Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.

• 3-Letter abbreviation: FRA
• 2-Letter abbreviation: FR
• Country common name: France
• Country official name: République Française
• Continent: Europe
• Capital: Paris
• Other major cities: Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Nice, Strasbourg, Nantes, Bordeaux, Saint Etienne, Montpellier, Le Havre, Rennes, Reims, Toulon, Grenoble, Brest
• Currency: Euro
• Official languages: French
• Motto: "Liberty, equality, fraternity"

• Surface area: 547,030  km²
• Highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
• Neighbouring countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Andorra
• Neighbouring seas and oceans: Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, English Channel

• Population (in millions): 60.18
• Gross domestic product (GDP) per inhabitant (in US dollars): 25,700
• Density (inhabitants per km²): 110.01
• Average age (in years): 39.1
• Life expectancy at birth (in years): 79.28

• Country international telephone code: + 33
• Internet code: .fr
• Number of Internet users: 29,945,000 (2006)