Travel Guide France - Country Information

Coordinates: 46 00 N, 2 00 E
Population: 60,876,136 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%
Languages: French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)
Climate: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral
Elevation: lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m / highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
Hazards: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean
Background France: 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.

Summary of recommendations:In general, no special immunizations or medications are necessary for travel to France. Because of the presence of certain tick-borne infections, including Lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis, and rickettsial diseases, tick precautions are recommended for travel to rural and forested areas during the warm weather months