Geographical position and neighbors of France. France. Geography, description and characteristics of the country. Transport system of France

France is the largest country in Western Europe. From north to south and from west to
east France stretches for almost 1000 km after Russia, it is the largest
European country. In terms of area (551 thousand sq. km, including Corsica), it is more than
twice the size of both the UK and Germany. The capital of France is the city
Paris. France includes the island of Corsica and several other smaller
islands in the Mediterranean and the Baltic.
France consists of: overseas departments - Guadeloupe, Martinique,
Guiana, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon; overseas territories - New Islands
Caledonia, French Polynesia and others. French overseas territories
spanning four continents, bordered by four oceans. Any
overseas territory can secede from France after
the majority of the population will express such a wish.
France has possessions in America, Africa and Oceania. Their total area is 127 thousand sq.
sq. km, and the population is about 1.5 million people.
France occupies the extreme western part of the European mainland. She can be called
country of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the Rhine and the Pyrenees. On the
in the northeast the country borders on Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, in the east
- with Germany, Switzerland and Italy, in the southeast - with Monaco, in the south - with
Spain and Andorra. The country's maritime borders are longer than
land. The sea border stretches for 3120 km, divided into three lanes:
Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic coastline with the Bay of Biscay and
shores of the English Channel in the North Sea. In the north, France is separated from England
narrow straits of the English Channel and Pas de Calais, in the west it is washed by waters
Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean, and in the south - the Mediterranean Sea. Many
sections of the coast, especially in Brittany and Provence, are heavily indented, have
there are many bays suitable for mooring ships. /cm. rice. 2/
Most - almost a quarter of the land border runs along the ridge
Pyrenees on the border with Spain, in the southeast the border with Italy and Switzerland
goes through the Alps and the Jura. As a result, the French themselves call their country "Hexagone" -
"hexagon". This name, on the one hand, creates the impression of her as
about a single whole, and on the other hand, it implies an extraordinary diversity.
The river serves as the Franco-West German border for a considerable length.
Rhine, only in the north of the lowlands of France imperceptibly merge with
lowlands of Belgium.
Convenience of sea and land communications, position at the crossroads of international
ways have long strengthened the economic position of France, contributed to
the development of its economy, the growth of trade and cultural relations with other
countries.

The bowels of the earth are poor in minerals - oil and gas, copper and chromium, nickel and
France has to import lead from abroad. High level of development
energy, but there is not enough fuel of its own, and it has to import more than 1/2
energy resources. The country produces only 1 million tons of oil. Its main
part has to be imported, and mainly from the countries of the Middle East.
Large reserves of bauxite in the south of the country and cheap hydroelectric power have served
an incentive for the development of the aluminum industry. Bauxite mining France
ranks second among European countries. The most important mines are
near Marseille - near Brignoles. Rapidly increasing industrial and domestic
the use of natural gas, and the country does not have enough of its own gas, and
France buys it in the Netherlands, Algeria.
Due to the competition of oil, gas and imports of quality coal and coke from the US and
Germany's own coal production in France is declining. Main mining areas
coal - Northern region and Lorraine; coal is mined in the eastern
parts of the Central Massif. France ranks first in iron ore production
place in capitalist Europe, 5 in the world.
France is one of the most economically developed countries and
ranks fourth in the list of the richest countries in the world.

Introduction

A huge number of cultural values ​​are concentrated in France, almost every city, and sometimes small villages, are a real museum of history and culture. In addition to countless cultural monuments and ancient civilizations, the country has excellent natural conditions - snow-white slopes of the Alpine mountains, beautiful beaches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, medieval castles, extensive vineyards and charming old distilleries, as well as many places associated with the life and work of various historical figures. This country has huge opportunities for the development of almost all types of tourism.

France is the most visited country in the world. France is rightfully considered one of the universally recognized centers of world tourism. This is no coincidence, because it is in this oldest state of Europe that there are many cultural and historical monuments that successfully fit into the unique natural landscape.

