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:''For the impact on left-wing policies on France and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

:''For the impact on left-wing policies on France and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

'''France''' is a major country in Western [[Europe]]. In ancient times, the area that is today France was included in the Roman province of Gaul. Together with Germany and Northern Italy, it was part of the Carolinian Empire. The French nation can be traced back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which divided the Carolinian Empire.

'''France''' is a major country in Western [[Europe]]. In ancient times, the area that is today France was included in the Roman province of Gaul. Together with Germany and Northern Italy, it was part of the Carolingian Empire. The earliest document attesting to a distinct French language is the Oaths of Strassbourg of 842. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun divided the Carolingian Empire into French and German kingdoms.

France has played a significant role in world events since the era of Cardinal Richelieu in the mid-seventeenth century. The monarchy lasted until the [[French Revolution]] of 1789-1799. Since 1870 (with the exception of a four-year period from 1940 to 1944 during which it was controlled by [[Nazi Germany]]), France has been a republic with the motto "liberty, equality, fraternity."

France has played a significant role in world events since the era of Cardinal Richelieu in the mid-seventeenth century. The monarchy lasted until the [[French Revolution]] of 1789-1799. Since 1870 (with the exception of a four-year period from 1940 to 1944 during which it was controlled by [[Nazi Germany]]), France has been a republic with the motto "liberty, equality, fraternity."