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Places in News: France
Context:
Given that no party secured a majority in the French elections, coalition negotiations and alliances are expected to shape the formation of the next government.
About France:
- Official Name: French Republic (République française)
- Capital: Paris
- Motto: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” (Liberté, égalité, fraternité)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Official Language: French
- Location: Western Europe
- Borders: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Andorra
- Geographic Boundaries: Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, English Channel, North Sea, Alps, Pyrenees
Key French geographical features that form borders with other countries:
- The Alps form the border between France and Italy in the southeastern part of the country
- The Pyrenees Mountains form the border between France and Spain in the southwestern part of the country. This natural barrier separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe.
- The Rhine River forms part of the border between France and Germany
- France’s northern maritime border with the United Kingdom (specifically England) crosses the Strait of Dover (known as Pas de Calais in French). It is a narrow channel separating the two countries.
- Highest Point: Mont Blanc (4,808 metres) in the Alps
- Major Rivers: Seine, Garonne, Rhône, Saône
International Relations
- European Union (EU) Membership: Founding member
- NATO Membership: Founding member
- UN Membership: Permanent member of the United Nations Security Council
- G7/G20: Member of both groups
