1. France 20,000 Years Ago – The Last Glacial Maximum

During the peak of the last Ice Age, much of northern Europe was covered in glaciers, and sea levels were far lower. The map below shows that what is now France looked very different—coastlines extended further west, and the English Channel didn’t even exist yet. Humans were already present, mostly as hunter-gatherers.

2. France’s Borders: From Europe to South America

France shares land borders with 11 countries, totaling about 4,176 kilometers (2,595 miles)—roughly the same distance as Paris to New York. But its longest land border isn’t with Spain, Italy, or Germany—it’s with Brazil, thanks to French Guiana in South America.

3. France’s Overseas Territories

Most people picture France in Europe, but the country stretches across five continents. From Réunion in the Indian Ocean to New Caledonia in the Pacific, France maintains several overseas territories with varying levels of autonomy. These regions are legally part of France, with representation in the national government.

4. The Changing Shape of France

The maps below show how France’s borders have changed over the centuries, from early medieval expansion to Napoleonic conquests and post-war adjustments.

5. How Long Was Your Region Part of France?

This map breaks down European regions based on how long they were ruled by France. Some territories were part of the country for centuries; others, only briefly during military campaigns or shifting alliances.

6. All Countries Invaded by France

Few nations have had as much military influence as France. The map below shows countries France has invaded at some point in history.

7. Where Do the French Live?

Reddit user Calvein created this creative population density map using real INSEE data. Instead of using color gradients, it mimics elevation lines (like a Joy Division album cover) to show where people are concentrated. Paris and a few key urban centers dominate.

8. River Basins of France

Geographer Milos Popovic designed this map to show the country’s major watersheds, including the Seine, Loire, Garonne, and Rhône. Understanding these drainage basins is essential for grasping how French agriculture, industry, and settlements evolved.

9. The Coasts of France and Their Names

France’s three coastlines—Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Channel—are dotted with regions that each have their own character and even their own names. From the Côte d’Azur to the Opal Coast, these areas are important both for geography and tourism.

10. Regional Languages in France

While French is the official language, regional languages like Breton, Occitan, Alsatian, and Corsican are still spoken and protected. A linguistic map below shows where these languages are (or were) most commonly spoken, offering insight into France’s cultural diversity.

11. Pain au Chocolat vs Chocolatine

The country is split over what to call a chocolate-filled pastry. In most of France, it’s pain au chocolat—but in the southwest, it’s chocolatine.

12. Wines of France

France’s wine regions are famous worldwide. This map outlines the main appellations—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, and more—showing the geographic roots of some of the most celebrated wines.

13. Dividing France by Stereotypes

People have many ways of dividing France—north vs south, urban vs rural, wine vs beer. This humorous map below collects various regional clichés and opinions about cultural divides.

14. Places of Worship in 2024

A recent map of religious buildings shows where Catholic and Protestant places of worship are located across France. It reflects not just current demographics but also historical divisions, especially post-Reformation.

15. Forest Cover Then and Now

Comparing France’s forest coverage in the 18th century versus 2020 shows a major increase. After centuries of deforestation, reforestation and conservation have reversed the trend.

16. Solar and Wind Energy Potential in France

France is endlessly complex, and maps like these help make sense of it all, from ancient rivers to modern pastries. If you’ve come across any other fascinating or creative French maps, feel free to share them in the comments—I’d love to see them.

The post 16 Maps That Explain France appeared first on Vivid Maps.

There would be an abdication, or there would be no peace at all. Yet with each Coalition, each united offensive, each calculated effort to apprehend their antithetical nemesis, Napoleon’s tactical genius prevailed. He found ways to gain ground on the defensive. In one fell sweep, he ended the Holy Roman Empire for his own Confederation of the Rhine, stealing the German states from Austria’s orbit and adding them to his hegemony. In another, he tore the Prussian realm asunder and enforced a continental boycott of Britain that spanned from Corunna to St. Petersburg.

Napoleon required the states in his collection to implement the social and economic reforms of the revolution and encouraged the modernization of infostructure and public services. On the other hand, he crippled them under quotas for men and grain. He empowered his bloodline across Europe like the Bourbons and Habsburgs of old (the Bonapartes themselves would rather be compared to the Carolingians and Julii Caesares). Despite his nepotism and his Francocentrism, or due to it, Napoleon’s legacy remains a subject of controversy today. But whether the beholder’s eye perceives a tyrant or a liberator, the Europe Napoleon left in his wake was one radically changed Bismarck, Monet, and Charles Darwin.

