Geography of France

Europe is one of the largest and the most beautiful continent in the earth. Europe covers a huge area and comprises several countries that offer breathtaking scenic beauty to people and are thus very popular as tourist destinations. European countries like France, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand are visited by billions of intercontinental tourists

throughout the year. Unique geographical location and abundance of natural assets are the biggest reasons behind the popularity of most of the European countries as tourist destination. France is not an exception to that.

The geography of France has played a very important role in its tourism sector. The natural beauty that France offers to its visitors is hard to express in words. Besides, there are several historic and archaeological sites in France that attracts thousands of visitors. However, it must be mentioned here that, apart from its tourism sectors, the geography of France also plays a very important role in its economy too.

Speaking about the geography of France first of all one must mention its geographical location. France is located in the Western part of Europe and the metropolitan area of the country includes various overseas islands and territories that are part of other continents. The geographical area of metropolitan France extends from the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea via English Channel on one side and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean on the other side. Speaking about the geography of France it is also very important to mention about its neighboring countries. France shares its borders with countries like Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, Andorra and Monaco.

And as per as its overseas territories are concerned, Brazil, Netherland Antilles and Suriname are also the neighboring countries of France. Besides, France is also connected with the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel which has passed underneath the English Channel. The overseas territories and their geographical locations are also important parts of the geography of France. Some of the overseas territories of France are located in North America, some are parts of Carribean Islands and the remaining are scattered in South America, one pacific Ocean, Antarctica and the Southern part of Indian Ocean. And as they are part of different continents, they are ruled by different forms of governments.

The geographical area is also a very important thing to be mentioned, as far the geography of the country is concerned. The metropolitan area of France covers an area of 5,47,, 030 square kilometers makes it the largest country in the European Union. The geographical area of France comprises wide variety of landscapes of different sizes and these are the most popular tourist destinations in the country. In the Southeast of France you will find the breathtaking Alps, in the Southcentral part, there is Massif and the Pyrenees is located in the Southwestern part. Mont Blanc, the highest point in Western Europe is located in France at an elevation of 15,770 feet above sea level and has bordered the country with Italy. Apart from these, the extensive river systems like the Garonne, the Seine and Loire are important parts of the geography of France.