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Official name |
French Republic |
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| Location |
550,000 square kilometres
France is the Western Europe's largest country in terms of area. Certain French departments and territories are located overseas (known in French as "DOMs" and "TOMs"). |
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Population |
Population :
62.1 million (2004) |
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Language |
French |
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Religions |
Catholic (90%), Muslim, Protestant, Jewish |
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Capital |
Paris (population: 11.2 million) |
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Political system |
- Parliamentary democracy combined with presidential authority.
- Bicameral parliament made up of a Senate and a National Assembly.
- The President of the Republic, who is the head of state, is elected for a five-year term of office.
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the President.
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| Constitution |
The institutions of the Fifth Republic are governed by the constitution of October 4, 1958, which has been amended on several occasions. |
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| Right to vote |
Direct universal suffrage as of age 18 |
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Embassy and consulates |
Foreign representations in Québec |
