France is a country in Western Europe bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and several neighboring nations including Spain, Italy, and Germany. It is known for its rich culture, cuisine, fashion, and art, as well as landmarks that draw visitors from around the world. France also has territories spread across multiple continents, making it one of the few countries with a global geographic presence.
- Capital
- Paris
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Western Europe
- Area
- 551,695 km²
- Coordinates
- 46° N, 2° E
Country facts
- France is the largest country by area in the European Union.
- The French language evolved from Latin brought to the region during Roman conquest.
- France has produced many influential artistic movements, including Impressionism, which originated in Paris in the 1870s.
- The French Revolution of 1789 led to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a landmark document in human rights history.
- France is home to the Mont Blanc massif, which contains the highest peak in the Alps.
Capital facts
- Paris was originally a Celtic settlement called Lutetia, founded by a Gallic tribe known as the Parisii.
- The Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair but became a permanent and iconic landmark.
- The Louvre Museum in Paris houses one of the largest art collections in the world, including the Mona Lisa.
- The River Seine flows through the heart of Paris, dividing the city into its Left Bank and Right Bank.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, begun in 1163, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.