France (6do encyclopedia)



France is a western European country located on the continent of Europe. It is surrounded by countries such as Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra. France also shares maritime borders with the United Kingdom and Ireland.

France is the largest country in the European Union with a total area of 643,801 square kilometers. Its population of around 67 million people makes it the 20th most populous country in the world. The country’s capital and largest city is Paris.

History:
France has a rich history, which can be traced back to the Gallic tribes who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Romans. Julius Caesar conquered the region in 52 BC. In the Middle Ages, France was a powerful kingdom, and the monarchs played a crucial role in European politics. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the monarchy was abolished and replaced by a republic.

Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in 1799 and became the Emperor in 1804. He conquered much of Europe during his reign, but his empire collapsed after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. France remained a republic until 1852, when Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew, seized power and declared himself Emperor Napoleon III.

France played a crucial role in both World War I and World War II. It was one of the Allied powers in World War I and suffered heavy casualties. In World War II, France was occupied by Germany from 1940 to 1944. The country played a vital role in the post-war reconstruction of Europe and became one of the founding members of the European Union.

Geography:
France has a diverse topography, with mountains, hills, plains, and coastal regions. The country’s highest peak is Mont Blanc, which is 4,810 meters tall and is located in the French Alps. The Rhône River, Seine River, and Loire River are the country’s largest rivers. The coastlines of France stretch for over 3,427 kilometers, and the country has several islands, including Corsica, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Climate:
France’s climate varies from region to region. In general, the country has a temperate climate, which means mild winters and warm summers. The Mediterranean region of France has a hot and dry climate, while the Atlantic coast has a more oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. The mountainous regions of France experience alpine climates with cold winters and mild summers.

Culture:
France has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its art, cuisine, fashion, architecture, and literature. The country’s history and culture have influenced many other countries around the world. Artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world. French cuisine, including cheese, wine, bread, pastries, and seafood, is considered some of the best in the world. French fashion has been at the forefront of the industry for centuries, with famous designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. French literature has produced renowned writers such as Victor Hugo, Albert Camus, and Marcel Proust.

Economy:
France is one of the largest economies in the world and is known for its strong industrial and agricultural sectors. The country has a highly skilled workforce and is home to several multinational corporations. The tourism industry also plays a significant role in the French economy.

Politics:
France is a democracy, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a bicameral parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The current president of France is Emmanuel Macron, who was elected in 2017.

Education:
France has a well-developed education system that is free and compulsory until the age of 16. The country has some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including the Sorbonne in Paris.

Conclusion:
France has a rich history, geography, culture, and economy. The country is known for its achievements in art, cuisine, fashion, architecture, and literature. French politics are democratic, and the country has a well-developed education system. France’s role in European politics and world events has been critical, and the country is regarded as one of the most influential in the world.


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Is Roglic the Giro d’Italia peloton superspreader?

Telegraph

23-05-15 12:04


Rumours that cyclist Primoz Roglic had COVID-19 have been dismissed by his team, Jumbo-Visma, but the UCI's updated COVID-19 protocols are vague about what should happen if a rider tests positive during a race. If the rider has a low viral load or is asymptomatic, they may be permitted to continue to race, but this situation depends on local health rules, the pandemic severity of the country where the race is being held and subject to a decision to isolate and withdraw from the race will be taken by the team doctors, event doctors and the UCI medical director.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/2023/05/15/primoz-roglic-giro-ditalia-peloton-superspreader/
Rainbow armbands and numbers in football spotlight again

Deutsche Welle

23-05-15 11:31


French football players Zakaria Aboukhlal and Mostafa Mohamed have refused to wear shirts featuring rainbow numbers during a game against homophobia. The incident is viewed as significant in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia with many players and teams expected to seek permission to show support for various causes, including LGBTQ rights. The FIFA has reiterated the captain of each team "must wear the captain's armband provided by FIFA".

https://www.dw.com/en/rainbow-armbands-and-numbers-in-football-spotlight-again/a-65626464
PSG close in on 11th Ligue 1 title as row erupts over anti-homophobia campaign

RFI

23-05-15 11:19


Several French football players refused to wear rainbow colours on their shirts in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which takes place on 17 May. Toulouse Football Club has excluded some players from matches after they said they did not wish to participate in the campaign. Some French politicians called on teams to take actions against such players. The controversy broke out with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 players wearing the rainbow-coloured numbers on their shirts and coaches and officials wearing rainbow armbands before games.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/sports/20230515-psg-close-in-on-11th-ligue-1-title-as-row-erupts-over-anti-homophobia-campaign
Macron courts Tesla’s Musk and other investors to ‘Choose France’

