France

France is the reference work for anyone seeking an accurate overall picture of contemporary France and the French at the dawn of the new millennium. This comprehension concise handbook covers lifestyles, history, institutions, political developments, the economic situation, France's place in the world and changes in its society as well as providing details on its culture and media. Photos, graphs, statistics, maps, recommendations for further reading and a subject index illustrate and complete this overview in which up-to-date information is put into perspective, thereby giving the reader a clearer insight into France and the French. With a completely new set of illustrations, this updated edition also includes, among other new features, chapters on early French history and foreign trade.