France, officially the French Republic, is a major country located in Western Europe, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and significant global influence. Its metropolitan territory is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra, while its overseas departments and territories grant it a vast, discontiguous exclusive economic zone. The country's population is estimated at approximately 67.4 million people, and its mainland area covers 551,695 km². The capital and largest city is Paris, which serves as the nation's primary cultural, commercial, and political hub. The French Republic operates as a semi-presidential republic, embodying the national motto 'Liberté, égalité, fraternité' (Liberty, equality, fraternity).