Kingdom of Holland (1806-1810)
The Crown of Holland was gifted to Napoleon’s brother, Louis Bonaparte. While his subjects expected yet another French puppet, Louis served his country with integrity and honor – to the Emperor’s frustration. Holland was annexed in 1810 when Napoleon felt his brother became more loyal to the Dutch than to him.

Kingdom of Spain (1808-1813)
The new Kingdom of Spain, ruled by Napoleon’s brother Joseph, was the objective of Napoleon’s disastrous invasion of his former allies, the Bourbons. The ensuing Peninsular War is often cited as the turning point of Napoleon’s reign and the official beginning of Spain’s departure from prominence.

Kingdom of Westphalia (1807-1813)
The Kingdom of Westphalia, which was not actually in Westphalia, was created for Napoleon’s brother, Jerome. Intended to serve as an example for the other members of the Confederation of the Rhine, the contributions and policies demanded by Napoleon drove the Kingdom into bankruptcy by 1812.

Kingdom of Italy (1805-1814)
The Kingdom of Italy directly succeeded the Italian Republic, and thus Napoleon, its former president, became its first and only King. However, France and several wars kept Napoleon from managing his second Kingdom, so his step-son, Eugene, acted as Viceroy and Prince of Venice.

Principality of Lucca and Piombino (1805-1814)
Napoleon created this Principality for his sister, Elisa Bonaparte. In addition to its titular lands, it included the Duchy of Massa and Carrara and the island of Elba, Napoleon’s future place of exile. Elisa was later named Duchess of All Tuscany, a title within the French Empire afforded special privileges.

Kingdom of Naples (1806-1815)
The Kingdom of Naples was ruled first by Joseph Boneparte, and later Napoleon’s brother-in-law Joachim Murat was the sole survivor of the Napoleonic kingdoms after the first exile to Elba. After his return, Murat’s Naples was the Emperor’s only ally in the last one hundred days before his permanent defeat.

Kingdom of Etruria (1801-1807)
The Kingdom of Etruria was carved from Tuscany to compensate the Parmesan Bourbons for France’s confiscation of Parma. Napoleon later annexed Etruria too and planned to compensate its itinerant rulers once more with a kingdom of “Northern Lusitania,” but this plan died with the French-Spanish alliance.

Septinsular Republic (1807-1814)
Between 1807 and 1812, Russia and France entered into a quasi-alliance, and one of the provisions for its treated founding was the transfer of the Ionian Islands from Russian to French protection. The Ionian Senate remained under French occupation as an independent body, until Britain conquered the islands.

Principality of Leyen (1806-1814)
While many comparably small German holdings lost their independence in the mediatization of the former Holy Roman Empire, the land inherited by House Leyen received preferential treatment due to the influence of their relatives, House Dalberg, who often collaborated directly with Napoleon.

Principality of Pontecorvo (1806-1815)
Napoleon awarded the Papal exclave of Pontecorvo to his Marshall, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, which technically made him nobility. This allowed him to later accept the Swedish throne during that country’s dynastic crisis. The White Bridge of Pontecorvo remains on the Swedish Coat of Arms to this day.

Republic of Danzig (1807-1814)
Also, the Free City of Danzig, this mostly autonomous statelet, was created as part of the slighting of Prussia in 1807. It received guarantees from Prussia, Saxony, and Warsaw, while French administrators governed the city itself.

Principality of Benevento (1806-1815)
This Papal fief becomes the property of Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, Napoleon’s chief diplomat. Talleyrand never actually set foot in his Principality but seems to have managed it adequately in addition to his many other Government positions.

Principality of Neuchatel (1806-1814)
Napoleon ended the Prussian personal union with Neuchatel in 1787, but it took until 1806 to name his chief of staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, as its sovereign prince.

Duchy of Warsaw (1807-1815)
In personal union with Saxony, This Duchy was the first identifiable Polish state in 12 years and the last for 103. Warsaw was fashioned from Prussian and Austrian land won during the Partitions and tried to restore some Commonwealth institutions, e.g. the Sejm. However, Vienna ensured these efforts were for naught.

