FRANCE
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. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
PARIS ¨C THE CAPITAL OF FRANCE
The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral
Both the capital of the nation capital and largest city of the country, Paris is located in northern central France.
The city is mostly flat, although the elevation gradually increases from the river to the low hills that ring the city¡¯s edge.
Highest natural feature within Paris is the Butte de Montmartre, at 129 m (423 ft) above sea level. With an estimated population approaching 10 million, the city of Paris contains nearly 20% of the nation's inhabitants and dominates the economic, cultural, and political life of France to an extraordinary degree