Lesser-Known Kids & Fun Facts About France | Historical Facts About France

A: General facts about France

• Total population – 67 million (6.7 crores)
• Highest mountain – Mont Blanc 4,810 m
• Total area – 643,801 km²
• Largest lake – Lake Bourget
• National Day – 14th July
• Currency – Euro & CFP France
• National Song – “La Marseillaise”
• Capital – Paris

B: Amazing Facts About France For Tourists and Kids

1. The name “France” comes from the Latin word Francia, which means “Frank’s land and empire”(source).

2. France’s currency is “Euro & CFP France” and the spoken language is “French”.

3. The women here live more than women in the rest of the world.

4. France is the largest country in Europe and the 43rd largest country in the world, spread over 2,48,573 sq mi,and this number includes Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Polynesia, French Guyana, Reunion och New Caledonia.

5. France’s population is approximately 67 million, which gives it 19th place in the world.

6. France’s Mont Blanc’s 15,771 feet highest peak is also the highest point in Europe.

7. France is divided into 22 metropolitan areas and its five overseas territories are called dom-tom.

8. Most tourists in the world come to France. Every year approximately 83 million This figure is more than the total population of France. Most visitors in France come only to visit the “louvre museum”.France is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and every year approximately 83 million foreigners come here, which is the highest in any country in the world.

9. According to French law, you can also get married to a dead person

In 1959, French President Charles de Gaulle was visiting Fréjus, a city in southern France. Hundreds of people lost their lives in this city due to the breaking of the dam. Then a woman came there and expressed her desire to marry her dead fiancee in front of the President. This woman’s fiancee died in the same accident. Then President Gaulle fulfilled his wish and Created a marriage law in which anyone can marry their dead fiancé.

Posthumous marriage

Under Article 172 of the French Civil Code, if one of the spouses dies after completing the marriage formalities, then the surviving partner can legally marry the deceased partner. This can only happen when there is clear consent from the deceased partner in the wedding formalities. The President of France can authorize such marriages.
This is called posthumous marriage. In France, who wants to do posthumous marriage, sends an application to the President. If preparations for a marriage are made in advance and the family of the deceased has no objections to this marriage, then the chances of getting approval for marriage are very high. Three out of four applications are approved.

10. France is the world’s first country who legalized gay sex.

11.GDP of France is approximately $ 2.6 trillion, the world’s 10th largest GDP.

12. In France, you can not throw food left over at the hotel. It is illegal to do, but in France, it is obligatory to donate this food.

13. France is a rich nation, an individual’s pay in France is about $ 37,000 dollars and France is the second most cultivated country in Europe.

14. Can’t kiss in the railway station

You can not KISS in any railway station in France. This is illegal, Since 1910, according to a law introduced by the  Société national du Chemin de fer (the precursor to the SNCF), the motive of this law is to avoid delays.

15. France is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council as well as being the founding member of the United Nations.

16. The southeastern part of France is a mountainous part, which is more than 6,000 feet high.

17. The French city of Paris has only one stop mark or symbol.

18. In the Savoie region of France, there is a small village whose name is Pussy.

19. You may hardly know that people started to make April fools from France.

20. 140 million years old giant bones of dinosaurs found in the excavation

Excavation since 2010, found the world’s largest dinosaur bone in France. A team has found a 65-foot-long thigh bone of a giant dinosaur from France. It is said to be 140(14 crores) million years old. This species is one of the largest species of vegetarian dinosaurs. The National Museum of Natural History team has discovered it with layers of clay. According to scientists, this bone belongs to the thigh of the vegetarian dinosaur Sauropod. The length of this bone is 6.6 feet and its weight is about 499 kg.

Sauropod was the largest vegetarian dinosaur in the world. Their neck and tail were quite long, while the mouth was short and the rest of the body was thick.

The area(Charente) from which this dinosaur bone is found is filled with fossilized remains. Earlier in the year 2010, a six feet long thigh bone of the Sauropod Dinosaur was found in the same place.
According to fossil scientists, 7500 bones have been discovered since 2010 from the Charente area. They contain the remains of 40 different species of dinosaurs.

21. 2019 Summer- For the first time in France the temperature crosses 45 degrees,

In the last week of June 2019, the average temperature reached above 45 degrees Celsius. A record temperature was recorded in Carpentras, France. The temperature there was 45.1 degrees Celsius. Earlier in August 2003, the temperature in Montpellier was 44.1 degrees Celsius.

