United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ 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.
Geography France Location: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK ”

“ Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the suggestion of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (321 seats - 296 for metropolitan France, 13 for overseas departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members are indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve nine-year terms; elected by thirds every three years) ”

“ Investment (gross fixed) : 19.2% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 6.5% (2000) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 25.1% (1995) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 32.7 (1995) Inflation rate (consumer prices) : 2.1% (2003 est.) Labor force: 27.39 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 4.1%, industry 24.4%, services 71.5% (1999) Unemployment rate: 9.7% (2003 est.) ”

“ The current economic slowdown and inflexible budget items have pushed the 2003 deficit to 4% of GDP, above the EU's 3% debt limit. Business investment remains listless because of low rates of capital utilization, sluggish demand, high debt, and the steep cost of capital. ”

“ President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN (since 7 May 2002)
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (changed from seven-year term in October 2000) ; election last held 21 April and 5 May 2002 (next to be held, first round April 2007, second round May 2007) ; prime minister nominated by the National Assembly majority and appointed by the president
election results: Jacques CHIRAC reelected president ”

“ Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS] ; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA] ; Socialist Party or PS [Francois HOLLANDE] ; Greens [Gilles LEMAIRE, Francine BAVAY, Jean DESESSARD, Christophe PORQUIER, Maud LELIEVRE] ; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Francois BAYROU] ; Union for a Popular Movement or UMP (including RPR, DL, and a part of UDF) [Nicolas SARKOZY] Political pressure groups and leaders: historically-Communist labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail) or CGT, approximately 700,000 members (claimed) ”