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 11:04


French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted the annual Choose France summit in the Palace of Versailles, where he invited business leaders including Tesla CEO Elon Musk. During the summit, the executives who attended pledged to invest a combined €13bn, marking the most significant amount since Macron first created the event in 2018. Although France had previously hoped Musk would build a European gigafactory within its borders, he chose to open one in Germany instead. However, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is reportedly pitching tax credits for green technology investments to Musk at a summit lunch.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/international-business/article-macron-courts-teslas-musk-and-other-investors-to-choose-france/
Bernard Phelan’s sister describes ‘unbelievable’ reunion after Iran jail ordeal

The Independent

23-05-15 10:55


An Irish-French national, Bernard Phelan, has been released by Iran after a seven-month detention. He was accused of taking photos of police and a burned mosque following an anti-regime protest and providing intelligence to an enemy country after allegedly confiscating sensitive documents. His second trial was due to begin in September, however, the Irishman was released along with a second French national on humanitarian grounds. Mr Phelan, a Paris-based travel consultant, reportedly experienced significant ill health while in custody but has now been released and flown to Paris where he will spend time recovering in hospital.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/iran-french-department-of-foreign-affairs-irish-dublin-b2339042.html
G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b
Ukraine authorities expose piles of cash in Supreme Court corruption probe

Reuters

23-05-16 00:28


The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said it is investigating large-scale bribery in the Ukrainian Supreme Court system but did not name anyone suspected of wrongdoing. NABU did release a photograph of wads of dollars placed neatly on a sofa, however. Online publications Dzerkalo Tyzhnia and Ukrayinska Pravda said but did not name officials who reported that Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev had been detained over suspicions he accepted a bribe of $3m. The money was believed to come from supporters of a court decision in April favouring Kostyantyn Zhevago’s pellet producer, Ferrexpo Plc.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-authorities-expose-piles-cash-supreme-court-corruption-probe-2023-05-16/
In European Tour, Zelensky Reaps Billions More in Promised Military Aid

NY Times

23-05-15 23:00


Germany has pledged to give Ukraine a nearly $3 billion package of weapons, as well as making less concrete promises of additional weapons from France and Italy. The United States remains by far the largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine but support for Ukraine in the US is likely to come under pressure. US white house officials have said privately that they remain confident they have bipartisan support in Congress to continue helping Ukraine in the near term. The European Union package of aid includes long-range missiles, attack drones and tanks, and other armoured vehicles, which will fulfill many but not all the demands for weapons that Ukraine has said it needs for a counteroffensive. Military analysts have said the European reinforcements make it highly likely that Ukrainian troops forces will soon strike back at Russian forces that control the country’s south. The European Union's show of support for Ukraine underscores that the war is in a pivotal phase, with Ukrainian forces massing for a counteroffensive that could set the terms for any future negotiation with Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/europe/ukraine-war-zelensky-foreign-aid.html?searchResultPosition=1
Russia slams Macron for saying Kremlin is becoming subservient to China

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 22:45


Russian officials have rejected comments by French President Emmanuel Macron claiming that Moscow was becoming subservient to China. Middle East Eye reported that they claimed Western countries must get used to a world underpinned by the Kremlin’s close ties with Beijing. The comments were made after Macron gave an interview to the Parisian daily, l’Opinion, in which he criticised Russia’s isolation caused by its invasion of Ukraine more than 14 months ago.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3220665/ukraine-war-russia-slams-emmanuel-macron-saying-kremlin-becoming-subservient-china
Macron promises €2 billion in tax cuts for French middle class

RFI

23-05-16 06:06


French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will direct €2bn of tax cuts towards the country's middle class. He did not specify how the money would be allocated but said he had asked his government to make proposals as to how focus these cuts on those viewed as "too rich to receive aid and not rich enough to live well", referring to those earning between €1,500 and €2,500 per month. Macron has turned his attention to the economy and creating jobs rather than pension reform. The president recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy; he has since opened the door to training Ukrainian fighter pilots.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230516-macron-promises-%E2%82%AC2-billion-in-tax-cuts-for-french-middle-class
Russia's war on Ukraine latest: Kyiv defends against heavy air raid

Reuters

23-05-16 04:51


In an intense air attack on Tuesday, Russia launched drones targeting Kyiv and the Ukrainian military reported that most of these had been destroyed by air defences. Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that he received pledges of further military assistance from the UK, including long-range attack drones and training, the Kremlin said it did not believe that British military hardware would change the course of the conflict. Leaders of the G7 nations are reportedly due to tighten sanctions on Russia at this week’s Japan summit, as part of continued diplomatic pressure on Russia.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-war-ukraine-latest-kyiv-defends-against-heavy-air-raid-2023-05-16/
Leading Nigerian bank opens French subsidiary in Paris

