World Happiness Report for France 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank France: 27
- Happiness Score France:6.609
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of France. FR.
France is a country located in Western Europe.
- It is known for its rich history, art, and culture, with famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
- France has a semi-presidential republic political structure, with a President and a Prime Minister.
- It is one of the world’s top tourist destinations and has a strong economy, particularly in industries such as luxury goods, fashion, and tourism.
Comprehensive Overview of France
History
Early History: The region that is now France has been inhabited since ancient times, with the Gauls being the dominant Celtic people. They were conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC, and the area became an integral part of the Roman Empire.
Kingdoms and Empires: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Franks, a Germanic tribe, established the Merovingian dynasty in the 5th century AD. The Carolingian Empire, founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century, was a major power in medieval Europe. The Capetian dynasty ruled from 987 to 1328, followed by the Valois and Bourbon dynasties.
Colonial Period: During the 16th and 17th centuries, France established colonial possessions in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The French colonial empire was the second-largest in the world at its peak, with territories in North America, the Caribbean, India, and Africa.
Independence and Modern Era: The French Revolution of 1789 overthrew the monarchy and established a republic based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. France experienced periods of political instability, including the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. The modern French state emerged in the late 19th century, with the establishment of the Third Republic.
Current Political Situation: France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The current President is Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister is Élisabeth Borne.
International Relations: France is a founding member of the United Nations, European Union, and NATO. It maintains close ties with its European neighbors and is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Human Development and Economy: France has a highly developed economy and is a member of the G7 group of industrialized nations. Major industries include tourism, aerospace, automotive, and luxury goods. France ranks highly on the Human Development Index.
Cultural Highlights: France is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including art, literature, cuisine, fashion, and architecture. The French language is widely spoken around the world, and Paris is a global center of art and culture.
Conclusion: France faces challenges such as economic stagnation, social unrest, and integrating its diverse population. Opportunities lie in strengthening its position in the EU, promoting innovation, and leveraging its cultural influence.
Travel Tips for France
– Best times to visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
– Cultural etiquette: Dress conservatively, greet with a handshake or cheek kiss, and be mindful of French pride and formalities.
– Safety precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas, secure valuables, and be aware of petty crime.
– Must-see landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Champs-Elysées.
– Culinary experiences: Taste authentic French cuisine like croissants, cheese, wine, and regional specialties like crêpes, cassoulet, and bouillabaisse.Living in France
– Cost of living: Moderate to high, depending on the city. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
– Housing: Apartments and flats are common, with rental costs varying greatly by location.
– Healthcare: France has a universal healthcare system with excellent quality and accessibility.
– Education: Public education is highly regarded, with a mix of public and private universities.
– Lifestyle: Enjoy a relaxed pace of life, café culture, leisure activities like cycling and outdoor markets.
– Cultural norms: Learn basic French phrases, respect personal space, and observe local customs and traditions.
Main facts
Location
France is a transcontinental country located in Western Europe, spanning the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and the North Sea. It shares land borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. The northwestern part of France borders the Bay of Biscay, while the Mediterranean coast lies in the southeast.
Map References
France is situated in Western Europe, with a significant portion of its territory located on the European mainland.
Area – Comparative
France’s total area is approximately 643,801 square kilometers, making it slightly less than the size of the US state of Texas.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
France shares land borders with the following countries:
- Belgium – 620 km
- Luxembourg – 73 km
- Germany – 451 km
- Switzerland – 573 km
- Italy – 488 km
- Monaco – 4.4 km
- Spain – 646 km
- Andorra – 55 km
Coastline (if applicable)
France has a total coastline of 4,853 km, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and the Bay of Biscay.
Maritime Claims
France claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous Zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental Shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
France has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters, influenced by oceanic and continental air masses. The climate varies from continental in the interior to maritime along the coasts, while the Mediterranean region experiences a warm and dry climate.
Terrain
France’s terrain is predominantly flat plains or gently rolling hills in the north and west, with the Pyrenees mountain range in the southwest and the Alps in the southeast. The country also features several major river basins, including the Loire, Seine, Rhone, and Garonne.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in France is Mont Blanc at 4,808 meters, located in the Alps on the border with Italy. The lowest point is the Rhone River delta at -2 meters below sea level.
Natural Resources
France’s major natural resources include:
- Uranium
- Coal
- Iron ore
- Bauxite
- Zinc
- Antimony
- Arsenic
- Potash
- Fish
- Timber
Major Bodies of Water
Significant water bodies in France include:
- The Mediterranean Sea
- The English Channel
- The Bay of Biscay
- The Rhine River (shared with Germany)
- The Rhone River
- The Loire River
- The Seine River
- Lake Geneva (shared with Switzerland)
Natural Hazards
France is prone to the following natural hazards:
- Flooding
- Avalanches
- Earthquakes
- Wildfires
- Storms
Geography – Notes
Some important geographical notes about France include:
- The country’s diverse landscapes range from coastal plains to mountainous regions, offering a wide variety of natural scenery.
- France’s location in Western Europe has played a significant role in its historical and cultural development, facilitating trade and cultural exchange with neighboring countries.
