What does the United States import from France?

America imported $68.1B in goods from France in 2025. The largest categories: Pharmaceutical preparations, Engines-civilian aircraft, U.s. goods returned, and reimports, Civilian aircraft.

What tariffs does the U.S. have on France?

The most recent U.S. tariff action toward France (2026-04-06): EU treatment preserved in expanded metals tariffs.

Country exposure · FR

France

Europe · Paris · semi-presidential republic

What France means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

$68.1B

U.S. imports, 2025

+13.9%

change in one year

$50.6B

U.S. exports, 2025

69M

Population

$3.2T

GDP

In your house

What you buy that France makes

America bought $68.1B in goods from France in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Pharmaceutical preparations

medicines and pharmacy items

$11.7B17.3%

Engines-civilian aircraft

$5.4B7.9%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$4.6B6.7%

Civilian aircraft

$4.2B6.2%

Toiletries and cosmetics

toiletries and cosmetics

$3.8B5.5%

Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.

$2.9B4.2%

Wine, beer, and related products

wine and beer

$2.4B3.5%

Parts-civilian aircraft

$2.1B3.2%

Industrial machines, other

$1.8B2.6%

Jewelry

jewelry

$1.7B2.6%

2026 so far (through April): $23.7B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to France

$50.6B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$14.9B

Gas-natural

$4.4B

Crude oil

$3.0B

Pharmaceutical preparations

$2.5B

medicines and pharmacy items

Nonmonetary gold

$1.9B

Industrial machines, other

$1.9B

Minimum value shipments

$1.5B

Finished metal shapes

$1.4B

Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.

$1.3B

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward France

Since February 24, 2026 most EU goods face the universal 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge, which replaced the framework's 15% all-inclusive IEEPA structure when EO 14389 terminated the reciprocal tariffs. The framework's Section 232 terms persist: EU autos at 15%, and the April 2026 metals expansion expressly preserved the EU's trade-agreement-partner treatment (steel and aluminum otherwise at 50%).

The United States negotiates tariffs with the European Union as a single market — every measure here applies to France as an EU member.

Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)

20%

The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.

Section 232 sectors

Autos, Wood

Steel, aluminum, autos, and similar national-security tariffs that name this country.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

U.S. tariff policy toward the European Union — and with it France — has changed 11 times since 2025. This page tracks it.

2026-04-06
EU treatment preserved in expanded metals tariffs
In effect
The April 2026 proclamation expanding Section 232 coverage of aluminum, steel, and copper derivatives expressly does not alter or supersede the prior U.S.–EU agreement implementation, and lists the EU among 'Trade Agreement Partners' eligible for its exclusion process.
91 FR 18201 →
2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effect
Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including those under EO 14257, the basis of the EU's 15% all-inclusive structure — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them. The framework's Section 232 terms (the 15% EU autos cap, metals carve-outs) rest on separate authority and were expressly unaffected.
91 FR 9437 →
2025-09-25
Framework implemented: preferential treatment for certain EU goods
In effect
Acting under the September 8, 2025 procedures order, Commerce and USTR modified the HTSUS to implement the framework — preferential (zero) reciprocal treatment for certain EU goods and a reduction of the Section 232 automobile and parts duty to 15% for EU-origin vehicles.
90 FR 46136 →
2025-08-21
U.S.–EU Framework Agreement joint statement
Agreement
The United States and the European Union issued the Joint Statement on a Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade: the U.S. committed to the 15% all-inclusive ceiling, zero reciprocal duty on certain products, and a cut of the Section 232 automobile duty to 15%; the EU committed to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and expand agricultural access, plus $750B in U.S. energy procurement through 2028.
Source ↗
2025-08-07
15% all-inclusive structure replaces the 20% rate
In effect
The July 31, 2025 order ('Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates') gave the EU a unique structure effective August 7, 2025: for goods with an MFN (Column 1) rate below 15%, the reciprocal duty tops the total up to exactly 15%; goods with an MFN rate of 15% or higher pay no additional reciprocal duty.
Federal Register · 2025-15010 →
2025-07-09
Reciprocal-rate pause extended to August 1
In effect
The July 7, 2025 order extended the suspension of country-specific reciprocal rates through August 1, 2025, keeping the EU at the 10% baseline while framework talks continued.
90 FR 30823 →
2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effect
The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% effective June 4, 2025, with no EU carve-out.
90 FR 24199 →
2025-04-10
90-day pause suspends the 20% rate back to 10%
In effect
The April 9, 2025 modification order suspended country-specific reciprocal rates for 90 days for all partners except China, returning the EU to the 10% universal baseline effective April 10, 2025 while negotiations proceeded.
90 FR 15625 →
2025-04-09
EU country-specific reciprocal rate of 20% takes effect
In effect
Annex I of Executive Order 14257 assigned the European Union a 20% country-specific reciprocal rate, effective April 9, 2025 — the rate still carried for the EU in the HTS Chapter 99 Subchapter III note.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →
2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effect
Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, including the EU, effective April 5, 2025. The order singled out the EU's 5% average MFN rate and 10% passenger-vehicle tariff as examples of non-reciprocal treatment.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →
2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum arrangements terminated — 25% duties on EU metals
In effect
Proclamations of February 10, 2025 ended the EU's tariff-rate-quota arrangements for steel and aluminum and raised the aluminum duty from 10% to 25%, applying 25% Section 232 duties to EU steel and aluminum effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →

