France 

This territory of about 547,030 sq km, has a population of about 60,424,213 (July 2004 est.). During its long history of about 2,000 years, France has always been a symposium for various cultures. A basis of  native Gaul background widely influenced by Roman and Greek cultures have been in contact, often violently, with influences of civilizations such as the Germanic, Arabic and several religions such as Christianism and Judaism.

Layer by layer, all have provided to France its unique diversity, from the ancient times until today, as France has been a country of immigration. It  has the most important North African community in Europe, people from Portugal, Spain, Eastern Europe and from different horizons came to enrich this cultural mix.

Even though the arrival of foreign aroused recently feelings of anger and racism, the French model of integration and assimilation is still influential in the minds. Beliefs such as the French Republic values of laïcité, as a way to assimilate people is common among French people. The other mainstream values comprise independence on the international level, the Welfare State- for systems as the Social security-  and defense of the worker’s rights, by means such as demonstration or syndicalism.

The best way to understand French people and appreciate French culture is to learn and practice regularly French. If you’re interested in learning more about French, please visit the French department website, or view our contacts page. Join us!!!

       (source :http://home.tiscali.be/prosper14/photos/cour2.htm)