It is an important member of the world community, though not nearly as important as it thinks. It is bounded by Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and some smaller nations of no particular consequence and without very good shopping. Among its contributions to western civilization are champagne, Camembert cheese, and the guillotine. One continuing exasperation for American visitors is that the people willfully persist in speaking French, though many will speak English if shouted at. As in any foreign country, watch your change at all times.
Many people are communists, and topless sunbathing is common.
Men sometimes have girls' names like Marie, and they kiss each other when they hand out medals. France was discovered by Charlemagne in the Dark Ages. Other important historical figures are Louis XIV, the Huguenots, Joan of Arc, Jacques Cousteau, and Charles de Gaulle, who was president for many years and is now an airport. Elections are held more or less continuously, and always result in a run-off. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into regions, departments, districts, municipalities, cantons, communes, villages, caf s, booths, and floor tiles.