---

 

 Introduction ::FRANCE

 

 

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 hybrid 

 

presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities 

 

experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, 

 

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. In the early 21st century, five French overseas entities - 

 

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion - became French 

 

regions and were made part of France proper.

 

---