Grand Duchy of Hesse (1806-1918)
Later known as Hesse and By Rhine and often referred to as Hesse-Darmstadt, this Grand Duchy was a discontiguous network of miscellaneous titles under one absolute ruler. Like many other German states, it switched its allegiance after 1813 and eventually united with the German Empire.

Grand Duchy of Baden (1806-1918)
Charles, the ancient Grand Duke of Baden, was brother-in-law to the sovereigns of Sweden, Russia, and Bavaria and son-in-law to Napoleon and cousin-in-law to the Viceroy of Italy. He left the latter and joined the former to preserve his realm in 1813. It remained for one century and one world war.

Principality of Regensburg (1806-1810)
Formerly an Archbishopric and an Electorate, the tiny Principality of Regensburg belonged to the Dolbergs, a German noble family who helped to found the new Confederation of the Rhine and hold the position of Prince-Primate, the Confederation’s acting executive. Regensburg was later ceded to Bavaria, and the family was compensated with the Grand Duchy of Frankfurt.

Grand Duchy of Frankfurt (1810-1813)
The Grand Duchy of Frankfurt was an amalgamated title consisting of all Dalberg holdings sans Regensburg, and several smaller additions bestowed by Napoleon as recompense for their lost Principality. After the decisive defeat at Leipzig, the Dalbergs abdicated in favor of Viceroy Eugene of Italy just months before the Coalition arrived at their doorstep.

Grand Duchy of Berg (1806-1813)
Sometimes called Berg-Cleves, or Berg and Cleves, this consolidated state, ruled by Napoleon’s brother-in-law Joachim Murat, passed to his nephew Napoleon-Louis, heir to Holland, on Murat’s ascension in Naples. The Grand Duchy united with the Kingdom of Holland for nine days.

Duchy of Nassau (1806-1866)
Under Napoleon’s pressure, the cousins Princes of Nassau-Weilburg and Nassau-Usingen agreed to become co-rulers of a united Nassau duchy. Despite its Napoleonic ties, Vienna allowed Nassau to survive after the war’s conclusion and even enriched it with the addition of Nassau-Orange.

Grand Duchy of Wurzburg (1805-1814)
The Grand Duchy of Wurzburg was created to compensate Grand Duke Ferdinand of Tuscany for confiscating his lands to create the Kingdom of Etruria to compensate the Bourbon Duke of Parma. After the war, Wurzburg was dismantled, and Ferdinand became Grand Duke of Tuscany once more.

Kingdom of Bavaria (1805-1918)
The Elector of Bavaria rose to the status of King with the backing of Napoleon. Yet in 1813, the Coalition induced Bavaria to denounce France with a promise of continued sovereignty after the war’s conclusion. Eventually, the promise was well kept. Bavaria endured within the German Empire until 1918.

Kingdom of Saxony (1806-1918)
Cautious at first, the new Saxon King threw in with his benefactor Napoleon after the defeat of Prussia in 1806. Prussia, unfortunately, rejoined the war in 1813 and placed all Saxony under occupation. 40% of it became forfeit to Prussia at the war’s dose, but Saxony survived through German unification to WWI.

Kingdom of Wurttemberg (1805-1918)
Once a Duchy, the new Kingdom of Wurttemberg rapidly expanded under Napoleon’s protection. After the 1813 defeat at Leipzig, Wurttemberg abandoned Napoleon and came to terms with the Coalition, who permitted it to keep all of its gains.
It dissolved with the German Empire in 1918.

Sources:
1. Heinrich von Treitschke, History of Germany in the Nineteenth Century
2. William Francis Patrick Napier, History of the War in the Peninsula and the South of France
3. Alexander Grab, Napoleon and the Transformation of Europe

Related post:
– Ephemeral states of the Russian civil war

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At its peak in 1712, the vast territory of New France extended from Newfoundland to the Canadian prairies and from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, including all the Great Lakes of North America.

The map below shows territories having been at one time controlled by France during the period 1534 – 1803.

Over 17.8 million square kilometers, or 6.9 million square miles of land, New France was the most extensive political entity in the world. The state shared a border with the following countries: North Columbia, California, Texas, and Mexico, and had maritime borders with Russia and Cuba. New France is a federation composed of 11 states: Acadia, Canada, Huronia, Illinois, Louisiana, Manitoba, Cascadia, Alaska, Yukon, Nunavut, and Groenland.

