Square Miles of France

The total square miles of France are 212,935. It is the second biggest country in Europe. It has a population of 57.5 million, the fifth largest in the continent.

Key Facts

France’s capital is Paris with a population of 8.7 million. Lyon is another major city with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. Marseille also has 1.2 million residents. Lille has a population of 950,000, while Bordeaux has 640,000.

Geographical Features

2/3 of the country is made up of hills and mountains. The ranges are the Vosges, Pyrenees and the Alps. The highest point is Mont Blanc. It is also the tallest mountain in Europe. The Mediterranean coast features the French Riviera. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. It is a well known beach destination.

Notable Industries and Economy

The square miles of France and its geography made it a center of agriculture during its early years. To this day, the country is one of the world’s leading producers of wine. Its economy is highly industrialized. Tourism is crucial for its economy.

France is also known for its manufactured goods, aerospace products and cars. The nation is also recognized as one of the fashion capitals of the world. Chemical products are among France’s major products. It also produces a lot of textiles. Majority of the French population now live in cities and towns.

Art, Culture and Sports

France is home to some of the greatest artists in the world. It has produced a lot of famous writers. Probably the most well known is Victor Hugo, who wrote the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. Some of the most famous French artists are Renoir and Monet.

Sports play a major role in French life. Football is one of the most popular sports in the country. The country is also known for the annual 2,500 mile Tour de France bicycle race. Motor sports is also well loved.

Weather

Most parts of the country can be very cold or hot. The climate overall is temperate. The Gulf Stream current provides dry summer and mild winters along the Mediterranean coast. The mountainous areas tend to be cold. Some rain and snow fall there.
 
A study of the square miles of France indicates the earliest settlers were the Celts. They arrived in France around 1000 BC. Around 58 AD the Romans took over the area. The area was overrun by the Franks in AD 486. It is from the Franks that France got its name.