France is an independent nation in Western Europe and the center of a large overseas administration. France is the third-largest European nation (after
Russia and Ukraine) .
In ancient times France was a part of Celtic territory known as Gaul or Gallia .
Its present name is derived from the Latin Francia, meaning
“country of the franks,” A Germanic people who conquered the area during the 5 th century, at the time of fall of the Western Roman Empire. It became a separate country in the 9 th century .
France lies on the western edge of European continent and shares borders with six neighbours: Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany and
Switzerland to the east, Italy to the southern Europe and joining the countries in the central part of the continent to those in the east. Its extensive coastline gives
France a natural outlet towards Americe and Africa.
The largest country of Europe, France is surrounded by both land and water on all sides. The France Geography gives one a complete idea of the country’s unique location and its physical features. France is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green scenery, beautiful rivers and majestic mountains. Almost two thirds of the country is covered by mountains and hills. The major mountain ranges that one can find in France include the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Vosges.
France has a temperate climate in the north northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate. Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. There’s a Mediterranean climate in the south; mountainous areas are cooler with heavy snow in winter.

Forests once covered nearly all of France, but people have drastically changed the natural landscape. The plant life varies with the climate and soil. Under the moderate conditions of the oceanic climate are the remains of broadleaf deciduous forests that once covered the land, with oaks and beeches being most typical. Other common species included maples, chestnuts, and ashes.
Holly and other shrubs grew thickly on the forest floor.
France has some coal, iron ores, bauxite, and uranium, but the coal veins are deep and difficult to work and are unsuitable for use in the manufacture of steel. Iron ores are of a low grade, and the uranium ore is found only in small quantities.
On the other hand, high-quality soils cover almost half the country's surface, giving France an agricultural surplus that makes it an exporter of food.