Background: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive
losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state.
Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and
is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a
presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier
parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation
with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe,
including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January
1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's
military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
Location: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium
and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy
and Spain
Population: 60,656,178 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.4% (male 5,717,761/female 5,440,060)
15-64
years: 65.2% (male 19,784,749/female 19,752,432)
65 years and
over: 16.4% (male 4,084,193/female 5,876,983) (2005 est.)
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Female Profiles 
Male Profiles
