France, a country primarily in Western Europe, boasts overseas territories across the Americas and three major oceans, creating a vast exclusive economic zone. Metropolitan France borders numerous countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Its expansive area encompasses 643,801 km2 and houses 68.4 million people. Governed as a unitary semi-presidential republic, France's capital, Paris, stands as a cultural and commercial hub alongside other significant cities like Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, and more.
1900: Paris Hosts the Second Modern Olympic Games
In 1900, Paris had the distinct honor of hosting the second edition of the modern Olympic Games. The Games were held in the French capital as a tribute to the Games' Greek origins and following the first Games in Athens.
1904: Entente Cordiale
The "Entente Cordiale" between France and the United Kingdom was established in 1904, marking the beginning of a strengthening relationship, particularly in terms of military cooperation.
1905: Law on the Separation of the Churches and the State
France passed the 1905 law on the Separation of the Churches and the State, establishing the principle of laïcité (separation of church and state).
1905: Secularism in France
In a pivotal move towards secularism, France officially established state secularism in 1905.
1905: Separation of Church and State
The French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State, enacted in 1905, established the principle of laïcité, or state secularism, in France.
1919: Release of Trois mouvements perpétuels
Francis Poulenc, a renowned French composer, released his piano suite Trois mouvements perpétuels in 1919.
1921: Beginning of Major Immigration Wave
Between 1921 and 1935, France experienced a significant wave of immigration, with about 1.1 million net immigrants arriving in the country.
1923: Premiere of Les biches Ballet
Francis Poulenc's ballet Les biches premiered in 1923.
1923: The Inauguration of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The first 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car endurance race took place in 1923. This grueling race, held annually near the town of Le Mans, has since become a world-renowned motorsport event.
1924: France Hosts Both Summer and Winter Olympics and the First Deaflympics
The year 1924 marked a significant year for sports in France. Paris hosted the Summer Olympics for the second time, while Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics. Furthermore, inspired by French deaf car mechanic Eugène Rubens-Alcais, France also introduced the Deaflympics in 1924, organizing the first Summer Deaflympics in Paris.
1928: Debut of Concert champêtre and Boléro
1928 saw the debut of two significant musical pieces: Francis Poulenc's Concert champêtre for harpsichord and orchestra and Maurice Ravel's orchestral work Boléro.
1935: End of Major Immigration Wave
The major wave of immigration that began in 1921 concluded in 1935.
1938: FIFA World Cup Hosted in France
France hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1938, marking the third edition of this prestigious international football tournament.
1940: Establishment of the Vichy Government
Following the defeat of France by Nazi Germany in 1940, the Vichy government, an authoritarian regime collaborating with Germany, was established to govern the unoccupied territory of France.
1940: World War II: France Surrenders to Axis Powers
In 1940, France was invaded and swiftly defeated by Nazi Germany, leading to its division into a German occupation zone in the north, an Italian occupation zone, and an unoccupied territory in the south.
1942: Deportation of French Citizens During World War II
Between 1942 and 1944, under the Nazi regime, approximately 160,000 French citizens, including an estimated 75,000 Jews, were tragically deported to death and concentration camps.
1944: Liberation of France During World War II
Following the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944 and Provence in August 1944, France was liberated from Nazi occupation, leading to the establishment of the Provisional Government of the French Republic.
1946: Birth of the Fourth Republic
The Fourth Republic of France was established in 1946, ushering in a period of significant economic growth known as "les Trente Glorieuses." However, it also grappled with colonial conflicts in Indochina and Algeria.
1947: Formation of the Rally of the French People
The Gaullist Party changed its name to the Rally of the French People in 1947.
1954: French Defeat in Indochina
France's attempt to regain control of French Indochina ended in defeat against the Viet Minh in 1954, marking a significant setback in its colonial ambitions.
1957: Premiere of Dialogues des Carmélites Opera
Francis Poulenc's opera Dialogues des Carmélites premiered in 1957.
