Bon Jour By Hannah Schwalbach

France * Geography, Climate, Natural Resources * Economic Data * Culture * Current Events

#1Geography, Climate, and Natural Resources. Landforms ranging from high mountains to plains. High table lands/plateaus and lowlands. Rivers/canals tie regions together. Variety of climates Mediterranean sea area: Summers are hot and dry. Winters are not rainy and are windy. Atlantic ocean English channel: Mild, constant temperatures. Mountains: Summers short and hot. Winters are long and cold. Natural resources: coal, iron, fish, potash(used to make fertilizer), Antimony(Element used in batteries and bullets.)

How are France’s geography, climate, natural resouces connected to their daily life and/or job? France’s terrain is mostly made up of flat plains and France has a mostly mild climate. This has made them one of the largest agricultural producers. France is also the 2nd largest agricultural exporter. Their rich soil has helped farmers with exporting goods/food from their wheat farms. France is bordered by four big seas. This allows ships to have easy access to import foods and wine for French people to enjoy. In addition, access to the seas makes fish a major resource in France. This has led to the expanding of fishery industries. France is known for their beaches, such as the French Riviera. The reason the beaches are popular is because the summers are hot and the winters are mild . This brings many tourists which results in jobs and ultimately a better economy.

#2 Economic data Inflation Rate GDP per capita is 35,000 Unemployment rate is 9.8% Poverty rate is 6.2% while ours is 15% Frances budget deficit is -4.5% . Although this is not good it is better than our country and other countries. Their GDP growth rate is 0.1%. Inflation rate 2.3% Labor force by occupation. Agriculture is 3.8%, Industries are 24.3%, and services are 71.8%.

What does the economic data reveal about their quality of life? France is a developed country. They also enjoy a high-standard of living, a high public education level, and they have one of the worlds largest life expectancies. They are the 4th wealthiest country in the world and the wealthiest in Europe. France has been listed “Best overall health care.” By the World Health Organization. They also have a very low poverty level. France has a low retirement age. In addition the average time off per worker is 36 days per year. Gas, electricity, and food prices are low which makes them affordable for the French. France is the most popular place in Europe for second home buyers. They didn’t see housing prices decline compared to other countries. Also their banks continue to lend money on these homes. This helped their economy to stay stable.

#3 Culture In France French is the most common language. Other languages spoken are English, Spanish, then German. Most of France is Roman Catholic but not very many practice their religion. In France manners are very important while eating. They also have many rules and 2-4 course meals. They have famous landmarks and are famous for their Art. Sports are popular in France. France is the leading capital of fashion and design.

What do we need to know about these people to understand what makes their culture unique? Etiquette (social behavior) is very important to the French. France has many eating rules. No elbows on the table, how the silver wear is placed, and what foods they eat. A normal meal is 2-4 courses, however a formal meal usually 2 hours and 8-12 courses. Bread is eaten with every meal. As far as sports, Soccer is the national sport of France. They call it “le foot”. They also enjoy basketball, tennis, and sailing. The Tour de France is very popular cycling race held primarily in France. Paris is the fashion capital of the world with the presence of fashion shows and dedicated media like Elle. Even though France has competition with other countries many foreign designers still choose to start their career in France. French literature, art , and architecture have greatly influenced the world. The Louvre, a famous museum holds the original Mona Lisa and Venus of Milo.

#4 Current Events How has this event affected the US? Or how has the US affected this event? France has been a strong ally to the U.S. They have also been a strong military and foreign support. The most recent support has been in the war on terrorism. Currently, French and African forces are helping Malians shed militant Islamist rule. In January 2013, more than three dozen hostages died in a terrorist attack on a natural gas facility. The U.S. and France have been working together to bring down the main leader, Moktar Belmoktar. In recent news, it is suspected that Belmoktar was killed in a battle in Mali. U.S. and French intelligence are working together to confirm his death.

Summary Overall it seems like France would be a good country to visit. The climate is nice year round. They have good tourist spots, such as beaches and famous landmarks. They are a developed country and have a high standard of living. They have a variety of foods, fashion, and art. The French and the U.S. are allies.