La Rochelle 46°09'N 1°09'W

GENERAL INFORMATION FRANCE

Area: 543,965 sq km (210,025 sq miles).
Population: 58,891,900 (official estimate 2000).
Population density: 108.3 per sq km.
Capital: Paris.
Population capital: 2,125,246 (1999).
Language: French is the official language, but there are many regional dialects. Basque is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton by some in Brittany. Many people, particularly those connected with tourism in the major areas, will speak at least some English.
Religion: Approximately 79 per cent Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used; adaptors recommended.
Currency: Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Country Code: + 33 ~
IDD Access Code: 00 ~