- The country’s extensive coastline and maritime claims have contributed to its strong naval and fishing industries.
- France has a well-developed transportation network, including high-speed rail lines, highways, and international airports, facilitating travel and trade within the country and with the rest of Europe.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 31.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 303,276. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 52.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 46.2276382.213749.
- Capital: The capital of France is Paris
- Major Cities:
- Paris – Population: 2,148,271
- Marseille – Population: 861,635
- Lyon – Population: 506,615
- Toulouse – Population: 471,941
- Nice – Population: 347,060
- Population: 67,059,887
- Area(Km2): 643801
- Population Density( P/Km²):119. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:33
- Official Language(s):France is French – 100%
- Currency: EUR
Main Economic Indicators
France has a diverse and developed economy, ranking among the largest in the world. Its $2.8 trillion GDP as of 2022 is driven by a highly productive services sector and world-class manufacturing industries. Key challenges include high public debt levels, rigid labor markets, and stagnating productivity growth. Notable policies aim to stimulate business investment, foster innovation, and promote competitiveness.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 5.9% (Source: INSEE)
2021: 1.6% (Source: INSEE)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: AA (Stable)
Moody’s: Aa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AA (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 1.6%
Industry: 18.5%
Services: 79.9%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Wheat, poultry, dairy products, beef, pork, sugar beets, wine, fruits, vegetables
Industrial: Machinery and equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, construction materials, iron and steel, beverages, textiles, food products
Labor Force
Total: 30.1 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 3rd largest in the European Union
Current Account Balance
2022: -$34.9 billion (est.)
2021: $21.3 billion
Comparative Ranking: 20th largest deficit in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $742.9 billion (2022 est.)
Key Export Partners: Germany, Spain, Italy, United States, Belgium
Key Export Commodities: Machinery and equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages
Imports: $868.2 billion (2022 est.)
Key Import Partners: Germany, China, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium
Key Import Commodities: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $201.9 billion (2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: 2,436 metric tons (2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$2,715,518,274,227. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 24.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 60.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.39. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $11.16. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 8.43%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: French (plural: French)
Adjective: French
2. Ethnic Groups
– Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities
– French 85.8%, North African 8.9%, Sub-Saharan African 3.8%, other 1.5%
3. Religions
– Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 63-66%
– Muslim 7-9%
– Buddhist 0.5-0.8%
– Jewish 0.5-0.7%
– Other religions 0.5-1.9%
– No religion/atheist 23-28%
4. Age Structure
– 0-14 years: 18.07% (male 5,981,851/female 5,677,766)
– 15-64 years: 62.32% (male 20,352,416/female 20,064,810)
– 65 years and over: 19.61% (male 5,454,373/female 7,443,743)
5. Dependency Ratios
– Total dependency ratio: 59.6
– Youth dependency ratio: 28.9
– Elderly dependency ratio: 30.7
6. Median Age
– Total: 41.4 years
– Male: 39.7 years
– Female: 43.1 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
– Obesity rate: 21.6% of adults
– Alcohol consumption: 11.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
– Tobacco use: 32% of adults are daily smokers (2016)
– Life expectancy at birth: 82.5 years (2020 estimate)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:11.3. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.88. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 92.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 54,123,364. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):6.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
France’s military forces consist of the following branches:
- French Army – The largest service branch, responsible for land-based operations.
- French Air and Space Force – Handles aerospace operations, including air superiority and defense.
- French Navy – Maritime defense and power projection capabilities.
- National Gendarmerie – A paramilitary force responsible for internal security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement.
- Special Operations Command – Elite units like the Special Operations Command and Intelligence Command.
Military Expenditures
France’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 1.9%
- 2020: 2.1%
- 2019: 1.9%
- 2018: 1.8%
- 2017: 1.8%
France ranks 10th globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
France has approximately 203,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 117,000
- Air and Space Force: 41,000
- Navy: 38,000
- National Gendarmerie: 100,000
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
France’s military equipment includes domestically produced and imported hardware, such as:
- Main Battle Tanks: Leclerc
- Fighter Aircraft: Rafale, Mirage 2000
- Transport Aircraft: A400M Atlas, C-130 Hercules
- Naval Vessels: Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, frigates, submarines
Significant future acquisitions include the development of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Scorpion program for modernizing the Army’s equipment.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in France is voluntary, with the age range for recruitment being 17-32 years old. There is no mandatory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
France currently has military deployments in several regions, including:
- Operation Barkhane (Mali and the Sahel region) – Approximately 5,100 troops engaged in counterterrorism operations.
- Operation Chammal (Iraq and Syria) – Around 1,000 personnel involved in the global coalition against Islamic State.
- UN peacekeeping missions – France contributes troops to various UN operations, such as MINUSMA in Mali.
Strategic Military Notes
France’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a robust military capable of power projection, territorial defense, and addressing emerging threats like terrorism and cyber warfare. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nuclear-armed state, France plays a significant role in international security and peacekeeping efforts.
The country is a founding member of NATO and maintains strong military partnerships with allies like the United States and the European Union. France is also a key player in regional security initiatives like the G5 Sahel Joint Force and the European Intervention Initiative.
- Armed Forces Size: 203000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.27
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 55.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.