May 1958: May 1958 Crisis: Rise of the Fifth Republic
During the May 1958 crisis, the weak Fourth Republic gave way to the Fifth Republic, which included a strengthened presidency. This marked a turning point in French politics.
September 1958: Constitution of the Fifth Republic
On September 28, 1958, a referendum led to the approval of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, establishing a framework with executive, legislative, and judicial branches and aiming to address the instability of prior republics.
1958: Formation of the Union of Democrats for the Republic
The Gaullist Party changed its name to the Union of Democrats for the Republic in 1958.
1958: French Constitution
The 1958 French Constitution prohibited the government from collecting data on ethnicity and ancestry, contributing to a more multicultural society.
1958: Establishment of the Fifth Republic
Amidst the May 1958 crisis, the fragile Fourth Republic gave way to the Fifth Republic, characterized by a strengthened presidency under Charles de Gaulle.
1959: Debut of Gloria for Soprano, Choir, and Orchestra
In 1959, Francis Poulenc's Gloria for soprano, choir, and orchestra was performed for the first time.
1960: France Becomes a Recognized Nuclear State
France officially became a recognized nuclear state in 1960, marking a significant development in its military capabilities and global standing.
1960: France's Dominance in Haute Couture
France's association with fashion and style dates back to the reign of Louis XIV. However, the country reaffirmed its dominance in the high fashion (haute couture) industry between 1860 and 1960 with the establishment of renowned couturier houses like Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy.
1960: France Hosts European Nations' Cup
In 1960, France hosted the European Nations' Cup, a precursor to the UEFA European Championship, marking an important moment in European football history.
1962: Algerian Independence and the Évian Accords
The Évian Accords in 1962 brought an end to the Algerian War, granting Algeria independence but at a heavy cost, with a death toll estimated between half a million and one million and over two million internally displaced Algerians.
May 1968: May 1968 Protests in France
The May 1968 protests in France, although a political failure, represented a significant social and cultural turning point. They signaled a shift from conservative values to a more liberal moral ideal, creating a rift between the French people and de Gaulle, ultimately leading to his resignation.
1968: Grenoble Welcomes the Winter Olympics
In 1968, the French city of Grenoble was chosen to host the Winter Olympics, showcasing France's prowess in winter sports.
1969: Formation of the Socialist Party
The French Section of the Workers' International transitioned into the Socialist Party in 1969.
1971: Establishment of Environment Ministry
France became one of the first countries to establish an environment ministry in 1971.
1973: End of the Baby Boom
The year 1973 marked the end of the baby boom in France.
1973: France's Energy Security Policy
Following the 1973 oil crisis, France implemented a robust energy security policy, marked by substantial investments in nuclear energy.
1973: Investment in Nuclear Power
Following the 1973 oil crisis, France heavily invested in nuclear power, which now accounts for 75% of its electricity production.
1974: End of Centralized Monopoly in French Broadcasting
After years of a centralized monopoly over radio and television broadcasting, the French government took a significant step in 1974. The governmental agency ORTF was restructured into several national institutions, although the existing three TV channels and four national radio stations remained under state control.
1976: Formation of the Rally for the Republic
The Gaullist Party changed its name to the Rally for the Republic in 1976.
1976: Musée National d'Art Moderne Moves to Centre Georges Pompidou
The Musée National d'Art Moderne, which houses modern works, moved to the Centre Georges Pompidou in 1976.
1977: Height Restrictions Imposed on New Buildings in Paris
Starting in 1977, new buildings in Paris had to be under 37 metres (121 ft) tall. This was due to the challenges of integrating skyscrapers into the city's existing architecture.
1981: France Allows Free Radio Broadcasting
Marking a pivotal moment in French media history, the government in 1981 ended the state's monopoly over radio broadcasting. This decision paved the way for the liberalization of the airwaves and allowed for the emergence of private radio stations in France.
1982: Peak of Public Sector in France
In 1982, the public sector in France reached its peak, accounting for a significant portion of industrial employment and credit market dominance.
1984: UEFA Euro 1984 Held in France
France hosted the 1984 UEFA European Championship, showcasing its ability to host major football tournaments.
