History of France

France is the third-largest European nation. The traces of human life in France were said to be found around 2 million BC. The Celts, who were known as Gauls by the Romans, migrated from the Rhine valley into France. After the end of ice age around 6000 BC, there was a drastic change in lifestyle of people. They settled down to herd animals and started cultivating crops. The name France is derived from the Latin word Francia, which means “country of the Franks”. It became a separate country in the 9th century.

France has been victim to numerous crises, such as the devastation which took place during two world wars. There was a huge population loss in World War I and it was a traumatic experience for France and Political and social turmoil which took place in 1940-44 and the country was occupied by Germany. It has, however, survived and emerged from the ruins of all these disasters during the Renaissance followed by the grandeur of Louis XIV's reign. French identity among the citizens in 19th and 20th centuries was a slow process and enmity with Germany dominated French politics for quite a long time. Invention of Railways, the military service and educational modification played an important part in giving it world wide reorganization. Since than France has a major role in European and world events.

France culture and institutions were the desire of Europe. French has become an important country also because it is a world supplier of agricultural and industrial products. It enjoys partnership in the European community. France is the European country facing both the North Sea and the Mediterranean at the same time.