment.

France has a rich cultural heritage. French literature began in the Middle Ages, and the country has a long history in fine arts, music and dance. Cinema occupies an important place in the country's cultural life. French cuisine is popular around the world, as is the wine produced in the country.

France is a founding member of the United Nations and has a permanent seat on its Security Council. Other major groups it belongs to include the European Union, World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and NATO.

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Here's a look at the global perception data behind our rankings.

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France Ranks Among the World's Best Countries

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France ranks No. 12 overall in the U.S. News Best Countries rankings. Explore photos, statistics and other information.