The cultural center of the country, of course, is noisy and chaotic Paris - the capital of France since the 10th century. n. e., literally flooded with millions of tourists from all over the world.

That is why the study of the main factors and conditions of France is very important for the development of traditional and new types of tourism in the country.

The purpose of this work is to study the main factors and conditions for the development of tourism in France. Based on the purpose of the work, the following tasks were identified:

Study the geographical position of France;

To study the main historical stages of the development of the country;

Consider France's population and language;

Study the infrastructure of the country;

Explore the natural, historical and cultural resources of the country;

Explore the most popular types of tourism in the country.

The object of study is the main factors and conditions of France, which determine the development of tourism in the country.

The subject of study is the tourist complex of France.

When writing a term paper, these materials were used: reference books, guides, teaching aids, Internet data.

Geography of France

Geographical position

France occupies a very convenient geographical position. Having the shape of a regular hexagon, the country is sheltered from external elements on all sides. Strabo wrote that "providence itself erected mountains, brought the seas closer, laid the channels of the rivers in order to create here the most flourishing place on earth."

France is known for several mountain ranges. The most popular and highest are the Alps, which stretch from north to south for 370 km. Mont Blanc (4807 m) is the highest point in Europe.

The Jura Mountains, which are located next to the Alps, became famous for the densest forests.

The Pyrenees are a unique natural border between France and Germany. The mountains stretch for 430 km from west to east, their height is up to 3000 m.

The highest point of the alpine massif in the center of the country is Mount Puy de Sancy (1886 m). Many rivers of France begin their journey here.

In France, there are mountains that divide the country into climatic zones - the Cevennes. The climate is humid to the west of this massif, and dry to the east.

The forested mountains of the Vosges (approx. 1400 m) separate Alsace from Lorraine.

In the north-west of France, the Ardennes mountains (no higher than 700 m) stretch out, the name of which comes from the Celtic word for oak.

The northern part of France is almost at sea level, but the center of the country is above sea level. France is dominated by a flat terrain.

Almost all the rivers of France start in the Massif Central and flow into the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea.

The most famous river in France - the Seine (775 km, from Latin "calm") - flows through the plains of the country. The river has a widely branched system with large right tributaries of the Marne and Oise and the left tributary of the Yonne. The Seine is not only the most beautiful river in the country, it provides traffic between Paris and Rouen.

The sources of the Garonne River (650 km) are located in the Spanish Pyrenees. The river flows through Toulouse and Bordeaux and flows into the ocean. The main tributaries are the Tarn, the Lot and the Dordogne.

The most full-flowing river in France is the Rhone River (812 km, the nickname of the river is "an angry bull"). This river originates from the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps. The major tributaries of the river are the Sonne, the Durance and the Isère.

The river with the beautiful name Laura (1020 km) is the longest river in France. It begins in the Central Massif. Laura is navigable, but only in the lower reaches. December and January are considered the most full-flowing months for it. The banks of Laura are valuable for their white limestone, with the help of which temples and palaces were built.

France is almost 20% covered with forests, where oak, beech, pine and ash grow for the most part. In the south of the country in Provence, you can find cork oak and Aleppo pine (Lebanese cedar). The south of France is evergreen trees. And even oaks do not shed their foliage in the off-season.

The climate of France is very mild, as it is predominantly of the marine type. Throughout the year, the country is warm, the air is humid. The eastern part of the country is continental in places. The southeast is characterized by a subtropical climate with hot summers and warm winters. In mountainous areas - altitudinal climatic zonality, especially pronounced in the Alps and the Pyrenees.

The state is located in Western Europe. In the northeast it borders with Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, in the east - with Germany and Switzerland, in the southeast - with Monaco and Italy, in the southwest - with Spain and Andorra.

The sea shores, stretching for 3120 km, are washed by the North and Mediterranean seas, the Pas de Calais, the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay.

Area - 551 thousand square meters. km. Population - 61.9 million people (2008), including 93% French. The official language is French. Believers are predominantly Catholics.

