In brief
La Défense
MAEE, F. de La Mure
France is the world's sixth largest economic power in terms of GDP. The country's assets are varied and include its transport and telecommunications sectors, its agrifood and pharmaceutical industries, along with banking, insurance, tourism and the traditional luxury products (leather goods, ready-to-wear fashion, perfumes, fine wines and spirits, etc.).
France is the world's fifth largest exporter of goods (mainly durables) and ranks fourth in services and third in agriculture (cereals and agrifood in particular). It is the leading agricultural producer and exporter in Europe.
France does 66% of its trade with its European Union partners (50% within the euro area).
France is the world's second largest recipient of direct foreign investment. Foreign investors appreciate the skills of French workers, the high standard of research, the mastery of advanced technologies, and the stability of production costs.
Gross domestic product - GDP (2006): €1,744.2 billion
GDP growth (2006): 2%
Inflation (2006): 1.6%
Trade deficit (2006): €25.8 billion
- Sources: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
- Updated: 25.06.2008
