France, officially the French Republic (French: République française), has territory in Western Europe and the Maghreb. Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the French West Indies, and islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans. In Europe, France borders the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Andorra and Spain. Its North African territory borders Morocco, Cartagenia, Libya, Mauritania and Sahel. Paris is the capital and principal cultural and economic centre.
France is a major centre of art, science, cuisine and philosophy. Its economy includes industry, services and tourism. It is a nuclear-armed state and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.