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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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France

France is a country in northwestern Europe with Paris as its capital and largest city.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

France is a country in northwestern Europe with Paris as its capital and largest city. It is a republic, uses French as its official language, and is known for its major role in European and world affairs, as well as its cultural influence and tourism.

Geography

France is located in northwestern Europe and borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. Its territory includes metropolitan France in Europe and several overseas regions.

Government

France is a unitary semi-presidential republic. The head of state is the president, and the country’s current president is Emmanuel Macron.

Demographics

France’s population was estimated at 66.59 million in 2026. French is the official language, and Paris is the country’s largest city.

Culture and tourism

France is internationally known for its cultural influence, historic cities, museums, cuisine, fashion, and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Key facts

  • France is a country in northwestern Europe with overseas regions and territories.
  • Paris has been the capital of France since 1944.
  • France’s population was estimated at 66,590,000 in 2026.
  • The official language is French.
  • France is widely associated with landmarks, cuisine, fashion, and art, and is a major global tourist destination.
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Canadian context

France is a major partner of Canada through diplomatic, economic, cultural, and Francophone ties, and French is one of Canada’s two official languages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of France?
The capital of France is Paris.
What is the population of France?
France’s population was estimated at 66,590,000 in 2026.
Who is the president of France?
The president of France is Emmanuel Macron.
What language is spoken in France?
French is the official language of France.
What is France known for?
France is known for its cultural influence, historic landmarks, cuisine, fashion, museums, and tourism.
What is the currency of France?
The currency of France is the euro (€).

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/France
    Supports: Capital, population, official language, currency, head of state, and general country overview.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France
    Supports: Population estimate, overseas regions, capital, largest city, and tourism-related details.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_capitals_of_France
    Supports: Paris has been the capital of France since 1944.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Paris
    Supports: Paris as the national capital of France.