Compare all countries’ tariffs →Your tariff impact →

Made for America

What France makes for America

France is a direct U.S. source of 12 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.

health

6% of U.S.

Cancer and specialty drugs

$5.1B to the U.S.

health

6% of U.S.

OTC medicines

$4.5B to the U.S.

food

17% of U.S.

Beer, wine, and spirits

$3.9B to the U.S.

materials

9% of U.S.

Jewelry

$1.8B to the U.S.

home

12% of U.S.

Luggage, handbags & travel goods

$1.3B to the U.S.

home

14% of U.S.

Cosmetics & makeup

$1.0B to the U.S.

health

6% of U.S.

Vaccines

$591M to the U.S.

materials

Auto parts and repairs

$553M to the U.S.

materials

Vehicles and light trucks

$499M to the U.S.

health

32% of U.S.

Topical and dermatology Rx products

$476M to the U.S.

energy

2% of U.S.

Gasoline and diesel

$431M to the U.S.

materials

Clothing and apparel

$365M to the U.S.

Go deeper

The supply chain view

France sits upstream of 24 essential American goods through 12 tracked inputs.

manufactured

50%

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Trains (Zero-Emission Rail)

chemical

45%

Mercaptan gas odorant (tert-butyl mercaptan / THT)

manufactured

35%

pMDI Metering Valve

pharmaceutical

35%

Pharmaceutical capsule shells (gelatin / HPMC)

manufactured

34%

Grill Grates & Cast Cooking Surfaces

energy

31%

Uranium ore & natural concentrates (U3O8)

Full supply-map profile →

Reference

The country itself

Europe · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations. France rejoined NATO's integrated military command structure in 2009, reversing then President Charles DE GAULLE's 1966 decision to withdraw French forces from NATO. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier, more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common currency, the euro, in January 1999. In the early 21st century, five French overseas entities -- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion -- became French regions and were made part of France proper.

Geography

Location: metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Area: 643,801 sq km ; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France)
Climate: metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral
Terrain: metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Mayotte: generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast
Natural resources: metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, arable land, fish; French Guiana : gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay
Coastline: 4,853 km
Natural hazards: metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding volcanism: Montagne Pelée (1,394 m) on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean is the most active volcano of the Lesser Antilles arc, although it last erupted in 1932; a catastrophic eruption in 1902 destroyed the city of St. Pierre, killing an estimated 30,000 people; La Soufrière (1,467 m) on the island of Guadeloupe has also had explosive eruptions in recent years

People & society

Population: 68,512,806 (2025 est.)
Nationality: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)
Ethnic groups: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African (Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian), Indochinese, Basque minorities
Languages: French (official) 100%, declining regional dialects and languages (Provençal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish, Occitan, Picard)
Religions: Roman Catholic 47%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 2%, Buddhist 2%, Orthodox 1%, Jewish 1%, other 1%, none 33%, unspecified 9% (2021 est.)
Median age: 42.7 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 82.6 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: high-income, advanced EU economy and eurozone member; strong tourism, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors; high public debt; ongoing pension reform efforts; transitioning to a green economy via "France 2030" strategy
Industries: machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, textiles, food processing, tourism
Agricultural products: wheat, sugar beets, milk, maize, barley, potatoes, grapes, rapeseed, pork, sunflower seeds (2023)
Exports - partners: Germany 11%, Italy 9%, USA 8%, Belgium 8%, Spain 7% (2023)
Imports - partners: Germany 15%, Belgium 11%, Netherlands 9%, Spain 8%, Italy 8% (2023)

