France retains its centuries-long status as a global centre of art, science, cuisine and philosophy. It hosts the fourth-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 54 in total, and is the world's leading tourist destination, having received 102 million foreign visitors in 2025. Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries; regions, regions capitals and major cities in France. France has the world's seventh-largest economy by nominal GDP and the second-largest in the European Union, characterized by a diversified mix of private enterprise and significant state involvement. France has a long history of civil protest, where strikes and marches occur relatively frequently, but the intense violence over the weekend has gripped the country. Breaking news and world news from France 24 on Business, Sports, Culture. Video news. News from the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, America. France, a country of northwestern Europe, is historically and culturally among the most important countries in the Western world. It has also played a highly significant role in international affairs for centuries. The first written records for the history of France appeared in the Iron Age. What is now France made up the bulk of the region known to the Romans as Gaul. Greek writers noted the presence of three main ethno-linguistic groups in the area: the Gauls, Aquitani and Belgae. Where is France? France is a country located in North Western Europe. It is geographically positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. France is bordered by 7 countries: by Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast; by Germany, Switzerland and Italy in the east; and by Spain and Andorra in the south. From Provence to Brittany, via the Loire Valley and the Dordogne Valley, the French countryside promises a break filled with relaxation and well-being. When the weather is nice, head to France’s cities! Strolls, new discoveries, and culinary delights await you around every corner. Depuis la promulgation de la constitution de la Cinquième République en 1958, la France est une république constitutionnelle unitaire ayant un régime semi-présidentiel. Elle a pour capitale Paris et pour langue officielle le français, langue de l'administration depuis 1539.