Interesting Facts about France - Fun Facts about France

Who can resist a country that creates superior quality wine, hors d’oeuvres, cheese, good-looking people and such a romantic language that is music to the ears? If you are looking for facts about France, stay on, because you are on the right page. Officially known as the France Republic, this beautiful country is one of the most visited places in the world. Famous for its tourist attractions like Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame, etc. this place is worth visiting to get a feel of the mysterious old-world charm, dizzying modernity and passionate romance, all mingled into one atmosphere. This place has a rich historical legacy and its intriguing past is what attracts visitors from all over the world to come here and experience the mystical romance associated with this place. Right from the earliest human settlers to the fact that Julius Caesar once ruled this place, France has some really unique and interesting facts behind it.

Fast Facts

Continent: Europe

Area: 674,843 km²

Capital: Paris

Population: 65,350,000 (2012)

Official Language: French

Calling Code: 33

Independence Day: July 14, 1789 (Bastille Day)

Type Of Government: Unitary, semi-presidential, constitutional republic

Fun Facts About France

France is the world's fifth-largest and Europe's second-largest economy by nominal GDP. In terms of GDP at purchasing power parity, France is the world's ninth largest economy.
In terms of aggregate household wealth, France is the wealthiest nation in Europe and the fourth-wealthiest in the world.
One of the most famous symbols of France, the Eiffel Tower stands at a staggering height of 984 feet, almost the height of a 70 storey building. Today, the tower has 2 restaurants, observing desk, a post office, etc and has elevators that take people up on the first three platforms.
France is home to the highest number of Nobel Prize winners.
Did you know, it is legal to marry a deceased person in France with a legal authorization?
The Statue of Liberty was made in France and given as a gift to the United States, during the celebration of its centennial in 1886.
France is the world leader in the production of luxury goods, including fashion and haute couture!
It is customary to greet people in France with a kiss on the cheek!
One of the largest art museums in the world, the Louvre, boasts of having some of the most prized artifacts. This includes Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and also the works of French artists like Monet, Cezanne, and Renoir.
One of the most beautiful churches in France, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is a classic example of a church built in the ancient Gothic style. It is located on a small island on the Seine River. The construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 13th century.
French is considered to be the language of nobility across Europe and became the world’s first international language until English replaced it in the 20th century.
France was founded in 843, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe.
French people have the highest female life expectancy in Europe.
French cuisine and cooking is considered to be the best in the world. Dishes such as quiche, soufflés, mousse, pâté, croissants, crêpes, and French bread are prepared with much perfection and one bite of the yum food will have you asking for more.
Did you know that there are more than 400 varieties of cheese produced in this beautiful country?
France is said to have been the birthplace of Gothic art as well as Baroque architectural style. Gothic art was previously known as French Art. This is the reason why we have so many famous and stunningly beautiful Cathedrals and Basilicas have the element of Gothic Art in them.
During the 18th and the 20th century, French literature and poetry reached its peak. Some of the most famous literary works and stories that are popular till date were penned by acclaimed French writers like Charles Pennaut, Gaston Leroux, etc. Examples of famous stories are 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Bluebeard', 'The Three Musketeers', 'The Count of Monte Cristo', 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
France is home to more than 40,000 castles and manors.
There is a Victor Hugo street in every town in France.
French is the mother tongue of 75 million people worldwide. It was also the official language of England for over 300 years.
It’s illegal to kiss on railways in France.
France ruled the second largest colonial empire in the world controlling 8.6% of the world’s land.
Famous French inventions include: the hot air balloon, the submarine, and the parachute.

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