By the beginning of the 18th century, New France had approximately 20 thousand citizens. But French finances in the region would drop. Despite a growing population and economy during the early 1700s, New France spent most of its wealth on military preparations.

New France finished with France’s failure in the Seven Years’ War, and its possessions were given to the British in the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Despite its comparatively brief life of 155 years, New France produced a heritage that can still be seen in modern Canada.

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The late 17th century was marked by a series of treaties and agreements that sought to define and establish the borders of France with its neighboring countries. Notable examples include the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659), and the Treaty of Nijmegen (1678-1679). These treaties aimed to resolve conflicts and delineate territorial boundaries, often through diplomatic negotiations.

The reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715) saw ambitious territorial expansion and a desire to consolidate and secure France’s borders. This led to the need for accurate and detailed maps to facilitate the administration and governance of newly acquired territories. Louis XIV’s engineers and cartographers played a key role in mapping these regions.

The late 17th century saw significant advancements in cartographic techniques and tools. Surveyors and cartographers used instruments like the theodolite and plane table to create more precise and detailed maps. Additionally, the use of triangulation and accurate measurements improved the accuracy of border mapping.

Louis XIV initiated several royal mapping projects to create detailed maps of various regions of France. The “Carte de Cassini,” for example, was a comprehensive topographic survey of France conducted by the Cassini family of astronomers and cartographers in the 18th century. While the project started in the 18th century, its roots can be traced back to the late 17th century.

Below is the map of France “corrected on the order of the King, according to the observations of the Master of the Academy of Sciences”.

This map shows the difference between using single latitude observations combined with ships’ logs versus triangulation.

Triangulation spearheaded by the French dynasty of royal cartographers (the Cassini family) was basically the same mathematical technique being used by surveyors today, just with lasers and satellites as aides now.

To learn more about the history of France, have a look at the following books:

• A History of France by John Julius Norwich
• A History of France from the Earliest Times to the Treaty of Versailles
• The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography

The post Corrected map of France: showing the coastline of France after scientifically mapping it in the late 17th century appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Let’s start with something every visitor to France notices: the drinks. Look at that clear line between wine country and beer territory! While southern France stays loyal to its beloved wines, the north shares a love of beer with its Belgian neighbors. And then there’s Brittany and Normandy, proudly doing their own thing with their traditional ciders.

But here’s where it gets really interesting – check out how Parisians see France. According to the map, there’s Paris (home), the coast (for holidays), convenient weekend getaway spots, and then… just cows. Lots and lots of cows. As someone who’s spent time in both Paris and “cow country,” I can confirm this view is hilariously accurate!

Now, this second set of maps? Pure gold. They tap into every stereotype and regional rivalry you can imagine. My personal favorite is the “independence sentiment” map. From Brittany to Corsica, it shows which regions have historically thought about breaking away from France – including one that “declared independence but nobody cares.”

Speaking of rivalries, let’s talk about the great pastry debate. In most of France, a chocolate-filled pastry is called “pain au chocolat.” Simple enough, right? Well, not in the southwest, where people will passionately defend their “chocolatine.” This isn’t just about pastry names – it’s about regional pride and identity.

The maps also capture some practical modern-day concerns. There’s a fascinating divide between areas that are “too expensive to live here” (looking at you, Paris) and the “good and affordable” regions. Anyone house-hunting in France will tell you this map hits painfully close to home.

What makes these maps so special is how they mix truth with humor. Sure, they play with stereotypes, but they also reveal real cultural patterns that shape modern France. From accents to attitudes, from beverage preferences to pastry politics, these divisions tell the story of a country that’s both deeply united and proudly diverse.

Have you experienced any of these regional differences yourself? Maybe you’ve accidentally ordered a “pain au chocolat” in Toulouse, or been shocked by Parisian real estate prices? Share your stories in the comments below!

The post The Many Faces of France: From Wine Wars to the Great Pastry Debate appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The two maps featured here come from Yanko Tsvetkov’s Atlas of Prejudice, a satirical look at how different cultures view one another. You can find the full collection on Amazon (affiliate link). Let’s explore what these maps reveal about the culinary worldviews of France and Italy — and why their cuisines have become global standards.