Government

Government type: semi-presidential republic
Capital: Paris
Independence: no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic established); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)
Constitution: many previous; latest effective 4 October 1958
Executive branch: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017)
Legislative branch: Parliament (Parlement)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[33] (1) 43-12-22-22; US Embassy in Paris, 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France; https://fr.usembassy.gov/; Citizeninfo@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html

Telephone Code

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for France: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19. http://www.who.int/

Climate

Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasionally strong, cold, dry north-to-northwesterly wind know as the mistral

Currency (Code)

Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages

French

Major Religions

Christian (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Eiffel Tower; Louvre Museum; Notre-Dame de Paris; Palace of Versailles; Côte d'Azur; Mont Saint-Michel; Loire Valley Châteaux; Provence; Normandy; Brittany; Carcassone; Avignon; Alsace (includes Colmar and Strasbourg); Notre-Dame de Chartres; Caves of Vezere Valley; Grotte Chauvet, Ardeche River and Pont d'Arc

Major Sports

Soccer, tennis, cycling, basketball, handball, rugby

Cultural Practices

French people are proud of their country and language and prefer to communicate with one another in their native tongue.

Tipping Guidelines

Tips are not necessary, but appreciated and you may always round up for good service. In nicer restaurants, a tip of 5% is sufficient. Tip taxi drivers 10% of a total fare. Bellhops, room service, and housekeeping appreciate a tip between 1-3 euros.

Souvenirs

Designer fashion, perfumes, wine, porcelain items, lavender goods, soap, kitchen items

Traditional Cuisine

Crêpes — thin wheat or buckwheat flour batter pancakes filled with either sweet (chocolate, preserves, cream etc.) or savory (ham, sausage, cheese, mushroom, etc.) ingredients

CIA source last updated

Tuesday, June 04, 2024

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, June 04, 2024

Geography

Location

metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates

metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Map references

metropolitan France: Europe French Guiana: South America Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean Mayotte: Africa Reunion: World

Area - total

643,801 sq km ; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France)

Area - land

640,427 sq km ; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)

Area - water

3,374 sq km ; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)

Area - note

note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion

Area - comparative

slightly more than four times the size of Georgia; slightly less than the size of Texas

Land boundaries - total

3,956 km

Land boundaries - border countries

Andorra 55 km; Belgium 556 km; Germany 418 km; Italy 476 km; Luxembourg 69 km; Monaco 6 km; Spain 646 km; Switzerland 525 km

Land boundaries - metropolitan France - total

2751 km

Land boundaries - French Guiana - total

1205 km

Coastline

4,853 km

Coastline - note

metropolitan France: 3,427 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - contiguous zone

24 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone

200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean Sea)

Maritime claims - continental shelf

200m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate

metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral

Climate - note

French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average Mayotte: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

Terrain

metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Mayotte: generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Elevation - highest point

Mont Blanc 4,810

Elevation - lowest point

Rhone River delta -2 m

Elevation - mean elevation

375 m

Elevation - note

note: to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Natural resources

metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, arable land, fish; French Guiana : gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay

Land use - agricultural land

52.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 31.4% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.9% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

32.7% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

15% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land

14,236 sq km (2020)

Major lakes (area sq km) - fresh water lake(s)

Lake Geneva (shared with Switzerland) - 580 sq km

Major rivers (by length in km)

Rhin (Rhine) (shared with Switzerland [s], Germany, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km; Loire - 1,012 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage

Loire (115,282 sq km), Seine (78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km)

Major aquifers

Paris Basin

Population distribution

much of the population is concentrated in the north and southeast; although there are many urban agglomerations throughout the country, Paris is by far the largest city, with Lyon ranked a distant second

Natural hazards

metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding volcanism: Montagne Pelée (1,394 m) on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean is the most active volcano of the Lesser Antilles arc, although it last erupted in 1932; a catastrophic eruption in 1902 destroyed the city of St. Pierre, killing an estimated 30,000 people; La Soufrière (1,467 m) on the island of Guadeloupe has also had explosive eruptions in recent years

Geography - note

largest Western European nation; most major French rivers -- the Meuse, Seine, Loire, Charente, Dordogne, and Garonne -- flow northward or westward into the Atlantic Ocean, only the Rhone flows southward into the Mediterranean Sea

People and Society

Population - total

68,512,806 (2025 est.)

