France – more than art and culture
France – more than art and culture
France evokes many positive associations: the land of wine and cheese, the most beautiful country in the world and living in the lap of luxury. The fact is that France has lots to offer: culturally and gastronomically, economically and politically, a diverse landscape and climate. There is plenty of everything and all of it is available in the most diverse varieties. We have compiled for you the most important information about a country which is always worth a trip.
Manners
The national pride is fostered and nourished in France. The time of the Grande Nation as a colonial power may be long over, but the French language and culture have influenced the world for centuries. Hence: Good French language skills as well as factual background knowledge about land and culture will open doors for the visitor.
Parlez-vous français? If this is not the case, then English is often used as the business language. Interpreters are used anyway to translate when contracts are negotiated.
Personal contact is held dear in France. Long working lunches/dinners are used to get to know potential business partners and are part of the culinary culture. One talks about everything and anything in a relaxed atmosphere – everything but business that is. This may be a test of patience but is an important basis to establish a good business relationship. A tip: wait until your French business partner starts to talk about business. You may appear rude if you start talking about the subject too soon. And if you restrain yourself during dinner, you may be rewarded with a letter of intent during coffee or digestive.
Hierarchical structures are still common in France and many companies are patriarchal in their setup. Delegating the workload is not necessarily seen as a positive attribute but considered to be a weakness. It is very clearly defined who can make or cannot make decisions. Do not press someone to make a decision which he may not be entitled to make. A considerate restraint is also advisable when trying to push through an agenda. French business people may feel that their scope is restricted, at worst they may get the impression that their ideas are not appreciated.
Agreements are usually written down immediately in most countries. The French on the other hand prefer verbal agreements. Constant memorandums are quickly seen as a lack of trust. If an agreement turns into a contract, then this is obviously done in writing. Important: The premise “keep it short and simple” does not apply here but the polar opposite!
Dress An elegant appearance is always in order. Clothes may be expensive but, however, not too extravagant or in-your-face. For the ladies: Smooth legs, if on show, are obligatory.
Small presents for business partners and secretaries are appropriate. You should accept – if at all possible – private invitations as this is a sign of esteem. The lady of the house will be happy to receive a hostess gift.
Food and drink
Food plays traditionally a very important part in everyday life in France. People like to discuss food and drink often. The combinations of a menu, the choice of a suitable wine or the individual preparations are popular conversational topics.
Infobox*
Area:
547,026 sqkm – without oversees départments
Inhabitants:
63.6 million
(More than 65 million incl. oversees departments, estimate as of January 2009)
Capital:
Paris with 2.2 million inhabitants in Paris-City, 11.5 million in the Greater Paris (Île-de-France region).
Government type:
Unitary semi-presidential democracy with two chambers:
National assembly with 577 delegates elected for 5 years
Senate with 343 delegates elected for 6 years
Administrative divisions:
22 regions
96 departments
4 overseas regions
4 overseas departments
New Caledonia (with special status)
French South Arctic and Antarctic territories
National language:
French
Currency:
Euro
Memberships:
UN, EU, NATO (without military integration), WEU, World Bank, IMF, OECD, UNESCO, Conference on Disarmament linked to the UN, OSCE
*as of September 2008
Economy*
France is, besides Germany, Europe’s most important industrial country. The power houses of the French economy are large companies which are listed in the French stock index CAC 40. They are also interesting for foreign investors: About 50% of the CAC 40 companies’ shares are held by foreign investors. The specific industrial strengths are within the following sectors: aviation, automotive, energy, farming and food production, luxury products, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, electronics and tourism. Most important trading partner by far is Germany followed by Italy, Belgium/Luxemburg, Spain, United Kingdom, USA and China.
The overall infrastructure is good and even better in conurbations and industrial areas. France has a very far reaching overland road network and a new, mainly privately financed motorway network. France has the largest network of high speed trains in Europe.
Environment protection has a constitutional status in France since 2005. The country signed the Kyoto Protocol and campaigns for the implementation of the EU targets for the reduction of emissions. The opportunities for the environment, creation of new jobs – also in agriculture - by using renewable energies are generally accepted in France.
*as of September 2008
Climate
Four main zones influence France’s climate significantly:
- Atlantic zone with moderate sea climate
- Continental zone with distinct temperature differences, especially to the East.
- Mediterranean zone with moderate, warm sea climate
- Alpine zone with rough mountain climate
Holidays
1. January: New Year
1. May: Labour Day
8. May: VE day
7 weeks after Easter: Whit Monday
10 days before Whitsun: Ascension Day
14. July: National holiday, storming of the Bastille 1789
15. August: Assumption Day
1. November: All Saint’s Day
11. November: Remembrance Day
25. December: Christmas Day
Links
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March 2009