France

The French population blends Celtic, Latin, and Germanic roots, unified by the French language and a strong civic national identity. Large communities tracing roots to North and West Africa and elsewhere reflect France's colonial past and decades of immigration.

Historically Roman Catholic, France is constitutionally secular (laïcité) and largely non-practicing, with the largest Muslim and Jewish populations in Western Europe.

Society

France offers universal healthcare, strong public education, and high life expectancy. Its population continues to grow modestly, helped by relatively high birth rates and immigration, even as it ages.