Population - male

33,627,639

Population - female

34,885,167

Nationality - noun

Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

Nationality - adjective

French

Ethnic groups

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African (Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian), Indochinese, Basque minorities

Ethnic groups - note

note: overseas departments: Black, White, Mulatto, East Indian, Chinese, Indigenous

Languages - Languages

French (official) 100%, declining regional dialects and languages (Provençal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish, Occitan, Picard)

Languages - major-language sample(s)

The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Languages - note

note: overseas departments - French, Creole patois, Mahorian (a Swahili dialect)

Religions

Roman Catholic 47%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 2%, Buddhist 2%, Orthodox 1%, Jewish 1%, other 1%, none 33%, unspecified 9% (2021 est.)

Religions - note

note: France maintains a tradition of secularism and has not officially collected data on religious affiliation since the 1872 national census, which complicates assessments of France's religious composition; an 1872 law prohibiting state authorities from collecting data on individuals' ethnicity or religious beliefs was reaffirmed by a 1978 law emphasizing the prohibition of the collection or exploitation of personal data revealing an individual's race, ethnicity, or political, philosophical, or religious opinions; a 1905 law codified France's separation of church and state

Age structure - 0-14 years

17.3% (male 6,060,087/female 5,792,805)

Age structure - 15-64 years

60.7% (male 20,875,861/female 20,615,847)

Age structure - 65 years and over

22% (2024 est.) (male 6,621,146/female 8,408,845)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

65.2 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

28.4 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

36.8 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

2.7 (2025 est.)

Median age - total

42.7 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

41 years

Median age - female

44.2 years

Population growth rate

0.2% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

10.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

9.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

Urbanization - urban population

81.8% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population

11.208 million PARIS (capital), 1.761 million Lyon, 1.628 million Marseille-Aix-en-Provence, 1.079 million Lille, 1.060 million Toulouse, 1.000 million Bordeaux (2023)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

1.01 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.79 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth

28.9 years (2020 est.)

Maternal mortality ratio

7 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

3.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

3.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

2.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

82.6 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

79.8 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

85.5 years

Total fertility rate

1.9 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.93 (2025 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: urban

urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: rural

rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: total

total: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: urban

urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: rural

rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)

12.3% of GDP (2021)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)

15.3% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density

3.28 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density

6 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: urban

urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: rural

rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: total

total: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban

urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural

rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

21.6% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita - total

11.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - beer

2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - wine

6.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits

2.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols

0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use - total

28.9% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - male

30.7% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - female

27.3% (2025 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

54.9% (2020 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)

5.3% of GDP (2022 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)

9.1% national budget (2022 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total

16 years (2022 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male

16 years (2022 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female

17 years (2022 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

French Republic

Country name - conventional short form

France

Country name - local long form

République française

Country name - local short form

France

Country name - etymology

derives from the Latin name Francia, meaning "Land of the Franks"; the Franks were a group of Germanic tribes located along the middle and lower Rhine River in the 3rd century A.D.; the origin of the tribal name is unclear but may come from the Old German word franka , meaning "brave," or from a personal name such as Francio or Francus

Government type

semi-presidential republic

Capital - name

Paris

Capital - geographic coordinates

48 52 N, 2 20 E

Capital - time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Capital - time zone note

applies to metropolitan France only; for its overseas regions the time difference is UTC-4 for Guadeloupe and Martinique, UTC-3 for French Guiana, UTC+3 for Mayotte, and UTC+4 for Reunion

Capital - etymology

name derives from the Parisii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the area from the 3rd century B.C.; the Celtic settlement became the Roman town of Lutetia Parisiorum (Lutetia of the Parisii); over subsequent centuries it became Parisium and then Paris

Administrative divisions

18 regions ( régions , singular - région ); Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Bretagne (Brittany), Centre-Val de Loire (Center-Loire Valley), Corse (Corsica), Grand Est (Grand East), Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Hauts-de-France (Upper France), Ile-de-France, Martinique, Mayotte, Normandie (Normandy), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (New Aquitaine), Occitanie (Occitania), Pays de la Loire (Lands of the Loire), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Réunion

