Fast Facts
Continent: Europe
Area: 674,843 km2
Capital: Paris
Population: 65,350,000 (2012)
Official Language: French
Calling Code: 33
Independence Day: July 14, 1789 (Bastille Day)
Type Of Government: Unitary, semi-presidential, constitutional republic
Continent: Europe
Area: 674,843 km2
Capital: Paris
Population: 65,350,000 (2012)
Official Language: French
Calling Code: 33
Independence Day: July 14, 1789 (Bastille Day)
Type Of Government: Unitary, semi-presidential, constitutional republic
Fun Facts About France
- In terms of aggregate household wealth, France is the wealthiest nation in Europe and the fourth-wealthiest in the world.
- One of the most famous symbols of France, the Eiffel Tower stands at a staggering height of 984 feet, almost the height of a 70 storey building. Today, the tower has 2 restaurants, observing desk, a post office, etc and has elevators that take people up on the first three platforms.
- France is home to the highest number of Nobel Prize winners.
- Did you know, it is legal to marry a deceased person in France with a legal authorization?
- The Statue of Liberty was made in France and given as a gift to the United States, during the celebration of its centennial in 1886.
- It is customary to greet people in France with a kiss on the cheek!
- One of the most beautiful churches in France, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is a classic example of a church built in the ancient Gothic style. It is located on a small island on the Seine River. The construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 13th century.
- French is considered to be the language of nobility across Europe and became the world’s first international language until English replaced it in the 20th century.
- France was founded in 843, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe.
- French people have the highest female life expectancy in Europe.
- French cuisine and cooking is considered to be the best in the world. Dishes such as quiche, soufflés, mousse, pâté, croissants, crêpes, and French bread are prepared with much perfection and one bite of the yum food will have you asking for more.
- Did you know that there are more than 400 varieties of cheese produced in this beautiful country?
- During the 18th and the 20th century, French literature and poetry reached its peak. Some of the most famous literary works and stories that are popular till date were penned by acclaimed French writers like Charles Pennaut, Gaston Leroux, etc. Examples of famous stories are 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Bluebeard', 'The Three Musketeers', 'The Count of Monte Cristo', 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
- France is home to more than 40,000 castles and manors.
- There is a Victor Hugo street in every town in France.
- It’s illegal to kiss on railways in France.
- Famous French inventions include: the hot air balloon, the submarine, and the parachute.