foreignlanguages.gov.mt

LEARN ABOUT ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST AMAZING COUNTRIES!

Oh là là ! Ready to discover  one of Europe’s most amazing countries? 

France is a vibrant country in Western Europe famous for its rich history, art, fashion, and cuisine. Known as L’Hexagone (the hexagon) due to its six-sided shape, it is the largest country in the European Union and the world’s most visited tourist destination. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RDw1O64hQ0

Key Facts at a Glance

 Capital: Paris, home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

  • Language: French.
  • Currency: Euro (€).
  • National Motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). 

Geography & Climate

  • Borders: Shares land borders with Spain, Andorra, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
  • Landscapes: Features varied terrain including the Alps mountains in the east, coastal plains in the north/west, and the Mediterranean coastline in the south.
  • Climate: Generally mild and temperate, making it pleasant for traveling and exploring year-round. 

History & Culture

  • Art & Innovation: France is the birthplace of the world’s first camera phone and is the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
  • Food: Renowned for its baguettes, cheeses (over 500 types), croissants, and wine.
  • Sports: The country of famous footballers! France hosts the Tour de France, one of the world’s most famous bicycle races, which runs for over 100 years. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfhRny7Yzm4&t=9s

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/countries/facts-about-france/

 Culture & Teenage Life

  • Socializing: French teens love hanging out with friends, going to local cafés, playing sports (especially soccer/football and basketball), and socializing at each other’s homes.
  • Language: French is the 6th most spoken language in the world. Taking a short immersive language course or participating in a high school study abroad program is an excellent way for teens to build their fluency. 

 LA FRANCOPHONIE

French is an official language in 29 countries across the globe, spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. In addition to these, there are dozens of member states in the global network of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) where French holds cultural, educational, or diplomatic significance. 

https://www.mondly.com/blog/french-speaking-countries/

https://www.frenchpod101.com/blog/2026/02/19/french-speaking-countries/

Europe

  • France
  • Belgium 
  • Switzerland 
  • Luxembourg
  • Monaco

 Africa

 Most French-speaking nations and the largest francophone populations are located on the African continent, largely due to historical ties and the language’s role in government and education: 

  • Central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo.
  • West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo.
  • East Africa & Indian Ocean: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles. 

The Americas & Oceania

  • Canada (Co-official with English, predominantly in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick)
  • Haiti
  • Vanuatu (Oceania) 

French Overseas Territories

In addition to independent countries, several regions and territories maintain strong French ties and have French as their sole or co-official language. These include French Polynesia, New Caledonia, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion.

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/travel-and-culture/french-speaking-countries/

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