 Where In The World?
Where in the World is France?
Its time to get out your globe! You need to know about the imaginary lines on globes and maps. These lines are called lines of latitude and longitude, and they tell a pilot or ships captain exactly where in the world a certain place is located. Basically, latitude lines (also called parallels) are the horizontal lines on your map. Lines of longitude (also called meridians) are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. This mapping system is written in degrees and uses the symbol . Get ready to travel the world!
France is located at 46 North and 2 East on the globe. The small country borders the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. It is between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the United Kingdom. It also borders the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain. The entire country is a little smaller than the U.S. state of Texas. Even though it is a small country, it is the largest West European Nation.
France is a very old European country. France used to be ruled by a king, but the French Revolution in 1787 changed the government several times. France celebrates National Day on July 14. This is the day that peasants stormed the Bastille (the kings prison) and created a new government. Frances government is now a republic, ruled by a prime minister. All people over 18 can vote for representatives in the government.
The main language is French, and the capital is Paris. France produces coal, iron ore and zinc. The nations main exports are machinery, vehicles and aircraft. France is also known for its cheese and wine and one of the greatest sporting events in the world, the Tour de France. The Tour de France is a bicycle race that covers 2130 miles across France. This year's race is July 6-29.
In addition to the main land mass of France in Western Europe, France has several territories that are part of the country. French Guiana is located in Northern South America, Guadeloupe and Martinique are islands in the Caribbean, and Reunion is an island in the Indian Ocean near South Africa.
Sources: The World Factbook prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency; Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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