Italy’s Culinary Worldview: A Matter of Life and Death

For Italians, food isn’t just nourishment — it’s life. Italy’s culinary map reflects this deep connection to food, dividing Europe into clear zones of culinary acceptability. According to the map:

• Italy itself is the heart of “REAL FOOD” — a sacred zone of culinary excellence.
• Neighboring countries like France and Spain are marked as “Mostly Safe to Eat” and “Caution is Advised.”
• As you move further north and east, things get worse — foods become “Fattening,” “Literally Tasteless,” and even “Toxic.”
• Britain, in particular, is banished to the “Aesthetically Tasteless” zone — a harsh but not uncommon critique from continental Europe.

The Italian culinary mindset stems from the country’s rich biodiversity and regional variety. Italian cuisine revolves around fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. This philosophy stands in contrast to the more technique-driven approach of French cooking.

Italy’s deep-rooted culinary traditions have made pizza, pasta, and espresso global staples. The Italian reverence for quality ingredients and local specialties has created a food culture that is both universally appealing and deeply tied to its geographic and cultural roots.

France’s Culinary Worldview: Refined and Opinionated

The French view of European cuisine, as reflected in their map, is equally opinionated — but perhaps more playful. According to the map:

• France is marked as “Proper Cuisine” — naturally.
• Italy and Spain are admired for their culinary traditions.
• Germany and the Netherlands are dismissed as “Rotten Cabbage” and “Potato Munchers.”
• Scandinavian countries are defined by “Ice Cube Salad” or labeled a “Health Hazard.”
• Eastern Europe is humorously reduced to “Whole-Grain Uranium” and “Famine.”

French culinary dominance is rooted in centuries of refinement and tradition. French chefs have long set the standards for professional cooking worldwide. The Michelin Guide, which originated in France, remains the global benchmark for fine dining.

The French approach to food is defined by precision and technique. The focus on sauces, pastries, and regional specialties reflects the French belief that cooking is an art form. This culinary legacy has influenced modern gastronomy worldwide, from fine dining to home cooking.

Why French and Italian Cuisines Are So Influential

So why have French and Italian cuisines become global standards? A few key factors explain their dominance:

• Deep Culinary Traditions – France and Italy’s culinary histories go back centuries, with recipes and techniques carefully preserved and passed down.
• Ingredients and Climate – The diverse climates and rich soils of France and Italy support the growth of unique ingredients, from French truffles to Italian lemons.
• Global Reach – French culinary techniques are the foundation of professional cooking worldwide, while Italian comfort food has become a staple in homes around the world.
• Food as Identity – In both countries, food is more than just fuel — it’s a cultural cornerstone and a source of pride.

French and Italian Culinary Influence

French and Italian cuisines have earned their global reputation through a mix of rich history, diverse ingredients, and culinary innovation. France is known for its mastery of sauces, pastries, and cheeses, while Italy’s legacy lies in pasta, pizza, and a deep devotion to regional ingredients.

France: The Art of Precision and Elegance

French cuisine has long been considered the height of culinary sophistication. Techniques like sautéing, braising, and flambéing were perfected in French kitchens and are now fundamental to Western cooking. Classic French dishes like croissants, baguettes, coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and ratatouille have found fans far beyond France’s borders.

France’s agricultural diversity ensures that each region has its own culinary identity:

• Brittany – Famous for seafood and crêpes.
• Provence – Known for fragrant herbs, olive oil, and ratatouille.
• Bordeaux – Home to some of the world’s best red wines.

Cheese and wine are central to French identity. France produces over 1,200 varieties of cheese, and its wine regions — including Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy — are internationally renowned. The French concept of terroir — the idea that a product’s flavor reflects its place of origin — reinforces the deep connection between French food and its natural environment.

Italy: Simplicity and Bold Flavors

While French cuisine leans toward technique and precision, Italian cooking is all about simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Italian food is a celebration of seasonality and local produce, with dishes often featuring just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients.

Italy’s culinary diversity comes from its regional differences:

• Northern Italy – Creamy risottos, polenta, and rich butter-based sauces.
• Central Italy – Pasta, cured meats (like prosciutto), and olive oil.
• Southern Italy – Tomato-based sauces, seafood, and spicy flavors.

Olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano are culinary staples. Italy’s warm Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for producing high-quality ingredients, from San Marzano tomatoes to Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

A Playful Look at Culinary Pride

These maps may exaggerate national culinary pride, but they also reflect real differences in how Europeans approach food. Italians see food as a sacred tradition, while the French treat it as a refined art form. The result? Two of the most beloved and influential culinary traditions in the world.

Both maps are taken from the Atlas of Prejudice by Yanko Tsvetkov. You can check out the full collection of maps on Amazon (affiliate link).

Do you agree with these culinary judgments? Or have the French and Italians been too harsh on their neighbors? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Culinary Maps of Europe: How France and Italy See the Rest of the Continent appeared first on Vivid Maps.

While most of the nation, and foreigners to France, might say “pain au chocolat”, a stronghold in the southwest has withstood, pridefully, standing to the term “chocolatine”.

South-West France and South-East France are all bundled as “the South” and “Occitan culture” seen from abroad, but really both areas are quite different and are two separate cultures.

Now, the term “chocolatine” is actually the original term, and it most likely comes from Austria and German (in German, “pain au chocolat” is Schokoladenbrot, if you remove “brot” (bread) what remains is very close to chocolatine).

While croissants, chocolatines and such are worldly known as French pastries nowadays, they really come from Austria. The French call them “viennoiseries” (literally “things from Vienna”). And nobody really knows why the original term stuck in the South West while it was gradually replaced by a French term in the rest of the country.

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According to the French Institute for Demographic Studies, about 65.3 million people lived in Metropolitan France, while 2.8 million lived in overseas France. Between 2010 and 2017, the population of France by 2.4 million people grew from 64.6 to 67 million, making France one of the fastest-growing nations in Europe. The population of France is increasing by one million people every 3 years- an average annual growth of 340 thousand people (+0.6%).

France was historically Europe’s most populous country. During the Middle Ages, over 1/4 of Europe’s total population was French; by the 17th century, this had dropped slightly to 1/5. By the beginning of the 20th century, other European nations, such as Russia and Germany, surpassed France in several people. However, the nation’s population increased fast with the baby boom after WWII. Since 2004, about 200 thousand immigrants have entered France yearly. One out of two was born in Europe, and 1/3 in Africa. Between 2009 and 2012, the average number of Europeans entering France grew by 12% per year.

The country’s total land area is 547,557 sq. km (211,413 sq. miles), and population density is 119 per square kilometer (309 people per square mile).

The map below shows the population density of France and the surrounding region in a 1 km2 grid.

Below is the map created by Reddit user CalyLofty using the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies shows how French population density has changed throughout history.

France’s population is highly unevenly distributed. About 81.5 percent of the population of the country is urban. With 2.2 million people, Paris is the most populous city in France. Nord – the nation’s most populous department, has a slightly larger population than Paris. Below is the map of French departments with a higher population than Paris.

France’s population is prognosticated to reach the 70 million mark between 2025 and 2030 and overpass Germany’s between 2050 and 2060, with 75.6 million French. By 2080, France’s population is predicted to reach 78.8 million.

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The First French colonial empire stretched from a total area at its peak in 1680 to over 10 million square kilometers (3.9 million sq mi). At that time, it was the second-largest empire in the world after only the Spanish Empire.

The Second French colonial empire stretched to over 13.5 million square kilometers (5.2 million sq mi) at its peak in 1936. This second-largest in the world imperial country estimated 10 percent of the world’s land area.

Evolution of the First and Second French Colonial Empires

The French colonial empire started to fall apart during WWII when other countries conquered different parts of their empire (Britain in Lebanon, Syria, Germany in Tunisia, Britain and the U.S. in Morocco and Algeria, Japan in Indochina).

The map below shows European lands that were ever controlled by ethnic French

Here is the world map that shows all countries invaded by France one way or another.

Nowadays territory of metropolitan France is 551.5 thousand km2 (212.9 thousand sq mi) plus overseas territories, whose areas sum to 89.2 thousand km2 (34.4 thousand sq mi).

Overseas Territories of France at the same geographic scale

Moreover, France has the largest globally exclusive economic zone, covering 11.7 million km2 (4.5 sq. mi).

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Most of the poor people don’t live in large cities, suburban areas nor in ghettos as it is often thought, but they live in the countryside and remote villages.

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