Administrative divisions - note

note: France is divided into 13 metropolitan regions (including the "collectivity" of Corse, or Corsica) and 5 overseas regions (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 5 overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

Dependent areas

Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna (8)

Dependent areas - note

note: the US Government does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department

Legal system

civil law; review of administrative but not legislative acts

Constitution - history

many previous; latest effective 4 October 1958

Constitution - amendment process

proposed by the president of the republic (upon recommendation of the prime minister and Parliament) or by Parliament; proposals submitted by Parliament members require passage by both houses followed by approval in a referendum; passage of proposals submitted by the government can bypass a referendum if submitted by the president to Parliament and passed by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament’s National Assembly

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Citizenship - citizenship by birth

Citizenship - citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of France

Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized

yes

Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017)

Executive branch - head of government

Sébastien LECORNU (since 10 September 2025)

Executive branch - cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister

Executive branch - election/appointment process

president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president

Executive branch - most recent election date

10 April 2022, with a runoff held on 24 April 2022

Executive branch - election results

2022: Emmanuel MACRON reelected in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (LREM) 27.8%, Marine LE PEN (RN) 23.2%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (LFI) 22%, Eric ZEMMOUR (Reconquête) 7.1%, Valerie PECRESSE (LR) 4.8%, Yannick JADOT (EELV) 4.6%, other 10.6%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 58.5%, LE PEN 41.5% 2017: Emmanuel MACRON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (EM) 24%, Marine LE PEN (FN) 21.3%, Francois FILLON (LR) 20%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (FI) 19.6%, Benoit HAMON (PS) 6.4%, other 8.7%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 66.1%, LE PEN 33.9%

Executive branch - expected date of next election

April 2027

Legislative branch - legislature name

Parliament (Parlement)

Legislative branch - legislative structure

bicameral

Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name

National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)

Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats

577 (all directly elected)

Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system

plurality/majority

Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office

5 years

Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date

9/24/2023

Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party

New Popular Front (NFP)/UG (178); Ensemble (presidential majority) (150); National Rally (RN) (125); The Republicans (LR) (39); Other (85)

Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber

36.2%

Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election

June 2029

Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name

Senate (Sénat)

Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats

348 (all indirectly elected)

Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections

partial renewal

Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office

6 years

Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date

6/30/2024 to 7/7/2024

Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber

37.1%

Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election

September 2026

Legislative branch - upper chamber - note

note 1: of the 348 Senate seats, 328 seats are for metropolitan France, overseas departments, and regions of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion, and Mayotte; the remainder of the seats include 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for French Polynesia, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 1 for Wallis and Futuna, and 12 for French nationals abroad note 2: Senate members are indirectly elected by departmental electoral colleges, using absolute majority vote in two rounds if needed for departments with 1-3 members, and proportional representation vote in departments with 4 or more members

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation (consists of the court president, 6 divisional presiding judges, 120 trial judges, and 70 deputy judges organized into 6 divisions -- 3 civil, 1 commercial, 1 labor, and 1 criminal); Constitutional Council (consists of 9 members)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Court of Cassation judges appointed by the president of the republic from nominations from the High Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the Court of Cassation and 15 appointed members; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council has 3 members appointed by the president of the republic and 3 each by the National Assembly and Senate presidents; members serve 9-year, non-renewable terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

appellate courts or cours d'appel; regional courts or tribunaux judiciaires; first instance courts or tribunaux de proximité; administrative courts

Political parties

Citizen and Republican Movement or MRC Debout la France or DLF Democratic Movement or MoDem Ensemble or ENS (electoral coalition including RE, MoDem, Horizons, PRV, UDI) The Ecologists - the Greens or EELV French Communist Party or PCF Horizons La France Insoumise or FI Liberties, Independents, Overseas and Territories or LIOT Movement of Progressives or MDP National Rally or RN (formerly National Front or FN) New Democrats or LND (formerly Ecology Democracy Solidarity or EDS) New Popular Front or NFP (electoral coalition including FI, EELV, PS, PCF) Radical Party of the Left or PRV Reconquete or REC Renaissance or RE Résistons! Socialist Party or PS The Republicans or LR Union of Democrats and Independents or UDI Union of Far Right or UXD (electoral coalition of LR, RN)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission

Ambassador Laurent BILI (since 19 April 2023)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery

