france on a map of europe

France, a country of northwestern Europe, is historically and culturally among the most important countries in the Western world. It has also played a highly significant role in international affairs for centuries. Discover France. Explore France facts, culture, history & comprehensive country profile with maps, statistics & research resources for students & travelers. Where is France? France is a country located in North Western Europe. It is geographically positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. France is bordered by 7 countries: by Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast; by Germany, Switzerland and Italy in the east; and by Spain and Andorra in the south. Today France is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy, resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. France retains its centuries-long status as a global centre of art, science, and philosophy. It hosts the fourth-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 54 in total, and is the world's leading tourist destination, having received 102 million foreign visitors in 2025.

The climate in mainland France is temperate, with quite significant regional differences. Temperatures are relatively mild and rainfall occurs throughout the year. Stay updated with the top news from France, all in English. Breaking stories, politics, business, entertainment and sport, updated daily.