Europe has inhabited between 25 ° to 45 ° latitude. This is called the temperate zone (low temperature). The temperature above 40 degrees is scorching for the people here. To give relief to the people in the scorching heat, water splashes are taking place on the streets of Paris. In 2003, 15,000 people died in France due to severe heat.

22. The first hot air balloon was built in 1783

On June 4, 1783, the Joseph-Michel brothers of France created the world’s first hot-air balloon. Which could be blown into the air for about 10 minutes.

23. The Mud Day race takes place every year in France

These obstacles included climbing small and smooth mountains of mud, crawling in mud under the stars, running in mud, and swimming in mud. Therefore, this race is also called the world’s biggest obstacle race.

24. You will not believe it, but a French city is called a condom.

25. France is third on the earth in coal generation.

26. 75% of the French people did not speak French at the time of the French Revolution.

27. The first nation to adopt the international unit framework. Such as kilometers, liters, kilograms, etc.

28. The fattest men in Europe live in France.

29. The faith of the people of France is very little in God. 44% of French people are atheists.

30. France is one of the most powerful countries in the world since the late 17th century.

31. Jean Dujardin is the first and only French actor who won the title of Best Actor in the 2011 Academy Award for his role in “The Artist”.

32. Since the end of World War II. France is one of the five members of the United Nations Security Council.

33. Three 200-year-old love letters written to Napoleon’s wife sold for $ 575,000 (Rs 4 crore)

Three love letters written by French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife Josephine were auctioned for a total of $ 575,000 (about Rs 3.97 crore). All three letters were written between 1796 and 1804. Drew Auction House has given this information.

In a letter written during the Italian campaign in 1796, Napoleon said, “No letter from you my adorable friend, you must have very sweet preoccupations since you forget your husband who, though in the midst of business and extremely tired think only and desires only you ”.(Source)

34. Napoleon is called the son of the French Revolution

Born on 15 August 1769, Napoleon is called the son of the French Revolution (1789). Napoleon led France after the revolution. By the beginning of the 19th century, it had captured almost the whole of Europe. From 1804 to 1815 he was the ruler of France. Napoleon was deported to Corsica Island after his defeat in the Battle of Trafalgar from Nelson, Britain. He died in 1821.

Josephine’s real name was Mary Rose. She was a widow and had two children. Napoleon married Josephine in 1804, the day before he became ruler of France. In 1809 Napoleon was going to Bavaria to fight against Austria. Josephine insisted to follow along but Napoleon did not listen. Napoleon divorced Josephine after returning from the expedition.

35. The biggest sports festival in France came when the country hosted the 1998 Soccer World Cup and won it.

36. French President Charles de Gaulle’s name has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records because 32 times his opponents tried to kill him and he was safe every time.

37. France is the most consuming consumer of Nuclear Fuel in the world.

38. French is the inventor of the first digital watch, hot air balloon, parachute, stethoscope, braille, and Grand Prix motor racing.

39. France is the fourth country to build Atomic and Nuclear weapons. In the 1960s, the first A-bomb was tested in the Algerian Desert of France

40. Number one city in the world

The city of Paris was inhabited about 2300 years ago, earlier it was known as Lutetia. Paris is the capital of France as well as a major center of art, fashion, and culture in the world. Spread over about 105 sq km, the city has a population of about 2.2 million, making it the most populous city in France. In 2018, 40 million people traveled to Paris, making this city the number one city in the world in terms of tourism.
Paris is also known as “The City of Lights”, as it has always been a major center of knowledge and science. Apart from this, it is also the first city where street lights were introduced.

41. French “Louvre Museum” is the most visited tourist museum in the world.

It was built in 1793, and every year around 10 million people visit it. The Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, located in the city of Paris. It is also a ‘historical’ museum as it has items from pre-historic times to the nineteenth century. This museum is a major tourist spot in Paris. Louvre Museum is located on the right bank of the Seine River.

Watch Beautiful Louvre Museum

The museum building was formerly the Palace of Louvre. Its area is about 70,400 square meters and it has about 35,000 items.

42. Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting called Monalisa is a special attraction of The Louvre Museum

You must have also heard about Mona Lisa’s famous painting. You must have seen that painting in some books. It is said about this painting that if your mind is happy then the painting will be seen smiling. But if the mind is sad then Mona Lisa will look sad.

