I really love France. It is an historical playground. Everywhere you turn there is something magnificent in front of you. No nation in the world compares to the wonders of human genius found in this awesome country. France's only flaw is that it is an expensive place to travel to. I first traveled to France in 1990. I flew my parents to Paris in 1991 and I returned for a more extensive tour in 1997. I am sure I will get the opportunity to travel to France again in the future and I look forward to doing so.
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Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to exploit the momentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a more unified and capable European defense and security apparatus. (CIA Factbook) |   |
