The area of France is 551500 square kilometers. This is a large state of Western Europe, loved by tourists from all over the world. The Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel wash it in the north and west, the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
The territory of France includes the island of Corsica, which belongs to one of the regions of France, while, however, has a special status of “Territorial community of Corsica”. Overseas departments of France - Guiana, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Martinique.
The terrain of the country is formed by high mountains, ancient plateaus and plains. The mountain range of the Pyrenees stretches along the border with Spain. The inaccessibility of these mountains limits the possibility of free movement to a neighboring country. France and Spain are connected with each other only by a few narrow passages of mountain passes, as well as maritime communications in the west and east.
The border with Italy and Switzerland is partially formed by the Alps. Here, unlike the Pyrenees, there are many easily accessible passes. In these mountains is the famous Mont Blanc. Its peak rises high above sea level and reaches a height of 4807 meters. Together with the Pyrenees and the Jura Mountains, the Alps form the Alpine system.
The area of France in its central massif, located in the basins of the Loire, Garonne and Rhone, forms a plateau. In ancient times there were Hercynian mountains. Subsequently, they were destroyed by volcanic eruptions. Currently, volcanoes have lost their activity.
The area of France in its northern part is lowlands. The Paris basin among the Armorican and Central French massifs, the Vosges and the Ardennes occupies two thirds of the country. Paris is surrounded by a system of concentric ledges of ridges.
The territory of France is covered by forests (27%), national natural parks and a huge ramified river system. The Seine, Loire, Garonne and Rhone flow here. Large rivers of the country are interconnected by a network of canals. There are large seaports: Le Havre, Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille.
The climate of France is formed under the influence of oceanic air currents. The struggle of the west wind with the continental east and Mediterranean south is ongoing. The prevalence of one direction or another of air decisively affects the climate in this part of Western Europe.
Western air masses bring rainfall in the form of a light drizzle. Continental influence from the east gives hot weather in summer, and often snow in winter. Hot and sweltering summers can cause heavy rains.
The coastal areas of France on the south coast are under Mediterranean influence. Winters are mild and damp, and summers are hot and dry.
The plant world, covering the entire area of France, is very diverse and depends on the landscape. In the mountains, mosses and lichens, down the slopes - alpine meadows, closer to the plains an abundance of forests and forest plantations. Plants that tolerate a hot, dry climate grow on the Mediterranean coast.
In the national reserves and zoos of France you can find Central European, Mediterranean and alpine species of animals. Unfortunately, human activities had a significant impact on their habitat in their natural environment. The number of animals in the wild is very limited.