The world’s most famous painting ‘Monalisa painting’ was made by Leonardo da Vinci. His famous portrait Mona Lisa is considered one of the most beautiful paintings in the world. Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in the city of Vinci, Italy, and for this reason, his name is named Vinci. Leonardo died on May 2 in the year 1519

43. Tour de France Cycle Race

The cycle race was very popular in France around 1900. The race was first held in 1903 to increase newspaper sales in France. The Tour de France is the world’s most prestigious and oldest cycling race.

44. People take to the streets for domestic violence, 74 women killed in 6 months

Hundreds of people demonstrated on 06 July 2019 on the streets of Paris to protest against violent incidents against women. They demanded that strict action should be taken against the accused involved in the crime of women.
In France, 74 women have died in the last 6 months due to domestic violence. According to the Home Ministry, four women were killed last week. 130 in 2017, while 123 in 2016 women were murdered by their husbands.

45. Nothradam Cathedral world heritage site

Construction of Nothradam Cathedral began in 1160 and lasted until 1260. This unique piece of French Gothic architecture is 69 meters high.To reach its peak, you have to climb 387 steps. Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned here. 12 million(1.2 crores) people visit it every year.
850-year-old building fire, flames were seen from all over the city
On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out at Nothradam Cathedral in Paris, the capital of France. This caused the summit of the cathedral to burn completely. However, the original structure of this 850-year-old building is safe.

Watch Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral in a massive fire

46. Bubble palace

It was designed by the famous Hungarian architect Antti Lovag. It took 15 years to build it. Spread over 1200 square meters, this palace was built by a French businessman Pierre Bernard.

After Bernard’s death in 1991, it was bought by the famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin. The 10-bedroom palace also has a theater that can seat 500 people. Each of its bedrooms is decorated by different interior decorators of the world.

47. World Monument The Eiffel Tower

One of the most scenic spots in Paris, the Eiffel Tower welcomes about seven million visitors every year, The Eiffel Tower in Paris is famous worldwide for its attractiveness, beauty, grandeur and unique design.

Let me inform you that The Eiffel Tower is one of the seven wonders of the world. It is not only considered a symbol of love, but it is an identity of France and reflects the culture of France. The Eiffel Tower in France is named after its designer Gustave Eiffel, which was constructed in 1889 for the World Exhibition. The Eiffel Tower is 1063 ft (324 m) high, including the top antenna.

48. The Eiffel Tower, built in Paris, weighs about 7000 tons and the weight of paint on it every year is 50 tons.

49. France is a developed country and according to the nominal GDP rate, its economy is the sixth largest in the world.

50. Louis XIX was the ruler of France for just 20 minutes.

51. The Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower, neither of which is the top attraction of Paris. Rather Disneyland is seen by more people than these two.

52. Disneyland in Paris

Disneyland in Paris is a major attraction for tourists. It is a theme park and you can enjoy a fantastic ride here. Disneyland of Paris was founded in 1992. Do you know that? Disneyland, Paris is the second Disney park to open outside the United States. It is located about 30 km from central Paris. Here you can also visit Companion Park, and Walt Disney Studios Park.

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F: Historical Facts About France

