France Chapter 14 – Section 2

What things come to mind when you think of France?

History and Culture France is one of Europe's largest and most influential countries. People that have shaped French culture include Gauls, Romans, Franks, and Vikings.

French Society France has a strong cultural identity unified by language and religion. Most speak French. 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. Government spends money to promote French culture and language.

France and the United States France has had a long and friendly relationship with the US. However with the strong influence and spread of American culture in France is seen as a threat. English language, fast food, media, and movies are on the list of threats. 366-year-old government agency guards the French language from foreign influences.

French Cities Paris Capital and Primate City. Primate City – A city that ranks first and dominates a country in terms of population and economy. One of Europe's largest and most important cities. 11 million people live in the metropolitan area. Founded 2,000 years ago on the Seine (SAYN) River. Center for banking, business, communications, education, government, and transportation, fashion, French culture, and tourism. Important regional cities are Lyon (LYOHN), Lille (LEEL), and Marseille (mar-SAY).

Economy France has the shortest work week of 35 hours and the longest vacations, 1 month. French are famous for fashion design, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, glassware, and furniture. Tourism is very important for France’s Economy. Millions visit Paris, ski in the French Alps, and enjoy the Mediterranean coast known as the French Riviera.

Farming Farming is also an important part of the economy. France is second to the US in agriculture exports. Farmers provide wheat, sugar beets, olives, grapes, and dairy products. France is the world’s leading wine producer.

Industries Early industries were centered in the northeast near large deposits of coal and iron ore. Those heavy industries are now in decline. High-tech industries are developing rapidly. The south is a growing center for aviation, communication industries, and space technology.

Issues and Challenges One major issue facing France is the government’s powerful influence over the economy. Economy is highly taxed and highly regulated and many industries are government owned. The process of Privatization is happening and more and more state owned businesses are turned over to private owners.

Immigrants Algerians and Moroccans have been migrating to France in search of jobs. North Africans now for the largest immigrant group in the country. Immigrants are also coming from French Indochina and former French colonies. Indochina - Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos Bringing these immigrants into French society is another important challenge.

Colonial Empire 2 nd to the British, French had a large colonial empire. French has overseas territories that are considered departments (Part of France). French Guiana and Islands in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. Corsica has been considered pat of France since Violence has occurred here because they want their independence because they are culturally distinct from France.