Paris is the cultural capital of France. Each stone here literally breathes the medieval history of Europe. The main museums of the country are located in the capital of France.

France includes: the overseas departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Reunion, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon; overseas territories of the island of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, etc. The capital is Paris. The head of state is the president. (Attachment 1)

France is a republic. The country has the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, adopted in 1958, with subsequent changes. The head of state is the president. The legislature is the parliament, which consists of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate. Executive power is exercised by the President and the Council of Ministers. Administratively, the territory of France is divided into 96 departments, including a special territorial-administrative unit - Corsica, 22 regions and communes. The names of the 37 historical provinces into which France was divided before the French Revolution are also widely used.

The head of state is the president, who is elected for 5 years. Before the constitutional reform of 2000, initiated by President Jacques Chirac, he was elected for 7 years. The government is headed by the prime minister.

France is currently a presidential-parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected for a 7-year term by popular vote. The bicameral parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.

If you look for France on the map, it is important to know that this is a state in Western Europe, which has a mainland location. Although France has overseas and dependent territories, the main part of the country is still located on the mainland.

France: general geographical information

The total area of ​​this state is 551,500 square kilometers. France's maritime reserves are 5,870 square kilometers. Most of the country is land.

Corsica belongs to the French in the Mediterranean. The state has borders with Italy, Spain, Belgium, Monaco, Germany, Switzerland and Andorra. It also borders on the small state of Luxembourg.

By water, with the help of a tunnel under the English Channel, the French territories are connected with Great Britain.

France is the largest country in Western Europe.

This country has both land and sea borders. From within, the country also has a clear administrative division.

Internal division of France

Within its borders, France is divided into 22 regions. The main territories of the country are divided into the following components:

• Guadeloupe;
• Guyana;
• Martinique;
• Reunion.

So the French held the internal borders of Central France. Plains prevail in the north of the state. The Jura, the Vosges and the Alps are the main mountain ranges of the country. Slightly lower in height are the Pyrenees. These mountain ranges form the eastern part of France.

There are many rivers and lakes in the western part of the French territories. There are such rivers as the Seine, Ouse, Joanna and Marne. The Rhine and the Saone flow in the north of the state. France is washed by two seas: the North and the Mediterranean.

Through the English Channel, the French have access to the Atlantic. Approximately 2 million citizens of the country live on the islands belonging to France.

The overseas territorial assets of the French state include such islands as Corsica, Mayotte, Bora Bora and smaller islands..

The famous resort island of Haiti also belongs to France. Educated people know that the capital of this state is Paris, which in its territorial division is divided into several districts.

The French provinces are not as densely populated as the central part of the state, but they have a large number of vineyards and fields with herbal and cereal crops.

There are 96 departments in 22 French regions. Such a large number of populated areas is simply explained - 70% of the territories of France are flat.

In a geographical sense, France has a very good location. Thanks to its territories, the French can easily build international relations with other states, as well as conduct trade with them.

France has a temperate continental and temperate maritime climate, which is considered favorable for the development of agriculture.

If you are lucky and you lived in Paris in your youth, then wherever you are later, he will remain with you until the end of your days, because Paris is a holiday that is always with you.
Ernest Hemingway

France is a piquant, refined and romantic country of lovers, a country that never ceases to attract and delight us. Anyone who has visited this country at least once, got in touch with its culture, felt the breath of time and history, plunged into French carelessness and “savoir vivre”, will come back here again and again, discovering something new each time.

France- a country where you can enjoy amazing natural landscapes, the fruits of the historical past and rich cultural heritage, the best wines and cuisine in numerous restaurants, bars and cafes.

Geographic location of France

France (French Republic, Republique Française) is located in the western part of Europe, belongs to the Western European states and ranks first among the Western European countries in terms of area. The total area of ​​the country is 551,500 km 2 (land area - 545,630 km 2). France owns the island Corsica in mediterranean sea.

