France, officially known as the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe, with several overseas regions and territories. The capital city of France is Paris, known globally for its culture, history, fashion, and art. France is one of the largest countries in Europe by area and is a founding member of the European Union. The French Republic operates under a semi-presidential democratic system, combining both parliamentary and presidential elements.
France is divided into 18 administrative regions, including 13 in metropolitan France and 5 overseas. It has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions in philosophy, art, science, and literature. France is a highly developed country and ranks among the world’s top economies — consistently holding a spot within the top ten globally. It is also known for having one of the highest standards of living, with strong performance in healthcare, education, civil rights, and quality of life.
France plays a leading role in global affairs, being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of the G7, G20, NATO, and other major international organizations.
France experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.
