The French Republic is the second largest country in the European Union, with over 63 million people. The country has long been an epicentre of art, culture, science and power.
In addition to Metropolitan France, which is divided into 13 administrative regions, there are the five oversea departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte) and eight oversea territories (French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Clipperton Island).
Even before the United States, Spain and China, France is the most popular destination for international tourists. In 2016, the number of international travelers annually arriving was 82.6 million, significantly more than the population of France.
French cuisine is probably one of the best known. It is certainly the epitome of fine dining. Its origins go back to the 14th century. The heart of French cuisine are cheese and wine.
The most common surname in France is Martin.