The territory of the country is almost a regular hexagon. Even ancient historians and geographers noted an unusually convenient geographical position France. Strabo wrote that "providence itself erected mountains, brought the seas closer, laid the channels of the rivers in order to create here the most flourishing place on earth."

From UK France separated by a narrow strait pas de calais. France in the south it borders with Spain (the length of the border is 623 km) and Andorra (60 km), in the southeast with Monaco(4.4 km), in the northeast with Belgium (620 km) and Luxembourg(73 km), in the east with Switzerland (573 km) and Italy (488 km), with Germany (451 km) - in the east and northeast.

Western and northern regions France- plains ( paris basin etc.) and low mountains; in the center and in the east - medium-altitude mountains ( Central French Massif, Vosges, Yura). In the South-West - Pyrenees, in the southeast - Alps(highest point France and Western Europe- mountain Mont Blanc, 4807 m).

Climate

Climate France temperate maritime, in the east transitional to continental, in the Mediterranean - subtropical. Summers are quite hot (in July-August from +20°С to +25°С), winters are mild (in January from 0 to +3°С) and rather damp, although it rarely snows. Best time to visit Paris- May and September-October, Riviera- September. Mountainous regions have their own microclimate, which is inherent in regions of altitudinal zonation.

On the Corsica long and hot summer - from May to October + 21-27 ° С. Winters are quite cold (from +6 to 14°C in the valleys and down to -6°C in the mountains), snow lies on the mountain slopes until June. The influence of the winds is very great, each of which has its own name - "libecchio", "mistral" (northern and western), "sirocco" (southwest), "levante" (east), "grecale" (northeast) and "tramontane" (northern) and in its own way affects the weather. The best months to visit Corsica- May-June and September-October.

Population of France

France predominantly French. However, due to the powerful flow of migration, the ethnic composition of the country has changed significantly. The country is home to many Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards, Moroccans, Turks, Algerians, people from other African countries. The vast majority of the population (more than 80%) professes Catholicism. The official language is French, which is spoken by most of the population. French is spoken by the population of many countries Africa, Haiti, french guiana. English is also used (widely only in paris), if you speak English in the suburbs or in the outback, you may not be understood.

Features of France

Major centers of tourism: is the capital of the country - Paris, with its many museums and monuments; valley Loire, where magnificent medieval castles and palaces have been preserved ( Blois, Cheverny, Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Chenonceau, Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Usse, Valençais, Chinon and Angers); Cote d'Azur with its world famous resorts ( Cannes, Nice and etc.); Alpine and Pyrenean mountain and ski resorts; island Corsica with its warm sea and almost untouched landscapes; the Basque country with its original culture and Atlantic resorts ( Biarritz and etc.); regions Normandy, Brittany, Burgundy, Languedoc, Provence and picturesque valley Rhone. Of particular interest for tourism and recreation are also balneological resorts based on healing mineral waters, which are especially abundant in the southern and central parts of the country.

Paris- the capital of France, since the X century. ad. Along with the suburbs Versailles, Saint Denis, Ivry etc.) forms the "Greater Paris". There is hardly a person in the world who would not like to visit Louvre and Versailles; climb on Eiffel Tower, wander through the halls of the station d'Orsay and center Pompidou. Nothing compares to the French capital! A special spirit dominates here, here you are surrounded by history itself, associations with once read novels Dumas, With latin quarter described Hemingway and other writers. Paris- this is a "holiday that is always with you"!

The main attractions of Paris stretch to the city center, to Seine. Not far from the island sieve, often referred to as the "heart of Paris", is located Louvre is one of the greatest museums in the world. If you go from the Louvre to Champs Elysees then in the garden Tuileries you can see the small buildings of the Museum of Impressionism and the Orangerie. Large museums are also located on the left bank Seine- This is the Gare d'Orsay Museum of Impressionism, Museum of Medieval Art Cluny, Museum Rodin and Atelier Bourdelle. The architecture of Paris is diverse in centuries and styles. The main architectural ensembles: Cathedral of Notre Dame, eiffel tower, Champs Elysees, Triumphal Arch, Sorbonne, Louvre.