4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone

[1] (202) 944-6000

Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX

[1] (202) 944-6166

Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website

info@ambafrance-us.org https://franceintheus.org/

Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission

Ambassador Charles KUSHNER (since 11 July 2025); note - also accredited to Monaco

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

2 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

9200 Paris Place, Washington DC 20521-9200

Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone

[33] (1) 43-12-22-22, [33] (1) 42-66-97-83

Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX

[33] (1) 42-66-97-83

Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website

Citizeninfo@state.gov https://fr.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s) general

Marseille, Strasbourg

Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s)

Bordeaux, Lyon, Rennes

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Independence

no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic established); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

National holiday

Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790)

National holiday - note

note: often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are la Fête nationale (National Holiday) and le Quatorze Juillet (14th of July)

Flag

description: three equal vertical bands of blue (left side), white, and red history: known as the le tricolore (tricolor), the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution, when the traditional color of white was combined with the blue and red of the Paris militia; for the first four years of the flag's use (1790-94), the order of colors was reversed (red-white-blue)

Flag - note

note 1: serves as the official flag for all French dependencies note 2: the design and colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

National symbol(s)

Gallic rooster, fleur-de-lis, Marianne (female personification of the country)

National color(s)

blue, white, red

National anthem(s) - title

"La Marseillaise" (The Song of Marseille)

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle

National anthem(s) - history

adopted 1795, restored 1870; acquired its name when the National Guard of Marseille sang the song while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolution; one of the most recognized anthems in the world

National heritage - total World Heritage Sites

54 (46 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed); note - includes one site in New Caledonia and one site in French Polynesia

National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales

Chartres Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Versailles (c); Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (c); Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley (c); Pyrénées - Mont Perdu (m); Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay (c); Paris, Banks of the Seine (c); The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (c); Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) (c); Amiens Cathedral (c); Palace and Park of Fontainebleau (c); Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (c); The Maison Carrée of Nîmes (c); Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve (Corsica) (n); Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan (c)

Economy

Economic overview

high-income, advanced EU economy and eurozone member; strong tourism, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors; high public debt; ongoing pension reform efforts; transitioning to a green economy via "France 2030" strategy

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$3.732 trillion (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$3.689 trillion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$3.655 trillion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024

1.2% (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

0.9% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

2.6% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024

$54,500 (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$54,000 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$53,700 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$3.162 trillion (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

2% (2024 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

4.9% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

5.2% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

1.4% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

17.5% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

70.4% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

53.4% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

23.1% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

23.1% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

0.1% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

34.3% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-36.3% (2023 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products

wheat, sugar beets, milk, maize, barley, potatoes, grapes, rapeseed, pork, sunflower seeds (2023)

Agricultural products - note

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, textiles, food processing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate

0.7% (2024 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force

31.725 million (2024 est.)

Labor force - note

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024

7.4% (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023

7.4% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022

7.4% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate - note

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total

16.6% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male

17.1% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female

16% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line

15.6% (2021 est.)

Population below poverty line - note

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022

31.2 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Average household expenditures - on food

12.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco

3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%

3% (2022 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%

24.6% (2022 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - note

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances - Remittances 2024

1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2023

1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget - revenues

$1.29 trillion (2023 est.)

Budget - expenditures

$1.447 trillion (2023 est.)

Budget - note

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Public debt - Public debt 2023

98.5% of GDP (2023 est.)

Public debt - note

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Taxes and other revenues

23.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

Taxes and other revenues - note

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Current account balance - Current account balance 2024

$12.382 billion (2024 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2023

-$30.334 billion (2023 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

-$33.069 billion (2022 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2024

$1.071 trillion (2024 est.)

Exports - Exports 2023

$1.05 trillion (2023 est.)

Exports - Exports 2022

$1.021 trillion (2022 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

Germany 11%, Italy 9%, USA 8%, Belgium 8%, Spain 7% (2023)

Exports - partners - note

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities

aircraft, cars, packaged medicine, gas turbines, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)

Exports - commodities - note

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2024

$1.074 trillion (2024 est.)

Imports - Imports 2023

$1.094 trillion (2023 est.)

