Facts about France: Fun and Interesting Facts on the French

Live in France: Culture, cuisine, and a high quality of life await.|©iStock/Charday Penn

Key Facts About France

Population: 68.6 million (2025 est.)
Capital City: Paris
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), shifting to UTC+2 during daylight saving time.Location: Western Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 0.937 EUR (March 2025 est.)
Official Language: French
Telephone Country Code: +33
Emergency Number: 112 (SOS – All Services)

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Visas & Residency

For visits under 90 days, U.S. and Canadian citizens currently do not need a visa, but as of 2025, travelers must complete an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) registration before arriving in France.

For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence visa from the nearest French consulate in the U.S. or Canada before arrival.

The Regions of France

Metropolitan France is divided into 13 administrative regions, including the Mediterranean island of Corsica. This number was reduced from 22 in 2016 as part of a government reform aimed at simplifying administration and cutting costs.

Climate

France has a mostly temperate climate, but there are regional variations:

Northern & Western France: Oceanic climate with mild summers and wet winters.
Central & Eastern France: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Southern France (Provence & Mediterranean Coast): Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Alps & Pyrenees: Mountain climate with cold, snowy winters—ideal for skiing.