Part of the country series of articles.
TRAVEL ADVISORY: NORMAL PRECAUTIONSThe Commonwealth advises travellers to exercise normal precautions when travelling in this country. Travellers should familiarise themselves with local laws and customs and consular availability.
| French Republic | |
|---|---|
| Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic | |
 |
|
| Capital | Paris |
| Languages | French |
| Population | 68,373,433 |
The French Eighth Republic (commonly France) is a significant power in Western Europe, and was once a colonial empire that spanned much of the world. In the 21st Century it is wealthy, developed country and an independent nuclear power. It is a proud centre of culture and has a fickle relationship with its neighbours, and retains a number of incorporated territories around the world.
France still has deep ties to its former colonies, most notably in its support for the Latin Africa’s recently redenominated Franc. France is simultaneously a mediator and arms dealer in Africa, serving its own economic interests and occasionally countering the influence of the U.K. and Soviet Union. In Asia, the Republic of Indochine retains many French legal frameworks and culture, and its civil service often trains in Paris.
France is broadly aligned with the United States and U.K., with which it has a tepid historical relationship. This has encouraged France’s strategic independence and reticence towards further integration with the European Economic Community.