RFI

23-05-16 04:48


Nigeria's Access Bank has opened a branch in Paris specialising in trade finance to facilitate business between French-speaking African nations and France. Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe said the launch of the French office was part of a broader push to bridge business and political divides between Africa and France. Trade will be Access Bank's initial focus, capitalising on trade flows between French and African countries, Wigwe said. French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly been keen to broaden ties between France and English-speaking African countries and establish a new relationship that moved away from traditional "Françafrique" French relations with former colonies.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20230516-nigeria-access-bank-opens-french-subsidiary-to-boost-trade-with-francophone-africa
France withdraws as host of 2025 Rugby League World Cup

Japan Times

23-05-16 04:25


France has withdrawn from hosting the 2025 Rugby League World Cup due to concerns over the financial risks that could be incurred by the tournament. The country had hosted previous editions of rugby league's world tournament. Despite the withdrawal, the International Rugby League (IRL) continue to look at options for the future event.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/05/16/rugby/rugby-league-wc-france-withdrawal/
Putin launches fresh wave of deadly strikes on Kyiv – live

The Independent

23-05-16 04:23


Russian forces have launched another volley of missile attacks on Kyiv, killing three people and injuring others, according to official sources. The wave of rocket and missile assaults targeted the Ukrainian capital as well as the regions surrounding it and came a week after similar attacks garnered worldwide condemnation. The Putin-led regime's actions have triggered air raid alarms, with city-dwellers across the country bracing themselves as Ukraine declares advanced weapon sales across European nations. Meanwhile, China's envoy is preparing to visit both Ukraine and Russia despite slim hopes of brokering a peace agreement between the two countries.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-uk-long-range-attack-drones-b2339516.html
Homophobic and transphobic physical attacks on the rise in France

RFI

23-05-16 10:02


French NGO SOS Homophobie received reports of 184 physical attacks against LGBT+ people in 2020, according to its annual report on homophobia. This was 28% more than the previous year. The group also recorded an increase of 26% in transphobic incidents. It called on the government to dedicate more resources to support LGBTQ+ victims and to train police to better deal with complaints of homophobic and transphobic acts. The number of physical attacks may be even higher as the report excludes crimes that have not been reported.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230516-homophobic-and-transphobic-physical-attacks-on-the-rise-in-france
Global accord could cut plastic pollution by 80%

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 10:00


A report from the United Nations Environment Programme has launched a path to reducing plastic waste. The report calls for bans to eliminate problematic plastic that cannot be recycled, reused or composted, as well as overpackaging. It lays out a three-pronged approach of reusing, recycling and switching to alternative materials. The reuse of packaging is believed to be the lowest hanging fruit, cutting plastic pollution by 30% by 2040, while improving recycling rates could lead to a 20% reduction in plastic pollution.

https://www.dw.com/en/global-accord-could-cut-plastic-pollution-by-80/a-65632381
Opening a 'Cannes' of worms: scandal and tension at the film festival

RFI

23-05-16 09:53


Johnny Depp has opened the 76th Cannes Film Festival playing King Louis XV, the 18th century monarch who fell in love with a prostitute, played by Maïwenn herself in the opening night film "Jeanne du Barry." The actor's performance was met with interest about how his French would come across as his dialogue is kept to short phrases that help disguise his accent. The screening was met with heightened security due to President Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension reforms. Despite completing a defamantion trial, which revived the #MeToo debate, Depp remains a significant actor in Hollywood.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/culture/20230516-opening-a-cannes-of-worms-scandal-and-tension-at-the-film-festival
European stocks stumble as rate concerns return

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:20


European stocks fell at the start of trading on 18 May after the European Commission raised its EU-wide consumer price inflation forecast to 6.7% for this year, higher than previous estimates of 6.4%, adding to fears that interest rates will remain high. The eurozone economy is also expected to have stagnated at 1.3% year on year in first quarter 2023, according to Reuters. A host of investor caution will be exacerbated by the release of US retail sales data for April, as emerging markets continue to struggle amid a paradigm shift in global markets.

https://www.ft.com/content/e0702827-c666-454e-95d4-56ba01001166
Five Germans handed jail sentence for Green Vault jewel heist

Reuters

23-05-16 09:18


Five men involved in a jewel heist at a museum in Dresden have been sentenced to several years in prison. The break-in at the Green Vault museum in 2019 resulted in the theft of more than 4,300 diamonds with an estimated value of over €113m ($135m). The stolen items included a breast star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle and an ornate diamond headpiece. The court heard that the men sawed through part of a window grating to gain entry. Most of the stolen jewels have been recovered. The Dresden collection was originally assembled in the 18th century by Augustus the Strong of Saxony.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/five-germans-handed-jail-sentence-green-vault-jewel-heist-2023-05-16/