For many decades France- the most popular tourist attraction. Every year there are as many tourists in the country as there are French people. According to the French themselves, here are the finest wines, the best cuisine in the world, beautiful architecture - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, royal castles, Versailles and Disneyland, great history, the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay, the famous Cannes Festival and the brilliance of high society .. France is a trendsetter, the birthplace of champagne and cognac, the best perfumes in the world and the most delicious cheeses are made here.

National cuisine of France

French national cuisine is distinguished by its diversity, which is due to the wide range of products used and the different ways of preparing them. It should be borne in mind that in different regions of France there are favorite foods that have original technology. So, in the southern regions of the country, food is spicy, using wine and spices for its preparation, especially garlic and onions. Inhabitants Alsace eat more pork and cabbage, coastal residents consume more seafood, etc. These differences can also be seen in the consumption of one or another type of fat used for cooking. For example, in the northern and central regions, butter is used more, in the south - olive oil.

Despite regional differences, French national cuisine has characteristic features. This is, first of all, the widespread use of vegetables and root crops. Potatoes, various varieties of onions (including shallots, which give food a specific taste), green beans, spinach, cabbage of various varieties, tomatoes, eggplants, celery, parsley, salads are used for preparing snacks, first and second courses, and also as side dishes . Vitamin-rich vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, leeks, and lettuce are especially popular. A prominent place is given to vegetable salads - both fresh and canned. As a rule, green salad and coleslaw are served with the second meat dishes.

Compared to other countries Western Europe French cooking uses less milk and dairy products. The exception is cheese. They are used to prepare various dishes, including the first. Cheese is always served before dessert. Cheese with bread and wine is a typical French worker's breakfast. Dozens of varieties of cheese are produced in France. Among them are such well-known ones as Roquefort, Gruyere, Camembert, etc.

Another feature of French cuisine is a wide variety of sauces. There are over three thousand of them. Sauces are widely used in the preparation of meat dishes, salads, various cold appetizers; they have a wide variety of food.

French national cuisine is also characterized by the use of wine, cognac and liquor in the preparation of many dishes. In this case, the wine, as a rule, undergoes significant digestion, as a result of which the wine alcohol evaporates, and the remaining composition gives the food a specific flavor and pleasant aroma. Only natural red and white dry and semi-dry wines are used. In order to reduce acidity, very acidic wines are boiled down before drinking.

french customs

The French are proud of their democratic traditions, so they react painfully to emphasizing, as it seems to them, social and racial inequality. The contempt of a Frenchman can be aroused by a hint of skin color or by calling a waiter "garcon". The French are traditionally friendly to the Russians.

The usual tip is 5-10% (of course, at your discretion). It is customary to tip waiters, maids, hotel porters, and taxi drivers. Sometimes the restaurant bill says "service compris", which means "tips are included in the price."

Transport system of France

France has an extensive railway network and is the fastest in Europe high speed train system TGV. The fare depends on the distance, train class, travel time and age of the passenger. At the entrance to the platform, you need to compost train tickets, there are also controllers on the trains themselves. Public transport in France is the subway (in paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Rouen), buses and, in some cities, trams. The Paris metro consists of 16 lines and runs from 5:30 to 00:30. Travel tickets can be purchased at all stations, as well as at some tobacconists. Buses usually run from 06:30 to 00:30 in major cities and until 20:30 in the provinces. Tickets can be purchased at tobacconists, special ticket sales points, as well as on the bus itself. Taxis can usually be found at special parking lots or ordered by phone. It is almost impossible to hail a taxi on the street. Outside, at the front window of each taxi, there is a counter with a flag: raised - the taxi is free, lowered - busy. There are two payment rates: a weekday rate and a weekend, holiday and night rate. There is an additional charge for taxis and luggage. To rent a car, you need to have an international driver's license, a passport and a credit card. The driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least a year of driving experience. Car rental offices are located in hotels, airports, railway stations and city centers.

