Overview

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all the world. It is home to both the Eifel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. The country's official language is French, of course, and it enjoys a relatively cool climate year-round.

Culture

France is a country heavily based in the arts. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France houses the original Mona Lisa as well as many other famous paintings. The country is also famous for its variety of wines and cheeses. Cycling is a popular sport and the Tour de France is hosted annually here. Other sports include football (soccer), basketball, rugby and handball.

History

After World War I, France had suffered such losses that the country easily fell after several weak campaigns in the early battles of World War II. Germany occupied the country for several years until France was liberated by the Allies at which point the new French army joined forces with the United States, Britian and the Soviet Union. After the war, France attempted to regain its lost colonies but did not suceed in retaking Indochina or Algeria.