Updated: March 2009
France
Overview | World Vision's history in France | World Vision in France today
OverviewThe French Republic, which has the largest area of any country in Western Europe, shares a border with six other European countries. The northern and eastern borders touch Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, and the Pyrenees Mountains separate the southwestern border from Spain. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south, and the Bay of Biscay sits to the west. In the north, the English Channel separates France from the United Kingdom. The climate in France is generally moderate, though some areas experience seasonal extremes. With the exception of the Pyrenees Mountains in the south and the Alps in the east, France is mostly composed of plains and rolling hills. Natural resources include coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, arsenic, gypsum, timber, and fish.For centuries, France has been a crossroads of trade and travel and subject to numerous invasions. Three primary European ethnic groups—Celtic, Latin, and Teutonic (Frankish)—have blended over the centuries to comprise the country’s present population. Historically, France has had a high level of immigration, and it is home to the largest Muslim and Jewish populations in Europe. The official language is French, spoken by nearly 100 percent of the population as regional languages continue to die out. |  |
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| France was also one of the earliest countries to progress from feudalism to a nation-state. During the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), France was the dominant power in Europe. However, prosperity did not last, and deteriorating economic conditions coupled with popular resentment against the system of privileges for nobility and clerics to fuel the French Revolution (1789-1799). Although the revolutionaries promoted egalitarian principles of government, France reverted to forms of absolute rule, or constitutional monarchy, four times: during the Empire of Napoleon, the Restoration of Louis XVIII, Louis-Philippe’s reign, and the Second Empire of Napoleon III. After the Franco-Prussian War (1870), the Third Republic was established and lasted until the German defeat of 1940. Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive human and material losses, as well as its rank as a dominant nation-state. Today, however, France is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. The French are in the midst of transition from a wealthy economy, characterized by government ownership and involvement, to one that relies more on market mechanisms. France's leaders remain committed to reducing both income inequality and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. France is a member of the G-8 and the European Union. In recent years, the country has contributed to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. France receives more visitors than any other country—75 million foreign tourists per year—and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism. France has a highly centralized educational system that is free, beginning at age 2, and is mandatory between ages 6 and 16. Private, college-level institutions focus on business and management; meanwhile, curricula based on the U.S. system of credits and semesters are growing in popularity. Back to top World Vision's history in FranceWorld Vision opened an office in Paris in 2002, launching a nationwide campaign focusing on the needs of those living in the world’s poorest countries. In the years since 2005, when the first fundraising efforts began, France has initiated sponsorship programs in Myanmar and Lebanon and has advocated to bring an end to child exploitation and sexual tourism.Back to top World Vision in the France todayToday, efforts in France focus on child sponsorship and community development projects. The French currently sponsor some 9,000 children around the world and have partnered with the film “Johnny Mad Dog,” which raises awareness about child soldiers.For more information about World Vision’s work in France, please contact the United States office. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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