1986: Inauguration of the Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay was inaugurated in 1986 in the old railway station Gare d'Orsay. This was part of a major reorganisation of national art collections, to gather French paintings from the second part of the 19th century, mainly Impressionism and Fauvism movements.
1990: Carbon Emission Reduction Agreement
France, as an EU member, agreed to cut carbon emissions by at least 20% of 1990 levels by 2020.
1990: Forest Area Increase
Since 1990, France's forest area has increased by 7%, accounting for 31% of its land.
1990: Gayssot Act Prohibits Holocaust Denial
The Gayssot Act, passed in 1990, criminalized Holocaust denial, demonstrating France's commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving historical truth.
1992: Maastricht Treaty
In 1992, France signed the Maastricht Treaty, a significant step towards the development of the European Union.
1992: Albertville Hosts the Winter Olympics
The French town of Albertville held the Winter Olympics in 1992, demonstrating France's continued capability in hosting major winter sports events.
1993: France Advocates for "Cultural Exception" within the WTO
In 1993, France successfully persuaded all European Union members to exclude culture and audiovisuals from the list of liberalised sectors in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This was part of France's advocacy for the "cultural exception," a concept that treats culture differently from other commercial products.
1994: Lowest Point of Total Fertility Rate
France's total fertility rate reached its lowest point in 1994, at 1.7 births per woman.
1995: Parliament Identifies Dangerous Cults
Beginning in 1995, the French Parliament began identifying and listing religious movements deemed as dangerous cults, reflecting concerns about potential harm.
1995: Public Transport Bombings
France was targeted by Islamist organisations beginning with the 1995 public transport bombings.
1997: World Health Organization Ranking
The World Health Organization ranked the French health care system first worldwide in 1997.
1997: End of National Conscription in France
France abolished mandatory military service, known as national conscription, in 1997, transitioning to a professional military force.
1998: Development of Hand Transplantation
Lyon, France, became the birthplace of hand transplantation in 1998, thanks to the efforts of an international team that included Jean-Michel Dubernard, who later accomplished the first successful double hand transplant.
1999: Establishment of the Eurozone
France played a key role in the establishment of the eurozone in 1999.
1999: Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples Legalized
France took a step towards recognizing same-sex relationships by legalizing civil unions for homosexual couples in 1999.
2000: World Health Organization Assessment
The World Health Organization assessed global health care systems and deemed France's to provide "close to best overall health care" in the world.
September 2001: First Transatlantic Telesurgery
On September 7, 2001, a team of French surgeons led by Jacques Marescaux successfully conducted the first transatlantic telesurgery.
2004: Institut Montaigne Demographic Estimates
In 2004, the Institut Montaigne estimated the ethnic makeup of Metropolitan France, with the largest group being White (85% of the population).
2004: Madrid Train Bombings
The 2004 Madrid train bombings were the deadliest terrorist attack in the European Union until the 2015 Paris attacks.
2004: Ban on Conspicuous Religious Symbols in Schools
In 2004, France banned the wearing of conspicuous religious symbols in public schools, aiming to uphold the principle of laïcité and ensure neutrality in educational settings.
2004: Decrease in Asylum Applications
France experienced a 15% decrease in asylum applications in 2005 compared to the previous year (2004).
November 2005: First Face Transplant
Bernard Devauchelle performed the world's first face transplant on November 27, 2005, marking a groundbreaking achievement in surgical medicine.
2005: Leading Recipient of Asylum Seekers
France became Western Europe's leading recipient of asylum seekers in 2005, with an estimated 50,000 applications.
2005: UNESCO Upholds "Cultural Exception" Principle
The principle of "cultural exception" gained significant support in 2005 when it was put to a vote at UNESCO. An overwhelming majority of 198 countries voted in favor of the principle, while only the United States and Israel opposed it.
2006: Michelin Guide Awards Stars to French Restaurants
By 2006, the prestigious Michelin Guide, a French publication known for its restaurant ratings, had awarded a total of 620 stars to restaurants across France, highlighting the country's culinary excellence.