Imports - Imports 2022

$1.092 trillion (2022 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

Germany 15%, Belgium 11%, Netherlands 9%, Spain 8%, Italy 8% (2023)

Imports - partners - note

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities

cars, natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, garments (2023)

Imports - commodities - note

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024

$282.857 billion (2024 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023

$240.792 billion (2023 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022

$242.416 billion (2022 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

euros (EUR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

0.924 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

0.925 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

0.95 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

0.845 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

0.876 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

100% (2022 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

151.463 million kW (2023 est.)

Electricity - consumption

415.542 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - exports

76.207 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - imports

25.107 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - transmission/distribution losses

35.282 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels

7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - nuclear

63.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - solar

4.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - wind

10.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity

10.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - tide and wave

0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste

2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Nuclear energy - Number of operational nuclear reactors

57 (2025)

Nuclear energy - Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors

61.37GW (2025 est.)

Nuclear energy - Percent of total electricity production

64.8% (2023 est.)

Nuclear energy - Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down

14 (2025)

Coal - production

2.157 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - consumption

12.57 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - exports

64,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - imports

10.347 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - proven reserves

160 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum - total petroleum production

80,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption

1.536 million bbl/day (2024 est.)

Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves

61.719 million barrels (2021 est.)

Natural gas - production

17.928 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

33.238 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - exports

13.584 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - imports

46.909 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - proven reserves

7.787 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023

123.526 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

37.3 million (2023 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

56 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

77.5 million (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

117 (2023 est.)

Broadcast media

a mix of both publicly operated and privately owned TV stations; state-owned TV stations operate 4 networks and have part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels; large number of privately owned regional and local TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7 national networks, a series of regional networks, and services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio France Internationale, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster; large number of commercial FM stations

Internet country code

metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Mayotte - .yt; Reunion - .re

Internet users - percent of population

87% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

32.3 million (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

49 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

1,218 (2025)

Airports - note

note: Includes 29 airports in French overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion)

Heliports

405 (2025)

Heliports - note

note: Includes 11 heliports in French overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion)

Railways - total

27,860 km (2020) 16,660 km electrified

Railways - narrow gauge

-5 km

Merchant marine - total

553 (2023)

Merchant marine - by type

container ship 32, general cargo 48, oil tanker 25, other 448

Merchant marine - note

note: includes Monaco

Ports - total ports

66 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Bayonne, Bordeaux, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dunkerque Port Est, Dunkerque Port Ouest, La Pallice, La Rochelle, Les Sables d'Olonne, Lorient, Montoir, Nantes, Le Havre, Rouen, Rade de Brest, Rade de Cherbourg, Rochefort, St. Nazaire, Toulon

Transportation - note

begun in 1988 and completed in 1994, the Channel Tunnel (nicknamed the Chunnel) is a 50.5-km (31.4-mi) rail tunnel under the English Channel at the Strait of Dover; it runs from Folkestone, Kent, in England to Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, in northern France and is the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and mainland Europe

Military and Security

Military and security forces

French Armed Forces (Forces Armées Françaises): Army (l'Armee de Terre; includes Foreign Legion), Navy (Marine Nationale), Air and Space Force (l'Armee de l’Air et de l’Espace); includes Air Defense), National Guard (Garde Nationale), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale) (2025)

Military and security forces - note

note 1: under the direction of the Ministry of the Interior, the civilian National Police and the National Gendarmerie maintain internal security; the National Gendarmerie is a paramilitary police force that is a branch of the Armed Forces and therefore part of the Ministry of Defense but under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior; it also has additional duties to the Ministry of Justice note 2: the National Guard is composed of operational reservists belonging to the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior note 3: the French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, is a military force that is open to foreign recruits willing to serve in the French military for service in France and abroad; the Foreign Legion is an integrated part of the French Army; its combat units are a mix of armored cavalry and airborne, light, mechanized, and motorized infantry regiments

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2025

2.1% of GDP (2025 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024

2% of GDP (2024 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023

1.9% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022

1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021

1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 200,000 active duty Armed Forces; approximately 150,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 80,000 National Guard (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the French military's inventory consists mostly of domestically produced weapons systems, including some jointly produced with other European countries; there is a smaller mix of armaments from other Western countries, particularly the US; France has a large and sophisticated defense industry capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of air, land, and naval military weapons systems (2025)

Military service age and obligation

generally 17-30 years of age for both men and women with some variations by service, position, and enlisted versus officer; 17-40 for National Gendarmerie; basic service contract is for 12 months; no conscription (abolished 2001) (2025)

