Background: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
April 30th 2008Europe » France » Corsica » Ajaccio We had to get into the lifeboats today.................to be taken to the shore of Corsica because our ship was too large for the shallow waters surrounding the island. This process is called "tender ... 7 photos[full story]
January 17th 2008Europe » France » Corsica Head for the horizon and fall under the spell of that distant shoreline with Kathy Stott
Islands have an allure that draws visitors like a magnet. Just one glimpse of that distant, hazy shore ... 5 photos[full story]
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