The area of France is 551,500 square kilometers. This is a large state of Western Europe, beloved 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 also includes the island of Corsica, which belongs to one of the regions of France, while, however, it has a special status of "Territorial community of Corsica". French overseas departments - Guiana, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Martinique.
The terrain of the country is formed by high mountains, ancient plateaus and plains. The Pyrenees mountain range stretches along the border with Spain. The inaccessibility of these mountains limits the possibility of free movement to a neighboring country. Linking France and Spain are only a few narrow passes of mountain passes, as well as maritime communication in the west and east.
The border with Italy and Switzerland is partly 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 andmountains Jura Alps form the Alpine system.
Place de France in its central massif, located in the basins of the rivers 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.
France Square in its northern part is the 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 branched river system. Here flow the Seine, Loire, Garonne and Rhone. The major rivers of the country are interconnected by a network of canals. There are major seaports: Le Havre, Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille.
The climate of France is formed under the influence of ocean air currents. The struggle of the western wind with the continental east and south Mediterranean takes place constantly. The predominance of one or another direction of air decisively affects the climate in this part of Western Europe.
Western air masses bring precipitation here in the form of light drizzle. Continental influence from the east brings hot weather in summer and often snow in winter. Hot and muggy summers can bring heavy rainfall.
The seaside regions of France on the south coast are under Mediterranean influence. Winters are mild and wet here, while summershot and dry.
The flora that covers the entire area of France is very diverse and depends on the landscape. There are mosses and lichens in the mountains, alpine meadows down the slopes, and an abundance of forests and forest plantations closer to the plains. On the Mediterranean coast, plants grow that tolerate a hot, dry climate well.
In the national reserves and zoos of France you can meet Central European, Mediterranean and Alpine species of animals. Unfortunately, human economic activity has had a significant impact on their habitat in their natural environment. The number of animals in the wild is very limited.
