France

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC is one of the most advanced countries in the world and is a leader in the European Union (EU). France borders Spain in the south and Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy on the north and east. The country has coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. France claims a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone only on the Atlantic Ocean. The Pyrenees and Alps provide a physiographic frame for the extensive plains and rolling hills that mark the French landscape. The presence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream provides a tempering effect on the climate of France. Rainfall occurs mainly during the winter months and the summers are warm and drier.

Historically, France was ruled by a series of absolutist and despotic monarchs. The first of these was Charlemagne, crowned in 800, and ruler of an empire extending throughout modern-day Europe. The monarchical system ended in the 1870s and was replaced by a series of republics, which continues into the 21st century. Of greatest significance to current economic development in France was a series of events during the presidency of Charles de Gaulle, considered by many people in France as the greatest leader in their history.

One of the major points in the Evian Accords enacted in the 1950s was the termination of colonialism and French imperialism. De Gaulle was also instrumental in bringing about the independence of Algeria, a longtime colony of France. In addition, De Gaulle was instrumental in redirecting the French economy toward the development of manufacturing and industrial sectors.

France's rapprochement with Germany soon after the end of World War II also paved the way for future economic development not only in France but also throughout Europe. The Treaty of Paris in 1951 created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) for the sharing of coal and steel resources in France and Germany. Other European countries also became part of the ECSC because of its success and the prospect of further economic integration within the region. Two other European communities were formed in 1957: the European Economic Community (EEC), which became known as the Common Market, and the European Atomic Energy Community (Eurotom). In the 1960s, the three communities were merged and took the name European Community. Finally, in 1992 the Maastricht Treaty gave the group its current name, the European Union.

Currently, France's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of the value of all goods and services, ranks fifth in the world. This economic achievement is attributed to a widely diversified economy, a wide array of natural resources, and a well-trained and efficient workforce. Natural resources within France include coal, iron ore, bauxite and other minerals, uranium, timber, and fish. Arable land in France accounts for 34 percent of the total land area. Agricultural products include wheat and other grains, sugar beets, potatoes, and grapes for wine. The latter is, of course, a commodity for which France is world-famous.

In addition, France produces beef, dairy products, and fish. The industrial sector is equally diverse. The production of machinery and other metal goods, automobiles, automobiles, aircraft, textiles, and electronics clearly identifies a robust and modern industrial sector. Economic activities of the scope seen in France are reliant on massive amounts of energy. In this area, France is a net importer. Although France produces some of its needed oil and natural gas, most of its needs are satisfied by importation.

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