Category Archives: France

A Plethora of Resources

Apart from the Economy that France is known for, another factor that helps make the economy what it is, is its Natural Resources. Although there are fourteen (yes, fourteen!) natural resources in total, it is relatively limited. Here are some of the main ones.

 

 

Iron Ore: Iron Ore plays an important part of the early industrialization. It has high Phosphorus and low Iron content limited its desirability. Despite Iron ore being basin of a low grade, it used to perform more than Fifty million tons per year.

                            (Iron Ore)

 

Bauxite: Bauxite was discovered in 1861 in France, by Geologist Pierre Berthier near the village of Les Baux in Provence, Southern France. Its name was created by French Chemist Henri Sainte-Claire Deville.

                       (Bauxite)

 

Uranium: Uranium is a very heavy metal which has been used as an abundant source of concentrated energy for 60 years. It was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth, a German chemist, in the mineral called pitchblende. It was named after the planet Uranus, which had been discovered eight years earlier. It occurs in most rocks in concentrations of 2 to 4 parts per million and is as common in the Earth’s crust as tin, tungsten and molybdenum. Uranium occurs in seawater, and can be recovered from the oceans.

 

 

 

France’s Economy: A Complete Look

France’s economy is the fifth largest economy in the world and represents around one-fifth of the Euro area gross domestic product (GDP). Its main competitor is Germany, which accounts for more than 17% of France’s Exports and 19% of total imports. The primary exports of France are Machinery, Transportation Equipment, Aerospace Equipment and Plastics, while its primary imports are Machinery, Automobiles and Crude Oil. France is also the second-largest exporter in Europe behind Germany, and the country consumes  large amounts of imported goods, which are less expensive than products “Made In France.”

Their wide range of goods and services has an export-to-GDP ratio close to 30% and its highest dollar value goods exports include Vehicles, Electronic Equipment & Pharmaceutical Products. Additionally, France is home to the world’s largest exporters of Farm and Agricultural Products, Wine, Spirits and Cheese. Since its imports are from European Countries, France is part of the European Union (EU). Outside of the EU, France imports the goods from China. In recent times, there has been an economic crisis sweeping France, and the government has had to face economic realities, such as reducing the budget deficit. Through its ups and downs, the economy of France remains as strong as ever.

 

 

Site Link: https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/france

Rivers of France

In France, their rivers are considered passageways. They provided the necessary transportation routes in the past that spurred the establishment and growth of important cities. Most importantly, the following major rivers have each played an important part of what makes the geography of France what it is today.

 

Loire River: At 625 miles, the Loire is the biggest river in France, and it begins from the Massif Central and Ends at the Bay of Biscay. The Loire Basin has a temperate maritime climate, with no consistent dry season and with heavy precipitation, including winter snowfall.

(The Loire River)

 

Rhone River: The Rhone River stands out in France based on its depth and volume. The Rhone starts from the south and flows through cities such as Lyon, Avigon and Arles. Just like the Loire,  Rhone also flows through the Massif Central. Because of its swift current, the river isn’t as simple as it appears to be. It is the only major river flowing directly to the Mediterranean Sea and is thoroughly Alpine in character. In this respect it differs markedly from its northern neighbor, the Rhine.

(The Rhone River)

 

Seine River: When it comes to well-known rivers in France, this river stands out based on name and recognition. The Seine River begins in the Alps and ends in the English Channel. Another reason of what makes the Seine River popular among citizens and tourists, is it’s romantic approach. Couples have used the Seine for romantic sightseeing in boats, called “bateaux mouches.”

(The Seine River)

 

Somme River: The Somme River has a unique background than most of the other Rivers. Its name means “Tranquil,” in Celtic and the river was used during World War I & World War II. The river starts from the Forest of Arrouaise at Fonsommes near Saint-Quentin, to the Bay of the Somme, in the English Channel.

 

 

Site Link: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/biggest-rivers-france-102688.html