About France.
Having visited France a few weeks ago, it struck me just how much different the country is, compared to their neighbours. They have had such close ties over centuries, but they certainly have their very own personality. I had a look at their history and perhaps find reasons why they are so unique.
Well, we are familiar with the fact that Germania, people called Franks, crossed the Rhine River from the east and then settled in the deep forests and the rich soil and fields. That area was called Gaul. The Franks attacked and captured many villages. They lost some battles, but soon, through their victories, gave them control of over much of the country we now call France. The Normans were the conquerors of France, Normandy, but they focused more on Britain, as did the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings and a bit later, the Romans. We learn from this that the original people who invaded Europe caused the uniqueness of the countries.
Back to our subject, France. Step by step the kings of France and their armies conquered more land. Finally the kingdom of France stretched all the way from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean. For some time it was the most powerful kingdom in the world! The French army and navy stretched out and soon amassed land in the Americas, Africa and Asia. They fiercely fought battles with Napoleon as their leader.
Today though it seems as if they have mellowed down. France doesn't have a forceful king anymore, but as a Republic, is run by a president. France gave much of their land to other countries. It is still, though, a great and powerful nation. Not the 'powerful' as in raging war, but more by its industry, art and intelligence. The population of France today is approximately 70 million. Nearly 3 million citizens live in Paris. The French seem to take a special pleasure in the way they live. They spend time on detail to make life more pleasant.
French chefs are famous for their unusual foods and take great pride in their work. Just about every part of France has its own special foods and their particular way of cooking. France is famous for its wine and is enjoyed worldwide. They have many farms and factories. Farmers grow fruit, vegetables and grain and they are very successful because of the rich soil and sun. They raise beef and dairy cattle and make about 400 different varieties of cheese!
They are known for luxurious items made in factories, such as perfume, clothing, gloves, hats and silk scarves. French perfume and clothes design is valued as the world's best. Automobile companies produce more than 3 million cars per year. French airlines is known for its excellence. They possess atomic power plants. With this they produce electricity for the entire country.
Whatever their beginning, France has matured into a superb country, occupied by happy, easygoing people.
Sources : Wikipedia, Excerpts from The Young Children's Encyclopaedia Britannica, Pixabay, Google Images, Unsplash.