France

France is the largest country of Western Europe in area. Paris, the capital of France and largest city in the country, ranks as one of the world's great cities. For hundreds of years, Paris has been a world capital of art and learning.

Its university is over 800 years old, and is one of the largest in the world. Paris attracts artists and writers of all nationalities. Many great artists have produced their finest masterpieces there.

A Short Background

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 advent of the euro in January 1999.

Presently, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to exploit the momentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a more unified and capable European defense and security apparatus.

Population:

59,551,227 (July 2001 est.)

Languages:

French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

Currency:	Euro (EUR)
Exchange rates:	1 EURO to US Dollar : 1,1962 (April 2004)

Currency code:

EUR

More Informations:

Have a look at this pdf-file for information about the dance Ridee

To read the file you need the free software Adobe Reader from Adobe or another pdf-viewer.
The Adobe Reader you can find on the homepage from Adobe under Support - Downloads.