France: flag, capital, currency and history

France, officially the French Republic, is a country in Western Europe, Europe. Its capital is Paris. The currency is the Euro. Languages spoken include French.

Quick facts about France

Official name: French Republic
Capital: Paris
Region: Europe, Western Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Languages: French
Calling code: +33
Internet domain: .fr
Area: 551,695 km² (213,011 sq mi)
Land borders: Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland
Demonym: French
National day: Bastille Day, July 14

Flag of France

Download the flag of France as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇫🇷.

SVG (vector)

History of France

The area of France was inhabited by Celtic Gauls until Julius Caesar's conquest in the 50s BCE. After Roman rule, the Franks under Clovis established a kingdom around 500 CE. The medieval monarchy grew through the Capetian dynasty and the Hundred Years' War with England, which ended in 1453. The French Revolution of 1789 overthrew the monarchy, and Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor in 1804. France later passed through several republics and empires, and was a major participant in both world wars. The Fifth Republic dates from 1958. Paris is the capital, and France is a founding member of the European Union.

Key dates

58 BCEJulius Caesar begins the Roman conquest of Gaul, completed by 50 BCE.
c. 500Clovis unites Frankish territories under his rule and converts to Christianity.
843The Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolingian Empire and creates West Francia.
1453The Hundred Years' War between France and England ends.
1789The French Revolution begins.
1804Napoleon Bonaparte is proclaimed Emperor of the French.
1958The Fifth Republic is established.