France
By: Hayden Sadd
France Information: Tasks 1-4
Introduction/Background:
Geography and Travel:
Some of the major cities in France are Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Paris, France, the capital, being home to one of the most monumental structures in the world, the Eiffel tower. France is mostly flat plains, with some rolling hills in the north and west. On the very edges are the Pyrenees and the Alps mountain ranges. France includes the Rhine river which helps the french because the Rhine river is navigable, and leads to the Mediterranean. Three types of climate may occur in france. these are the oceanic, continental, and mediterranean. these different climates average at cool summers and cold winters. The temperature ranges from 24 degrees celsius to -20 degrees celsius on a normal basis. The majority of people live on the coast of France (besides Paris). This is probably due to the fisherman lifestyle opportunity and visitors from other countries. People get around in france manly by metro and taxi. Others drive their own car around the city. People from all around the world are permitted to fly in or take a boat. The same goes with leaving, by plane or boat.
Government/Foreign Policy:
France's government is a republic. The current leader is President Francois HOLLANDE since May 15, 2012. The law making body is the Bicameral Parliament. The bicameral parliament is made up of the Senate (348 seats), and the National Assembly (577 seats). It is a limited government because there are three branches and they vote every 5 years. People mostly in the metropolitan France, get a part in the law making, and they have a say. Even though France is a republic, they have a lot in common with the US form of government. For example, both countries are a limited government, and they have regular elections. Citizens in both country have a say in the laws that are made, and who makes them. Also, both governments have three branches of government, an executive, legislative, and judicial. France has been a member of the United Nations since October 25, 1945. France receives aid from countries such as the US, Russia, Persia, the UK, Germany, and Italy. France also has many trade ports in the south so it can receive goods from the Mediterranean.
Economy:
In France, the currency are bills and coins called euros. One euro is equal to about $1.11 US dollars. France's exports things like machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, pharmaceutical products, and iron and steel. France imports machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, and chemicals. France's GDP per capita was $40,500 US dollars in 2014. GDP per capita is gross domestic product, which means the average rate of money made by people in an area per year. GDP per capita can help us picture the economy level by how much people are making. The GDP per capita in the US is about $54,400 US dollars in 2014, so compared to the US, France is above average in a scale from poor to US. But people their still have happy lives with food water and shelter.
Regional Map
Physical Map
Major city map
More France Information: Tasks 5-8
Central Intelligence Agency. "World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 18 Sept. 1947. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.
The major ethnic groups in France are Celtic and Latin with Teutonic. Latin ethnicity is very common throughout Europe. School in France is mandatory to start at the age 6 and end at age 16. But most parents enroll their children in education at age 3. The mandatory school is payed for by the Ministry of National Education. But if parents choose to enroll at age 3, then the parents must pay. Women in France have the right to vote and participate in governmental affairs. However, in 2006, most women earned 27% less pay than men. For children, mandatory health care check-ups are set at ages 6, 9, 12, and 15. Most children are sent to places called crèches. Crèches were basically modern day daycares. 99% of people, 15 years or older, male and female, can read and write. based on the literacy rates, one could conclude that there are many job opportunities for people that can read and write. There are multiple ethnic groups in France, but the two major ones are Celtic and Latin with Teutonic. There have been many ethnic conflicts in the last five years about matters like jobs and legal matters.
Religion, Language, Country Flag:
There are many different things in France, but language is not one of them. The CIA Website reports that 100% of people in France speak french. On the other hand, there are many different religions scattered throughout France. But the major ones are christian, 65%, and none, 25%. The blue and red represent the Virgin Mary, the patroness of France. The colors of the flag also have other meanings, white: clergy, red: nobility, and blue: bourgeoisie. The France flag was created February 15, 1794.
Traditional Holidays or Festivals, Traditional Clothing, and Food:
Some of the major holidays in France are, christmas, bastille day, and armistice day. However, the most important out of the three is bastille day. This holiday celebrates the first step to the French Revolution, and the French Revolution is what eventually led to the French Republic. One of the most traditional foods in france is Soupe à l'oignon. This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and cheese on top. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times. However, its current version originated in the 18th century. The remarkable taste of the soup is due to the caramelisation of the onions.
Data Maps, Data Graphs:
Based on the information presented in the pie chart, one could conclude that France must have similar holidays with the US. Based on the information presented in the bar graph, one could conclude that over the years, France's job opportunities have increased.