2006: France's Natural Population Growth
France exhibited a relatively high rate of natural population growth among developed nations, particularly in Europe, with birth rates driving most of the increase in the European Union in 2006.
2006: Start of Population Growth Period
From 2006 to 2011, France witnessed an average annual population growth rate of 0.6 percent.
2007: Saint Barthélemy Secedes from Guadeloupe
In 2007, Saint Barthélemy seceded from Guadeloupe to become an overseas collectivity of France.
2007: Formation of the Union for a Popular Movement
The Gaullist Party changed its name to the Union for a Popular Movement in 2007.
2007: Adult Education Survey on Native Languages
The 2007 Adult Education survey revealed that French was the native language of 87.2% of the French population, with Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian being the next most common native languages.
2007: Formation of NYSE Euronext
Euronext merged with the New York Stock Exchange in 2007, creating NYSE Euronext, the world's largest stock exchange at the time.
2007: Treaty of Lisbon
In 2007, France signed the Treaty of Lisbon, further solidifying the European Union.
2007: France Hosts Rugby World Cup
In 2007, France hosted the Rugby World Cup, a major international rugby union tournament. The final was held at the Stade de France, showcasing France's capability to host major sporting events.
2007: HIV/AIDS Prevalence
As of 2007, approximately 140,000 people in France (0.4% of the population) were living with HIV/AIDS.
2008: Expansion of France's Railway Network
As of 2008, France's railway network extended over 29,473 kilometers (18,314 miles), making it the second largest in Western Europe after Germany.
2008: Growth in Renewable Energy Production
Between 2008 and 2019, France experienced a steady increase in renewable energy production capacity, nearly doubling its output.
2008: Foreign-Born and French-Born Immigrant Estimates
In 2008, INSEE estimated there were around 5 million foreign-born immigrants and 6.5 million French-born descendants of immigrants in France.
2008: French Government Initiative to Support Print Media
In 2008, recognizing the challenges faced by the print media industry, the French government launched a significant initiative aimed at facilitating reforms and helping the sector become financially independent.
2008: Health Care Spending and Physicians
The average health care spending per capita in France was US$4,719 in 2008, with 3.22 physicians for every 1000 inhabitants.
2008: Minority Ancestry Group Estimates
A 2008 poll estimated the largest minority ancestry groups in France, with Italians being the largest, followed by Northwest African, Sub-Saharan African, Armenian, and Turkish populations.
April 2009: France Rejoins NATO Joint Military Command
Under President Nicolas Sarkozy, France rejoined NATO's joint military command in April 2009, after decades of exclusion due to disagreements over the organization's structure and France's desire to maintain its foreign policy independence.
2009: Carbon Emissions Per Capita
As of 2009, France had lower carbon dioxide emissions per capita than China.
2009: Disneyland Paris Attendance
Disneyland Paris, Europe's most popular theme park, attracted a combined 15 million visitors to its Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park in 2009.
2009: French Print Media Crisis and Government Intervention
In 2009, the French print media industry continued to grapple with a severe crisis due to the rise of the internet. The government, which had launched an initiative to support the sector in 2008, provided an additional 600,000 euros to help print media cope with economic challenges, supplementing existing subsidies.
2009: Start of Increase in Spanish Immigration
There was a notable increase in the number of Spanish immigrants in France from 2009.
2010: Immigrant Contribution to Population Growth
In 2010, immigrants played a significant role in France's population growth, with 27 percent of newborns in metropolitan France having at least one foreign-born parent.
2010: Rise in Total Fertility Rate
The total fertility rate in France rebounded to 2.0 births per woman in 2010, indicating an upward trend.
2010: Asylum Applications
France received approximately 48,100 asylum applications in 2010, ranking it among the top five asylum recipients globally.
2010: Ban on Face-Covering Veils in Public
France implemented a law in 2010 prohibiting the wearing of face-covering Islamic veils in public spaces, sparking debate about religious freedom, women's rights, and national security.
