Countries Of The World: France By National Geographic Kids, adapted by Newsela staff on 03.26.18 Word Count 681 Level 780L Image 1: A view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Paris, or, "the city of lights," is perhaps one of the more famous cities in France. The city is filled with a rich history stemming back from the Middle Ages. Photo from: Getty Images/James Farley. France is the largest country in Western Europe. Throughout its history, it has been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. The country borders Germany and Belgium in the north and the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain in the south. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west. Switzerland and Italy are to the east. France has a very diverse landscape. Its southeast coast, known as the French Riviera, has many beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Towering mountains rise in the south and east. They include Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc. It rises 15,781 feet within the French Alps, a mountain range in Europe. Wide, fertile plains cover most of the north and west. The region makes France the agricultural epicenter of Europe. The Massif Central is a sprawling, forested plateau in the middle of southern France. The high region has ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes. They are unlikely to erupt again. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 1
Nature France's ample land area provides habitat for various plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest. Another 50 percent is countryside or farmland. Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar. The woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide shelter for rare chamois antelope and ibex, a kind of wild goat. Brown bears and alpine hares also find refuge here. The Mediterranean coastline welcomes migrating African birds. Flamingos and vultures visit. So do egrets and bee-eaters, a small colorful bird. The French government is committed to protecting wildlife. About 10 percent of the country has been set aside for parks and nature reserves. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 2
People And Culture France is one of the world's oldest nations. It is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Europe. People of many races and backgrounds live here. They have made France a world leader in nearly all aspects of culture. The country is famous for its food, wine-making, music, art, film, fashion, literature and sports. Government And Economy France's government combines presidential and parliamentary systems. The president is elected by its citizens and is head of state. A prime minister, chosen by the president, works with the elected parliament to pass laws. France is among the world's largest economies. It produces many items that other countries buy, including its most famous products, wine and cheese. Other exports include automobiles, electronics and clothing. Tourism is also a big part of the economy. About 75 million people visit France every year, more than any other country. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 3
History Early relatives of humans first settled in France nearly two million years ago. By 300,000 B.C., prehistoric people called Neanderthals lived here. The Cro-Magnon people arrived in 40,000 B.C. They were some of the earliest humans. Over time, Celtic tribes from central Europe moved into the region. About 4,000 years ago, the Romans took over the territory and named it Gaul. Julius Caesar, the leader of the Roman Empire, established full control over Gaul in 51 B.C. However, by the year A.D. 400, the empire was falling apart. Gaul was attacked by neighboring tribes, including the Visigoths and Vandals. The Germanic Franks also invaded the region. France would later be named after this tribe. In A.D. 843, a treaty created the territory of West Francia. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 4
Over the next thousand years, a series of powerful kings ruled West Francia and later France. Several wars were fought, including the Hundred Years' War. It actually lasted longer than 100 years, from 1337 to 1453. In 1789, the French Revolution began. It was a period of violent change and led to the end of the monarchy, or the king's rule. Napoleon Bonaparte was a general during the French Revolution. He declared himself leader of France in 1799 and went to war with the country's neighbors. He was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. France later suffered great losses in both World War I and World War II. It has since emerged, though, as an important and successful world power. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 5
Quiz 1 Read the section "History." Which sentence from the section shows why the Roman Empire lost control of Gaul? About 4,000 years ago, the Romans took over the territory and named it Gaul. Julius Caesar, the leader of the Roman Empire, established full control over Gaul in 51 B.C. Gaul was attacked by neighboring tribes, including the Visigoths and Vandals. It was a period of violent change and led to the end of the monarchy, or the king's rule. 2 Read the first paragraph of the introduction [paragraphs 1-3]. France is the largest country in Western Europe. Throughout its history, it has been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. The country borders Germany and Belgium in the north and the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain in the south. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west. Switzerland and Italy are to the east. Which of the following is the MOST accurate explanation of this paragraph? There would be no connection between the northern and southern parts of Europe without France. France is the most important gateway in Europe between the Pyrenees and Spain. France is disadvantaged due to its position among many countries, bodies of water and types of land. France has a special position among many countries, bodies of water and types of land. 3 Use the four images and information from the article to select the TRUE statement. France is most famous for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. France's hexagonal shape has given it political advantages over its long history. France resists the influence of many other European cultures. France's location and history have helped make it a culturally diverse country. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 6
4 Which piece of information does the reader learn from the images in the article but NOT from the text of the article? Paris is the capital of France. France borders the Mediterranean Sea. France is a diverse country. Many different landforms are found throughout France. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. 7