France

by Gofen, Ethel

• ISBN13: 9780761414988
• ISBN10: 0761414983
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-04-01
• Publisher: Benchmark Books

Summary

Introduces the geography, history, economy, cultures, and people of France.

Table of Contents

Introduction	5	(2)
Geography	7	(12)
Main geographical regions
Territories
Climate
Flora and fauna
History	19	(12)
Early settlers
The Middle Ages
The Reformation
The French Revolution
The search for stable government
Two world wars
Postwar France
Government	31	(8)
National government
Local government
Political parties
Crime and punishment
The armed forces
Economy	39	(10)
Fertile soil
Minerals
The service industries
Design and manufacturing
Energy sources
Foreign trade and the European Union
Environment	49	(8)
National parks
Black tides and coastal protection
Growing forests
Pollution
Keeping the water clean
Food safety
Waste disposal
Nuclear energy
The future
The French	57	(8)
City and country folk
Social classes
Immigrants influence on French life
What is so French about the French?
Lifestyle	65	(12)
Family ties
City lifestyle
Rural lifestyle
Education
Frenchwomen
French customs and manners
Work and travel
Religion	77	(8)
The Roman Catholic Church today
Protestants in France
Other religions
Language	85	(8)
A language of clarity and beauty
Sources of modern French
Keeping the language pure
The press
Radio and television
Arts	93	(12)
The glories of French architecture
Visual arts that illuminate our world
Literature of ideas and passion
French music
Minuet, cancan, and ballet
Films
Leisure	105	(8)
Team and individual sports
Other leisure pursuits
Vacations
Festivals	113	(8)
Public holidays
Holiday revelry
Regional festivals and seasonal events
Food	121	(11)
Types of cuisine
Regional foods and dishes
Cafes, brasseries, bistros
Eating through the day
Wines and other spirits
Map Of France	132	(3)
About The Economy	135	(2)
About The Culture	137	(1)
Time Line	138	(2)
Glossary	140	(1)
Further Information	141	(1)
Bibliography	142	(1)
Index	142