"At each person two motherlands -
its own and France"
(Andre deBornier).
 At first sight, this saying sounds a little absurdly. But if you will close eyes and will imagine of what also that All of you so a long time dreamed this time did not suffice, hasten to agree with it. Yes, your dreams undoubtedly live in the wonderful country full of romanticism and magic, and there they can become a reality... And here you already feel unique aroma " Chanel ¹ 5 ", hear bewitching sounds of an accordion, plunge into fantastic whirlpool of Paris, attracting Mediterranean beaches...
So, you have made the choice! But for you France - mysterious stranger which you appoint appointment. And in such cases it is better to have some information
Here is what useful to know before going to this remarkable country:
France - the largest state of the Western Europe known for the cultural traditions, kitchen and faults. Its delightful capital, ancient locks of Loire, top of the Alpes and Пиренеев, and also the beaches of Azure Coast filled in by the sun involve set of tourists. Gallia which is being approximately in present territory of France and Belgium, has been won by Romans by 50 b.c.
In the end 5 - the beginning of 6 centuries it the germen-francs, given to the country have grasped the name. Their governor, Charles the Great, has created the first West-European empire. To 1066 duke of the France located on the north of Normandy has intruded in England and became its king under Wilhelm The First Conqueror's name.
Next four centuries between England and France repeatedly there were conflicts, from which most known - Centenary war (1337 1453). Having left it the winner, France 200 with superfluous years strengthened the international positions, having reached the top of power in board of the Lui XIV.
Absolute monarchy in the country Great French revolution (1789-1799) after which to authority Napoleon the First has come, won almost has destroyed all Western Europe, but sufferred defeat under Waterloo in 1815. In 19 century France has grasped extensive colonies in Africa and Southeast Asia.
After the Second World war of the politician of rapproachement with Germany has led to creation European economic the communities (EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY), subsequently transformed in the European Union in which France played one of the leading parts.
In 1960th years France was strongly fixed in group of the leading and industrial countries of a planet. The country is divided into 22 historical areas and 96 departments, 2 of which on Corsica.
From the north on the south and from the West on the east France was stretched almost on 1000 kilometers. On the area (551 тыс.кв.км) it more than twice surpasses both the Great Britain, and Germany. Capital of France - the city of Paris. Other fineer islands concern to France in Mediterranean sea and the Baltic gulf island Corsica and some. The population of the country makes 58 million person.
Map
Official language is French, however on surburbs of the country speak on Bask (Pyrenees), Catalonese (Roussilon), German (Alsace), Bretanne (the Western Brittany), Flemish (area of Dunkirk) and Corsican (a dialect of Italian on Corsica).
Into structure of France enter: overseas departments - Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon; overseas territories - islands New Caledonias, French Polynesia and others. The French overseas territories reach on four continents, washed by four oceans.
France has possession in America, Africa and Ocenia. Their total area 127 thousand sq. km, and the population nearby 1,5 million people.
The country borrows an extreme western part of the European continent. In northeast the country borders on Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, in the east - with Germany, Switzerland and Italy, in a southeast - with Monaco, in the south - with Spain and Andorra. Sea borders of the country have greater extent, than overland and are divided into three strips: coast of Mediterranean sea, a coastal line of Atlantic with bay of Biscay and coast of passage La Manche in Northern sea. In the north France is separated from England with rather narrow passages La Manches and Pas de Calais, in the West it is washed by waters of bay of Biscay of Atlantic ocean, and in the south - Mediterranean sea.
The most part of territory - almost a quarter of overland border runs on crest Пиренеев on border with Spain, in a southeast the border with Italy and Switzerland goes across the Alpes and Юре. As a result the Frenchmen name the country "Hexagone" - "hexagon".
Convenience of sea and overland communications, position on a crossroads of the international ways long since strengthened economic positions of France, promoted development of its facilities, growth of trading and cultural attitudes with other countries.
The climate of France is defined by influence of cool Atlantic ocean in northern areas and warm Mediterranean sea in the south of the country.
Average temperatures of January make 1-8, July - 17-24 °C. In northern part of the country the soft and damp sea climate with insignificant fluctuations of temperatures in the summer and prevails in the winter. The south of the country concerns to the Mediterranean climatic zone with higher mid-annual temperatures and lower quantity of deposits. The subtropical climate of the Mediterranean type with very warm winter and in the hot summer because of influence of mountain ridges of the Alpes can be met only in southern seaside areas, in a valley of Rhone (down to Lyons) and on Corsica.
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