• At the time of the Iron Age, Gaul and Celtic people inhabited present-day Metropolitan France. The region was later annexed by Rome in 51 BC, which was maintained by Gaul(Gallia) until 486.
• France emerged as a powerful European force after conquering the Hundred Years’ War (1337 to 1453) in the Middle Ages, in which the country was politically developed.
• Many battles were fought against Italy during the reigns of Charles VIII (1483–89) and Louis XII (1489–1515), which continued. As a result, a war with Spain started in Western Europe for power.
• During the reigns of Charles IX (1560–74) and Henry III (1574–89), France suffered major losses due to civil wars. Paris remained a stronghold of Catholicism. In 1572, thousands of protesters were killed at St. Bartholomew’s.
• Henry IV (1589–1610) established peace in the country and declared religious tolerance
• During the Renaissance period, French culture flourished and the Global Colonial Empire was established, which became the second-largest empire in the world in the 20th century.
• In the 16th century, a civil war between Catholics and Protestants was prevalent. After this, France, under the leadership of Louis XIV, became a country of major culture, politics, and military power.
• Waste of treasury also increased during the time of Louis XV (1715–74) and Louis XVI (1774–93). Discontent began to spread in the public which was encouraged by the works of Voltaire and Russo.
• When the national debt increased greatly, Louis XVI was forced to call a meeting of the States-General. Representatives of the general public called their assembly separately and declared it to be the National Assembly. From here the French Revolution started.
• The French Revolution was in 1789 AD during the reign of Louis XVI. On 14 July 1789, the revolutionaries broke the prison gate of the Bastille and freed the prisoners.
• Since then, July 14 has been celebrated as the National Day in France. The slogan of equality, freedom, and brotherhood is the gift of the French coronation.
• In September 1792, the first French Republic was proclaimed and on 21 January 1793, Louis XVI was hanged. France had to engage in the war due to the intervention of external states. Ultimately, the power came to Napoleon, who declared himself Emperor of France in 1804.
• In the 19th century, Napoleon took power into his own hands and established the first French Empire. After the Battle of Waterloo (1815 AD), the rule again came into the hands of the Bourbon dynasty.
• When Charles X tried to establish an autocratic rule in place of a controlled monarchy in 1830, after a three-day revolution, he was removed from the rule and Louis Philippe was made the new ruler.
• Louis Philippe was also enthroned in 1848 and the Second Republic was established in France. This republic became short-lived. Its president, Louis Napoleon, succeeded in proclaiming himself the Emperor as the third Napoleon in 1852. His aggressive policy resulted in a war with Prussia (1870–71), in which France was deeply defeated. The Third Napoleon collapsed and the foundation of the Third Republic was laid.
• The constitution of the Third Republic was adopted in 1875. A major flaw of this constitution was that the President was merely a puppet and the executive was also powerless.
• In the First World War (1914–18), France, along with Britain and America, had to engage in war with Germany, Austria, and Turkey.
• As a result of the conquest, although the industrial areas of Alsace and Lorraine were reunited with France, the battle was mainly fought on French land, so France suffered so much damage and its economic condition could not improve for many years.
• In September 1939, France along with Britain declared war on Germany. In the summer of 1940, when the German army demolished Belgium and proceeded to Paris, Marshal Pétain’s government signed a treaty with Germany.
• But opposition to the Germans continued outside France and a temporary government was established under the leadership of General de Gaulle.
• At the end of the war, France’s economic condition was dilapidated, yet with the help of active industry and America, it improved considerably. De Gaulle stepped down in 1946 due to differences in executive rights.
• After this, the fifth republic was founded in 1958 under the leadership of Charles de Gulley and it continues to this day. Algeria and all surrounding colonies were liberated in 1960, with minimal ties to France.
• France has been a global center of arts, science, and philosophy for a long time. France is also included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and about 83 million foreigners come here every year, which is the highest compared to any country in the world. France is a developed country and its economy by the nominal GDP rate is the sixth-largest in the world and the ninth-largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity.
• On average, France ranks fourth in the world in the family property category. France has also made its mark internationally in the fields of education, health, life expectancy, and human development. France is also known worldwide as a superpower and is also a founding member of the United Nations.
• France is also included among the permanent five members of the United States Security Council and is also the main member of the European Union state. Also, France is a member of the G-7, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization (WTO), and La Francophony.

G: Important dates in France’s History

• 1789 – In the 9th century, the first Republic was established due to the French Revolution.
• 1804-1814 – Napoleon Bonaparte first made himself the king of the French Empire. Because of his military power, he mostly took control of the continent of Europe.
• 1815 – Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo – and again the monarchy empire was established.
• 1914-18 World War I – A major casualty occurred in the trenches of north-eastern France, in which 1.3 million French men died and many people were wounded in the war.
• 1939-45 Second World War – Germany had occupied most of France.
• 1946-58 – The fourth Republic was marked by economic reconstruction and the process of independence of the diverse French colony.
• 1957 – France joined West Germany and other European nations for the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC).
• 1958 – Charles de Gaulle recoiled after recovering from the Algerian crisis, and because of this, he established the fifth Republic with strong claims of presidential status.
• 1962 – Algeria announces independence from French colonial rule.
• 1969 – De Gulley left the president’s house and George Pompidou was made President
• 1981 – Socialist candidate Francois Mitterrand was elected to the presidency.
• 1995 – Jacques Chirak is appointed as President
• November 2015-A series of terrorist attacks were carried out in France’s capital Paris and its northern region, St. Denis.129 people were killed in the attacks, of which 89 died at the Bataclan Theater. Out of 352 people, 80 were hospitalized due to serious injuries.

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