|
 |
 | French Republic |
|
| Location: |
Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain |
|
| Area: |
547,030 sq km |
|
| Climate: |
generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean
|
|
| Terrain: |
mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east |
|
| Population: |
58,978,172 (July 1999 est.) |
|
| Religions: |
Approximately 81% Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority. Almost every religion has at least some adherents.
|
|
| Languages: |
French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish) |
|
| Capital: |
Paris |
|
|
 |
