France is the largest country in Western Europe. In 1958 after years of instability of government, French voters agreed to a new constitution that gave more power to the president and established a strong republic. President of French Republic- Nicolas Sarkozdy

France and the Benelux Countries The official language of France is French, and many people have migrated to France from French colonies such as North Africa and Asia. Most of France’s religion is primarily Roman Catholic. Most of France is urbanized with 3 out of 4 people living in cities. Lyon, France the second largest city in France.

France and the Benelux Countries On July 14 th the French celebrate their nation and culture with fireworks and celebrations. It marks when France took over the Bastille and common people had a greater role in the government. A big part of France’s culture is their sports with soccer and cycling being the primary sports. Bastille Day in France

France and the Benelux Countries The Tour De France is the nations biggest cultural sport. The race is covers more than 2200 miles and lasts three weeks. The race is broken down into stages and ends every year in Paris. Map of the 2012 Tour De France- Stages

France and the Benelux Countries France is a parliamentary democracy (Republic) and its power is similar to the United States with an executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the government. The president of France has a five year term and overseas foreign affairs, while the prime minister he appoints takes care of the daily operation of the French government. Current Prime Minister of France Francois Fillon

France and the Benelux Countries France has one of the world’s strongest economies. It is a major producer of cars, trains, airplanes, and farm produce because of the very fertile Northern European Plain. Peugeot Car Company Renault Car Company Grapes of France

France and the Benelux Countries France is a member of the European Union and has been the world’s top tourist destination because of it’s historic sites, museums, castles, and cathedrals. The top tourist destination is the Eiffel tower in Paris. Beaches in Normandy, France Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

France and the Benelux Countries The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg belong to an economic Union known as the Benelux. The countries of the Benelux are similar in many areas. All are constitutional monarchies, highly urbanized, and all belong to the European Union.

France and the Benelux Countries The Netherlands is a densely populated country. (a larger than average number of people for a given unit of space) With living space scarce it is a highly urbanized area. The Official language of the Netherlands is Dutch and with most of Europe the dominant religion is Roman Catholic. Largest city is Amsterdam, Netherlands its capital

France and the Benelux Countries Belgium at one time had been a part of Netherlands, but gained its independence in There are three official languages in Belgium, Dutch, French, and German. Belgium has a successful economy because of its location, although with its location it has been a battleground for World War I and II. The largest city and its capital- Belgium.

France and the Benelux Countries Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe and broke away from the Netherlands in Luxembourg similar to Belgium has three official languages, Dutch, German, and Luxembourgish. For that reason many people in Luxembourg are multilingual. The Largest city in Luxembourg is the city of Luxembourg