Time in France

The entire territory of the country is in a single time zone - GMT + 1. France practices the transition to "summer time", so the time difference with Moscow is minus 3 hours, and from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October - minus 2 hours.

Customs regulations in France

The number of imported and exported means of payment is not limited. Cash and securities in excess of 7.5 thousand euros (or other currency equivalent) are subject to declaration. Foreign currency converted into euros can only be re-translated into foreign currencies up to the equivalent of 800 euros.

In addition to personal items, you can import duty-free up to 1 liter of spirits, drinks with a strength of less than 22 ° - up to 2 liters, 2 liters of wine, 200 pcs. cigarettes, 500 g of coffee (or 200 g of coffee extracts), up to 50 g of perfume (toilet water - up to 250 g), tea - 100 g (or 40 g of tea extracts), as well as food (fish - up to 2 kg, caviar - 250 g, products of animal origin - up to 1 kg) and other goods (for persons over 15 years old) in the amount of 15 euros (for children - 10 euros).

Attention! Labeling of food expiration dates is mandatory.

The import and export of drugs, objects of historical value, weapons and ammunition, as well as animals and plants listed as endangered species are prohibited. When importing medicines for personal use, no permit is required, but you must have a prescription issued by a doctor or lawyer with you.

Plants, animals and plant products must be presented to quarantine officials. Animals must have a vaccination certificate, as well as a medical certificate in French, issued no earlier than five days before departure.

Export discount in France

You will be able to benefit from the exemption from French VAT - "TVA", provided that 1) the value of your purchases in the same store is 300 € (in some stores starting from 250 €); 2) upon purchase, you will issue a "bordereau" - an inventory for export; 3) you will leave European Community within 3 months. On the day of departure, you need to present the bordereau received in the store to the customs service (along with the purchased goods - for a possible inspection). You will receive the refund upon your return to your country by check by mail or by transfer to a credit card, either at the airport at a specially authorized bank, or at a special Tax Free for Tourists kiosk. This system does not apply to food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco

Telephone codes, internet, electricity in France

France - 33, city codes: Paris - 1, Bordeaux - 56, Cannes - 93, Strasbourg - 88, Marseille - 91, Lyon - 78, Nice - 93. You can call from pay phones that work with phone cards that are sold in post offices or tobacconists. There are discounts for calls: from 22.30 to 08.00 on weekdays and from 14.00 on weekends.
Police - tel: 17
Ambulance - tel.: 15, in Paris - 48-87-27-50
Fire brigade - 18
Information in Russian: 01-40-07-01-65

International roaming is provided by all major mobile operators.

The Internet is available everywhere - at airports, railway stations, hotels, shopping centers, ordinary cafes and Internet cafes.

Mains voltage 220 V, 50 Hz, European type sockets.

Sights of France

Embassy and Consulate of Russia in France

Address: Paris, Boulevard Lannes, m. "Avenue Foch", tel.: 01-45-04-05-50.

Photo galleries

• Club Med Arcs Altitude Ski Town (now Club mmv Altitude Hotel)
• Club Med Cargese, Corsica
• Club Med Opio en Provence, France
• Ski town Club Med Valmorel (France)
• Plaza Athenee Hotel Paris
• Ski resort Club Med Chamonix Mont-Blanc
• Club Med Valmorel
• Township renovation Club Med Opio en Provence
• Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon
• Club Med Les Arcs Panorama

With how many countries? This question is not as trivial as it seems. This country is large, approximately equal in area to Ukraine. And who are her neighbors? And where, in fact, is such a state as France? To say that in Western Europe would be true. But this answer is incomplete. After all, France still has the so-called overseas territories, which used to be nothing more than colonies. And if you take into account these countries and islands, then the number of neighbors will increase.

The answer to the question of whom France borders on also depends on whether we take into account the sea cordons of this power or only the land ones. Indeed, in the first case, Great Britain is included in the number of neighbors. Paris and London are connected by an underground road and rail tunnel across the English Channel. And this already allows us to call France and its old rival Great Britain close neighbors. And with whom else does this country border? Read about it in our article.

