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| Government Type |
republic |
| Legal System |
civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts |
| Currency |
euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries |
| Economic Overview |
France is in the midst of transition, from a well-to-do modern economy that featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The Socialist-led government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, but still retains controlling stakes in several leading firms, including Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales, and remains dominant in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. The telecommunications sector is gradually being opened to competition. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. The current government has lowered income taxes and introduced measures to boost employment. At the end of 2002 the government was focusing on the problems of the high cost of labor and labor market inflexibility resulting from the 35-hour workweek and restrictions on lay-offs. The government was also pushing for pension reforms and simplification of administrative procedures. The tax burden remains one of the highest in Europe. The current economic slowdown and inflexible budget items have thrown the government's goal of balancing the budget by 2004 off track. |
| Natural Resources |
coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, potash, timber, fish |
| Primary Industries |
machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism |
| Agricultural Products |
wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish |
| Import Commodities |
machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals |
| Export Commodities |
machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages |
| Export Partners |
EU 61.3% (Germany 14.7%, UK 9.8%, Spain 9.6%, Italy 8.8%), US 8.7% (2001) |
| AIRPORTS of France |
| BORDEAUX AIRPORT |
The airport is situated 12km (7.5 miles) from Bordeaux city centre |
Detals |
| LYON-SAINT EXUPÉRY AIRPORT |
The airport is located 24km (15 miles) from the centre of Lyon |
Detals |
| MARSEILLE PROVENCE AIRPORT |
The airport is located 25km (16 miles) from Marseille and 25km (16 miles) from Aix-en-Provence |
Detals |
| NICE CÔTE D'AZUR AIRPORT |
The airport is located 7km (4 miles) west of the town centre |
Detals |
| PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT |
The airport is located 23km (14 miles) northeast of Paris |
Detals |
| STRASBOURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
The airport is located 15km (9 miles) southwest of Strasbourg city centre |
Detals |
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