Form of government: Republic.
Capital: Paris.
Population: 67, 092, 056.
Official languages: French.
Monetary unit: Euro.
Area: 543,965 square kilometres.
Major mountain ranges: Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central.
France has over 25% forest and 50% countryside or farmland. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover for millions of migrating African birds.
Population
France has a population of 68 million people. The majority of the population is Christian (65%) and Muslim (8%).
History
France was part of the Roman Empire from 58–476 BC. Before becoming a republic, France was known as the Kingdom of France for 861 years, from 987–1848.
Food
France is known for its fine cooking, and snails are a big part of French cuisine. France consumes around 30,000 tonnes of snails a year. A common French delicacy is snails served with butter, garlic, and parsley.
France is the most visited country in the world. French supermarkets are not allowed to throw away food. 


John Jr travels to France

John Jr. with wide eyes and a big smile, suitcase in the background symbolizing the beginning of a journey

John Jr., a curious baby boy, was about to embark on a big adventure. His parents had planned a trip to France, a land of history, culture, and delicious food. John Jr. was excited, even though he didn't quite understand where they were going. He just knew it was going to be a great adventure.

The Big Adventure Begins

John Jr. in a stroller, eyes wide and mouth open in awe at the Eiffel Tower in the background

When they arrived in Paris, John Jr.'s eyes widened at the sight of the Eiffel Tower. It was so much bigger than anything he'd seen before! They strolled along the Seine River, and John Jr. giggled, watching the boats go by. Paris was bustling, beautiful, and full of new sights and sounds.

Arriving in Paris

John Jr. with a surprised look, trying a snail, with a plate of croissants and cheese on the table

In France, food is an adventure of its own. John Jr. tried a tiny bit of snail, a French delicacy. To his surprise, he liked it! His parents laughed and took photos, proud of their little adventurer. They also enjoyed croissants and cheese, savoring the flavors of France.

A Taste of France

John Jr. running happily in a field of lavender and sunflowers, with farmland in the distance

The family journeyed to the countryside, where over 50% is farmland or forest. They saw fields of lavender and sunflowers under the big, blue sky. John Jr. loved the open space and ran around, laughing and playing. The countryside was peaceful, a perfect place for family memories.

Exploring the Countryside

John Jr. bundled up in winter clothes, making a snowball with snowy mountains in the background

Next, they visited the majestic Alps. John Jr. was bundled up warm to play in the snow. He made his first snowball and threw it gently at his dad. The mountains were a winter wonderland, and the family took lots of photos to remember their snowy adventure.

Mountains and Adventures

John Jr. looking up at the sky filled with migrating birds at the Mediterranean coastline

At the Mediterranean coastline, John Jr. watched in awe as migrating birds filled the sky. His parents explained that these birds were traveling, just like them. John Jr. felt a connection to the birds, understanding that adventures can take you far from home but also bring new friends.

Birds of the Mediterranean

John Jr. with a look of wonder, touching ancient ruins with illustrations of knights and castles in the background

France's history was brought to life as they visited ancient ruins and learned about the Roman Empire. John Jr. listened to stories of knights and castles, imagining himself as a brave knight. The history of France was fascinating, and it felt like traveling through time.

Learning Through History

John Jr. waving goodbye, with a collage of photos from the trip in the background, capturing memories

As their trip came to an end, John Jr. was sad to leave but happy for all the memories. He had seen so much and learned new things. Back home, he would tell his friends about the adventure, the snow, the birds, and the snails. John Jr. couldn't wait for his next adventure.