France today is one of the most modern countries in the world. It has taken a central role in fostering the economic integration of Europe along with the development of the Euro currency, and it continues to lead in efforts at strengthening the collective security and defense ties between European Union countries. France provides an interesting, current, and informative look at this important European country. It is an ideal source of information for geography classes, country reports, and students interested in France or Western Europe. Valuable case studies highlight important topics such as the culture of the Pays Basques, tourism in the French Alps, and environmental pressure on the Camargue. Graphs, charts, and statistics show river facts, France's under-age-five mortality rate, the spread of Paris from 1975 through 1995, and much more.