France, officially the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe. Metropolitan France shares borders with Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany to the northeast, Switzerland to the east, Italy and Monaco to the southeast, Andorra and Spain to the south, and a maritime border with the United Kingdom to the northwest. Its capital and largest city is Paris. France is known for its rich history, culture, and contributions to art, fashion, cuisine, and philosophy.
Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art. The Palace of Versailles, the former residence of French royalty, is another popular destination. France is also known for its diverse landscapes, from the French Alps to the lavender fields of Provence and the beaches of the French Riviera.
In recent news, France has been dealing with protests and political instability. The French stock market index, the FR40, reached a record peak in February 2026. France is also moving closer to banning social media for users under the age of 15, due to concerns about mental health.
