Overview of France

France is located in western Europe, bordering the English Channel to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany to the east, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, and Spain and Andorra to the southwest. The capital is Paris, with a population of approximately 2.1 million in the city center. France has a total area of approximately 643801 square kilometers, making it one of the largest countries in the European Union.

France is a semi presidential republic, with the President as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The current president is Emmanuel Macron, and the prime minister is Elizabeth Borne. French is an official language and also one of the official languages of international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. France is the seventh largest economy in the world, with major industries including aerospace, automotive manufacturing, luxury goods, cosmetics, food and beverage, energy, etc. Paris is one of the important financial centers in the world.

France has rich cultural heritage, art, and fashion. Paris is known as the "City of Light" and "City of Fashion", with many famous museums (such as the Louvre) and historical buildings (such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral). France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year.

France is one of the four major economic powers in Europe, with a total GDP of 2782.9 billion US dollars in 2022, ranking seventh globally, and a per capita GDP of approximately 40963.8 US dollars, ranking 26th globally. The French economy grew by 0.3% quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2024, mainly driven by foreign trade.

Nevertheless, the French economy still faces long-term risks, including multiple structural issues of debt, consumption, employment, and productivity. The French government plans to reduce the fiscal deficit by increasing taxes and cutting spending, but this plan has sparked strong controversy.

In addition, France's inflation rate is expected to be 2.5% in 2024 and will remain stable in the coming years. The unemployment rate is expected to average 6.5% in 2024 and 2025, but is expected to drop to 6.4% in 2026 and beyond.