Area
5,45,630 sq. km. - 339,054 sq. miles -excluding overseas territories.
Location
Western Europe
Population
60.9 million as per estimates of 2006 and Population Density of 111 per sq. km.
Capital City
Paris with a total population of 12.7 million - 2.2 million in city and 10.5 million in suburbs as per estimates of 2006.
Language
French is the official and most popular language in the country. There are also some predominant regional languages prevalent in some parts of France. For instance, Basque is the first language in the Southwest of the country, and Breton is widely spoken in Brittany. Locals at the tourist hotspots largely understand English and can even speak some broken but understandable English.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are commonly used.
Currency
Euro (EUR, symbol €). 1€ = 100 cents.
Notes prevalent = €20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
Coins prevalent = €1 and 2; Cents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at most first-class hotels in the country. It is illegal to make purchases using foreign currency in France. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards prevalent = MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are also accepted at most places in France.
Banking Hours
Banks in France function from Monday to Saturday from 0900-1200 and 1400-1700. Some banks, however, are closed on Mondays. On special days, like bank holidays, the Banks in France either close for full or half day.