Sherry Shi 2-2 1249809 The country that Im researching is France , the reason why I choose this country

is because it is the country that Im really interested in visiting, but havent get chance to go to there. So that after I had done the research about this country, I got a better understanding of this country. And I think it is the place where you can relax yourself from the bustling city and enjoy the great food and the perfect views.

France is situated on the western edge of the European landmass. It is bordered by eight countries and also has an extensive and varied coastline. And it is Europes third largest country, covering an area of 201,668 sq. miles. It approximately twice size if Britain or Colorado. The physical landscape of France provides habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. In general, France can be divided into two regions. Toward the south and east are elevated plateaus and high mountains, including the Alps and the Pyrenees. Approximately 82 per cent of the land area is made up of farmland or forest, which provide an important natural resource for Frances economy.

French cuisine has a worldwide reputation for high quality and for delicacies such as cheeses, baguettes, crepes, and pates. The word

gourmet means a person who enjoys good food and drinks. The word ordinates from France and most French people are indeed true gourmet. The French love of food can be seen in their shopping for food in local markets. Besides the French food, Frances rich cultural heritage has also attracted many people to come and visit it, and in France, the thirty - five hour working week introduced in 1997 led to a considerable increase in leisure time for many French employees. Leisure interests account for about 10 per cent of household spending in France today. France has 37 sites inscribed in UNESCOs world Heritage List and features cities of high cultural interest, beaches and seaside resorts, ski resorts, and rural regions that many enjoy for their beauty and tranquility. In addition, the France language, which was the language of international diplomacy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, also has an influence beyond Frances boundaries and is spoken by many people around the world. Frances rich heritage has today spread for beyond its own borders. France food, fashion, art, movies and architecture are world renowned for quality and innovation. French history is characterized by numerous changes in territory and leadership, many of which resulted from lengthy and bloody wars. Between 1789 an1794, the French revolution transformed the country s system of government. This conflict helped to Established the principle of the constitutional republic by which France is

now governed. France has also been invaded by foreign powers, most notably during the World War 1 and World War 2. Historically and culturally, France is one of the most significant nations of Western Europe .It has played a pivotal economic, political, and cultural role in the history of its continent and of the world.

Focus on France Frist published in2006 Tidmarsh Sh