2011: Health Care Spending
In 2011, France spent 11.6% of its GDP on health care, amounting to US$4,086 per capita.
2011: Shift in Annual Population Growth
Since 2011, France's annual population growth has ranged between 0.4 and 0.5 percent.
2012: Religious Buildings in France
As of 2012, 94% of the 47,000 religious buildings in France were Catholic churches.
2012: France Intervenes in Northern Mali Conflict
Beginning in 2012, France, along with other African nations, intervened in the Northern Mali conflict to support the Malian government against insurgents.
2012: End of Increase in Spanish Immigration
The increase in Spanish immigration that began in 2009 continued until 2012.
2013: Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Legalized
France legalized same-sex marriage and adoption in 2013, reflecting growing social acceptance and legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.
2013: France Becomes Second Largest Film Exporter
In 2013, France became the second greatest exporter of films globally, following the United States.
2014: Opération Chammal
France launched Opération Chammal in 2014 to combat ISIS, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 ISIS troops between 2014 and 2015.
November 2015: Paris Attacks
The November 2015 Paris attacks, which resulted in 130 deaths, marked the deadliest attack on French soil since World War II and the deadliest in the European Union since the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
2015: France Remains a Leader in Filmmaking
As of 2015, France continued to be a leader in filmmaking, producing more films than any other European country.
2015: France Described as "Best Networked State"
In 2015, France was recognized for its extensive involvement in international institutions, being labeled the "best networked state in the world." Its memberships include the UN, G7, WTO, and others.
2015: Formation of The Republicans
The Gaullist Party changed its name to The Republicans in 2015.
2016: Significant Population Increase
Between 2006 and 2016, France experienced the second-largest overall population growth in the EU, with natural births playing a substantial role.
2016: Administrative Regions Reorganization
In 2016, France underwent an administrative reorganization, resulting in 18 regions: 13 in metropolitan France (including Corsica) and five overseas.
2017: LVMH: The World's Largest Luxury Company
In 2017, data compiled by Deloitte showed that Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey (LVMH), a French brand, was the world's largest luxury company in terms of sales. LVMH's sales were more than double those of its closest competitor.
2017: Rise of La République En Marche!
The 2017 presidential and legislative elections saw the radical centrist party La République En Marche! (LREM) become the dominant political force in France.
2017: France as a Leading Development Aid Donor
In 2017, France was recognized as the world's fourth-largest provider of development aid, demonstrating its commitment to international development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
2017: Increase in Asylum Applications
France saw a significant increase in asylum applications, with the number doubling to 100,412 in 2017.
2018: France as a Top Tourist Destination
In 2018, France welcomed 89 million international tourists, making it the world's most popular tourist destination, surpassing Spain and the United States.
2018: EDF's Electricity Production
In 2018, Électricité de France (EDF) produced approximately one-fifth of the European Union's electricity, relying heavily on nuclear power.
2018: Musée d'Orsay Voted Best Museum in the World
In 2018, the Musée d'Orsay was voted the best museum in the world.
2018: PISA Ranks French Education Near OECD Average
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), coordinated by the OECD, ranked France's education system as near the OECD average in 2018.
2018: France as a Leading Trading Nation
In 2018, France held the position of the world's fifth-largest trading nation and the second-largest in Europe, demonstrating its significant role in global trade.
2018: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
France scored 4.52/10 on the 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 123rd globally.
2018: Improved Economic Standing
By 2018, France's policies focused on economic dynamism and privatization had positively impacted its global economic standing.
2018: French Armed Forces Ranked Sixth Most Powerful
A 2018 study by Crédit Suisse ranked the French Armed Forces as the sixth most powerful military globally, reflecting its capabilities and resources.
2019: Regional Natural Parks
As of 2019, there were 54 regional natural parks (PNRs) in France, promoting sustainable development and protecting natural environments.
2019: Doubling of Renewable Energy Capacity
By 2019, France's renewable energy production capacity had doubled since 2008, demonstrating a commitment to diversifying energy sources.
