| | France
| People |
| Population |
63.7 million |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4% |
| Languages |
French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish) |
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Culture
France has a rich and diverse culture, reflecting regional differences as well as the influence of recent immigration. The people of France are known worldwide for their sophisticated approach towards life, combined with great concern for style, fashion and appearances.
France had been an important cultural center of the world for many centuries, with Paris being the cultural hub. Even today, France contributes greatly to the fashion culture of the world. It is also known worldwide for its rich varieties of cuisines and wines. French Cuisine is regarded as one of world's most elegant and refined cuisines, renowned for both its classical and provincial styles. France is also famous for its music, cinemas and sports, especially football.
Art & Architecture
France has a diverse architectural heritage. It is particularly well known for Gothic churches built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries: Notre Dame in Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral and the Benedictine Abbey, and Mont-Saint Michel.
The magnificent castles of Fontainebleau and Versailles with its magnificent royal apartments and gardens bring the history of France to life again. The Eiffel Tower is one of France's national landmarks. At 1,050 feet tall, it is one of the world's most recognizable structures.
France has produced some of the continent's most influential writers including Victor Hugo who wrote Le Miserables and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. In the last two centuries it has given the art world the works of Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and Braque, to name but a few.
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