Military service age and obligation - note

note 1: a 10-month voluntary military service program for French citizens 18-19 is scheduled to start accepting recruits in September 2026; afterwards, the volunteers can integrate into civilian life, become a reservist, or stay in the armed forces note 2: in 2024, women comprised about 17% of the uniformed armed forces note 3: men between the ages of 17.5 and 39.5 years of age, of any nationality, may join the French Foreign Legion; those volunteers selected for service sign five-year contracts

Military deployments

France typically has up to 30,000 total air, ground, and naval forces deployed on permanent or temporary foreign missions; up to 10,000 are permanently deployed, including Djibouti (1,500); French Guyana (2,600); French Polynesia (1,000); French West Indies (1,000); Reunion Island (2,100); UAE (800) other non-permanent deployments include military missions under NATO, the EU, and the UN, as well as some unilateral operations, in such places as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and adjacent waters (2025)

Military - note

the French military has a global footprint and a wide range of missions and responsibilities, to include protecting French territory, population, and interests, and fulfilling France’s commitments to NATO, European security, and international peacekeeping operations under the UN; it is the largest military in the EU and has a leading role in the EU security framework, as well as in NATO; in recent years, it has actively participated in coalition peacekeeping and other security operations in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans, often in a lead role; the military regularly conducts large-scale exercises and participates in a variety of bi-lateral and multinational exercises; it also has a domestic security mission, including providing enhanced security at sensitive sites and large events and support during national crises or disasters, such as fighting forest fires; in recent years, defense responsibilities have expanded to include cyber and space domains in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, including high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations (2025)

Terrorism

Terrorist group(s)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa'ida

Terrorist group(s) - note

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees

810,325 (2024 est.)

Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs

59 (2024 est.)

Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons

2,634 (2024 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues

air pollution and acid rain from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

International environmental agreements - party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Climate

metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral

Climate - note

Land use - agricultural land

52.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 31.4% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.9% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

32.7% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

15% (2023 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

81.8% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

0.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions

303.779 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke

25.355 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids

209.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas

69.025 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Methane emissions - energy

232 kt (2022-2024 est.)

Methane emissions - agriculture

1,496.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - waste

550.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - other

37.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

36.749 million tons (2024 est.)

Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled

31.6% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - municipal

5.271 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - industrial

16.641 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - agricultural

2.515 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources

211 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Geoparks - total global geoparks and regional networks

9 (2024)

Geoparks - global geoparks and regional networks

Armorique; Beaujolais; Causses du Quersey; Chablais; Haute-Provence; Luberon; Massif des Bauges; Monts d'Ardèche; Normandie-Maine (2024)

Space

Space agency/agencies

National Center for Space Studies (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, CNES; established 1961) (2025)

Space launch site(s)

Guiana Space Center (Kourou, French Guiana; also serves as the spaceport for the ESA); note – prior to the completion of the Guiana Space Center in 1969, France launched rockets from Algeria (2025)

Space program overview

has one of Europe’s largest space programs and is one of the top contributors to the ESA; has independent capabilities in all areas, except for autonomous manned space flight; can build, launch, and operate a range of space/satellite launch vehicles (SLVs) and spacecraft, including exploratory probes and a full spectrum of satellites; shifted astronaut training to ESA in 2001; hosts the ESA headquarters and its space launch facility; participates in international space programs such as the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope and International Space Station; works with a broad range of space agencies and commercial space companies, including those of China, Egypt, individual ESA and EU member countries, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the UAE, the US, and several African countries; has a large commercial space sector involved in satellite construction and payloads, launch capabilities, and a range of other space-related capabilities and technologies (2025)

Key space-program milestones

early 1960s - began rocket program and launched animals into space 1965 - launched first domestically produced satellite (Asterix) into space on a French Diamant rocket (third country to do so after the Soviet Union and US) 1973 - began development of Ariane heavy-lift satellite launch vehicle (SLV) along with other European states, particularly Germany and the UK; Ariane would become the ESA's SLV 1970s-1990s - development of a space plane/shuttle program (Hermes) 1982 - first French astronaut into space on a Soviet rocket 1986 - launched first joint European Earth observation/remote sensing program (SPOT) 2018 - launched project (Spaceship FR) to lay the groundwork for robotic and crewed missions to the Moon and Mars 2024 - debut launch of Ariane-6 SLV; claimed world's first satellite to ground communications via laser

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