France
France was a founder member of the EEC, one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It is the world's leading tourist destination with over 76 million visitors a year.
Economic Strengths
Engineering, car manufacture, defence export, agriculture, tourism, high but falling unemployment.
Economic Weaknesses
High taxes and labour costs, burden of nationalised companies. Opposition to labour reform.
| Population | 61,811,790 |
| Capital city | Paris |
| Currency | Euro |
| World GNP Ranking | 8 |
| Unemployment | 8% |
| Inflation | 1.6% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009