Geographical position

In terms of territory, France is the largest state in Western Europe. Its area is 551.5 thousand square meters. km. France is usually divided into the "central part", that which is located in the Old World, that is, in Western Europe, and "overseas territories". The first includes a large one lying near the coast of the country in the Mediterranean Sea. But even without taking into account its and overseas territories, mainland "central" (or "old") France still leads in terms of area among Western European states. Its territory on the continent is 545,630 square kilometers. A quick glance at the map gives us an idea that France is bordered by three countries: Germany and Italy to the east, and Spain to the southwest. But this opinion is wrong.

Watch out for the "dwarfs"!

Next to the giant countries, such as Germany and Spain (which are slightly inferior to France in terms of territory), very small states also took shelter. This is primarily Switzerland. It, unlike France, is not a member of the European Union, it retains its own currency. But Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. In the northeast, in close proximity to France, is Belgium. This country is included in the EU, and in the Schengen agreement, and in the distribution zone of the euro currency. In the east, France borders on Germany. But one dwarf state squeezed between them - Luxembourg. Not far from the Franco-Italian border there is another tiny principality - Monaco. The Principality is an enclave, as it is surrounded on all sides by France. However, Monaco has its own private access to the sea. In the southwest, between France and Spain, another "dwarf" wedged. This is Andorra. The Principality is interesting because its co-rulers are equally (according to the medieval treaty of paréage) the Republic of France and the King of Spain. Andorra is not part of the Schengen area. Therefore, in order to come to this Iberian principality, which does not have airports, you theoretically need a multiple entry visa.

Who borders France on the European continent

Let's summarize. So, land borders make France a neighbor of seven European countries. These are Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Monaco on the east side and Spain and Andorra on the southwest side. If we take into account the sea cordons, then the UK also falls into this list. It is separated from France by the English Channel, the smallest width of which (between Calais and Dover) is only thirty-two kilometers.

The longest is the border with Spain. It runs through the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean. The length of this border is 623 kilometers. Only 3 km shorter cordon with Belgium. This is followed by Switzerland (573), Italy (488), Germany (451 kilometers). The length of cordons with dwarf countries is small due to the miniaturization of the latter. Among the small but independent principalities, Luxembourg has the longest border with France - 73 kilometers. Andorra (60 km) and Monaco (only four and a half kilometers) close the list.

Maritime frontiers

From the west, France is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, the state has no close neighbors on the other side of the world. We have already found out with whom France borders in the north. Across the English Channel lies the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the Mediterranean Sea, French Corsica is closely adjacent to Sardinia, which is located to the south of it. This island belongs to Italy. However, France also has land borders with this Apennine state. If we add up all the maritime cordons of the republic, we get a fairly solid figure - five and a half thousand kilometers.

overseas territories

France has long been a metropolis and owned colonies. Now these territories are called differently. Nevertheless, they significantly expand the list of those countries with which France borders. Some of these territories are departments, that is, their inhabitants are considered full French citizens. These are: Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Martinique Reunion and Guiana.

There are also overseas communities. As a rule, they are located on the islands. These are French Polynesia, and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna. Among the territories owned by the Republic is New Caledonia, an administrative-territorial entity with a special status.

Saint Helena is owned by Great Britain. But the place of exile of Napoleon and the valley in which the emperor is buried belongs to France. The Republic also staked out Adélie Land in Antarctica. But this is contrary to UN rules, and claims to this territory are considered unfounded.

States bordering France "over the sea"

Based on the foregoing, the list of neighbors of the European state has expanded. Even if we do not take into account the islands and Adélie Land, the extent of land borders increases significantly. The longest is the cordon with Brazil - 730 kilometers. Suriname, which is adjacent to the west, has a common border with it 510 km. The shortest cordon in the overseas territories is on the island of Saint Martin. Its length is ten and a half kilometers. But this border divides a tiny piece of land into two halves. The southern part - Sint Maarten - is part of the Netherlands Antilles.