France has a population of over 57.5 million people and is the second largest country in Europe by area. Art and culture are highly valued in France, with Paris being a major center known for its museums like the Louvre and for art in many forms. Popular sports in France include soccer, rugby, basketball, cycling, and tennis. Education starts at age 2-3 and is compulsory until age 16, with an emphasis on academics over extracurricular activities. French people enjoy cultural, artistic, and sports activities in their leisure time.

1. FRANCE – LAND AND PEOPLE
GEOGRAPHY
France is the second largest country in Europe, with the fifth largest population in
Europe. Its population is about 57.5 million.It has 212.935 square miles. Capital city
is Paris. France Geography is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green
scenery, beautiful rivers and majestic mountains. Most areas do get extremely hot or
cold
THE ARTS
Art and culture are an important part of France. Many famous artists and several
famous writers are from France. Paris is a city for art of every form, and has hundreds of
art boutiques, art galleries, special art exhibits, the symphony, the ballet, cinema and the
theatre. Paris has over one hundred museums, and over 40 of those are world class museums,
with the Louvre being the grandest of them all.

2. SPORTS
Sport plays an important role in French society and the country has a strong sporting
history. The most-watched sports in France are football and rugby union .Also
basketball, motorsports, handball, tennis, cycling, sailing, parkour, table football,
orienteering, ice hockey and cricket are very popular in France. "The Tour de France"
or "Le Tour", as it is called in France, is considered the most prestigious cycling event
in the world, besides being the largest annual sporting event of its kind. It currently
has more than 3000 kilometers and it takes place every year in France in July for three
weeks.

3. EDUCATION
In France, kids start school very early : school starts at age 2 or 3. School is
compulsory until age 16. In primary schools, French kids spend more hours a year than other
European countries. Most schools are public (85%) but there are also private schools
throughout France. Schools do not sponsor extra-curricular activities, or hardly any. The only
thing that goes on at school is....schoolwork. All French students study Philosophy in their last
year of high school.
LEISURE TIME
They spend their leisure time with local artistic,
cultural and sports activities. Booking of places for
theater, cinema, concerts and tennis courts. Doing
indoor and outdoor activities like pottery, dance,
drawing, photography and sports teams. They also like
watching TV, listening to music, eating and sleeping!!!
By GEORGIA VOLTSI and
ELEFTHERIA POUFTSI
GYMNASIO KORISOU 9/3/2012