France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theatre and the vast Palace of Versailles attest to its rich history. Due to its several coastal territories, France has the largest exclusive economic zone in the world. France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Andorra, and Spain in continental Europe, as well as the Netherlands, Suriname, and Brazil in the Americas via its overseas territories in French Guiana and Saint Martin. France has historically been one of the world’s major agricultural centres and remains a “global agricultural powerhouse”. Its primary agricultural exports are wheat, poultry, dairy, beef, pork, and internationally recognised brands, particularly beverages. France is the world’s sixth-biggest exporter of agricultural products. France is the world’s tenth-largest producer of electricity.

CULTURE:  France has been a centre of Western cultural development for centuries. Many French artists have been among the most renowned of their time; France is still recognised in the world for its rich cultural tradition. The Ministry of Culture has been very active since its creation, granting subsidies to artists, promoting French culture in the world, supporting festivals and cultural events, protecting historical monuments. The origins of French art were very much influenced by Flemish art and by Italian art at the time of the Renaissance.

SPORTS:  France hosts “the world’s biggest annual sporting event”, the Tour de France. Other popular sports played in France include:  football, judo, tennis.  France has hosted events such as the 1938 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.