2019: France Attracts Foreign Direct Investment
France ranked first in Europe and 13th globally in attracting foreign direct investment in 2019, highlighting its attractiveness to international businesses and investors.
2019: Global Competitiveness Report
France's economic standing improved globally, ranking 15th in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report, moving up two spots from the previous year.
2019: France's Position in the Global Innovation Index
In 2019, France held the 16th spot in the Global Innovation Index.
2019: France Hosts FIFA Women's World Cup
In 2019, France hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup, highlighting the country's commitment to women's football and its ability to organize major sporting events.
2019: Metropolitan Area Populations
In 2019, France's largest metropolitan areas were Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, Montpellier, and Rennes.
2020: Revision of Metropolitan Area Borders
In 2020, INSEE revised the borders of metropolitan areas in France, leading to Nice being considered a separate metropolitan area from Cannes-Antibes.
2020: Bloomberg Innovation Index
In 2020, France was recognized as one of the world's top 10 most innovative countries according to the Bloomberg Innovation Index.
2020: Carbon Emission Reduction Target
France aimed to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2020.
2020: Environmental Performance Index
In 2020, France ranked fifth on the Environmental Performance Index conducted by Yale and Columbia.
2020: National Survey on Religious Adherence
A 2020 national survey by INSEE found that 34% of the French population adhered to Christianity, 11% to Islam, and 53% declared no religion.
2020: Success of Europe Ecology - The Greens
Europe Ecology - The Greens (EELV) performed well in mayoral elections in major cities starting in 2020.
January 2021: Decline in Fertility Rate
As of January 2021, the fertility rate in France slightly decreased to 1.84 children per woman, falling below the replacement rate of 2.1.
2021: End of French Intervention in Mali
France and other African states concluded their intervention in the Northern Mali conflict in 2021 after years of supporting the Malian government.
2021: France as a Leading Energy Exporter
France became the largest energy exporter in Europe in 2021, primarily supplying electricity to the U.K. and Italy, and securing its position as the world's top net exporter of electricity.
2021: French Arms Exports Value
French arms exports in 2021 totaled 11.7 billion euros, showcasing the country's significant arms industry.
2021: Regional Daily Newspapers Outperform National Newspapers
In 2021, regional daily newspapers in France, such as Ouest-France and Sud Ouest, saw their sales more than double those of national newspapers like Le Monde and Le Figaro. Free daily newspapers distributed in metropolitan areas also continued to increase their market share.
June 2022: Legislative Elections and Minority Government
In June 2022, France held legislative elections where President Macron lost his parliamentary majority. Subsequently, he had to form a minority government.
2022: Louvre Museum Attendance
The Louvre Museum in Paris received 7.7 million visitors in 2022, solidifying its position as the world's most visited art museum.
2022: French Military Expenditure
In 2022, France's military expenditure reached US$53.6 billion, representing 1.9% of its GDP, making it the eighth-largest military spender globally.
2022: National Rally's Opposition Status
In 2022, the right-wing populist National Rally (RN) became the largest opposition party in the National Assembly.
2022: Increase in French Arms Exports
French arms exports surged to 27 billion euros in 2022, a significant increase from 11.7 billion euros in 2021, highlighting France's role as a major arms exporter.
2023: France's Ranking in the Global Innovation Index
France climbed to 11th place in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, up from its 16th position in 2019, demonstrating its progress in innovation.
2023: France to Host Rugby World Cup Again
France is set to host the Rugby World Cup for the second time in 2023, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for international rugby union.
January 2024: France's Population Estimate
As of January 2024, France's estimated population reached 68,373,433, making it the 20th most populous country globally.
2024: France Protects Abortion Rights in Constitution
In a landmark decision, France became the first EU nation to explicitly protect abortion rights within its constitution in 2024, solidifying its stance on reproductive rights.
2040: France's Hydropower Expansion Plan
France has set ambitious goals to expand its hydropower capacity by 2040, aiming to further utilize this renewable energy source.