France was a Monarchy till the French Revolution took place in 1789. After a series of unstable governments, Napoleon Bonaparte gained control of the Republic in 1799. He established himself as the Emperor of the First French Empire and was finally defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This led to a resurgence of the French Monarchy. 

In spite of the victories in World War I and II, France suffered from many losses. Nevertheless, France today is developed country and one of the leading nations of EU.

France has a rich cultural heritage in terms architecture, art and literature. The French made indelible contributions in literature and art during Renaissance which ultimately influenced the western culture. The recent past is known as the ‘cinema-era’ during which French Movies have gained international credibility.  

France is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, and Spain. It has overseas departments in French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and hence shares borders with Brazil, Suriname (French Guiana) and Saint Martin (Guadeloupe).