 |
France |
|
 |
| Membership in EU: | 1951 |
| Political system: | Republic |
| Capital city: | Paris |
| Total area: | 550 000 km² |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
|
|
|
|
Statistical Office
|
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
|
Entrepreneurship in the Country
|
Business Directories
|
Local Communities
|
|
|
|
|
Business Communication
French business behaviour emphasizes courtesy and a degree of formality.
Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done.
Trust is earned through proper behaviour.
Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important.
If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship.
It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases, since it demonstrates an interest in a long-term relationship.
The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their social status, education level, and which part of the country they were raised.
In business, the French often appear extremely direct because they are not afraid of asking probing questions.
Written business communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings and may be used to relay information from your French business colleagues.
|
|
|
|
Business Meetings
Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the secretary.
Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period.
If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.
Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.
|
|
|
|
Business Negotiation
French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality.
Wait to be told where to sit.
Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol.
Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute.
Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of the company.
The French are often impressed with good debating skills, that demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the situation and all the ramifications.
Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally compartmentalize their business and personal lives.
Discussions may be heated and intense.
High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more receptive to a low-key logical presentation, that explains the advantages of a proposal in full.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President
|
Government
|
Prime Minister
|
Ministries
|
Constitutional Court
|
Legislation
|
|
|
|
|
Geographical Characteristics
|
France extends from the North Sea to the Mediterranean and it is one of the largest European states. The country has a wide variety of landscapes, from mountain ranges in the south-east, where the highest peak in the Alps and in the Western Europe is situated – Mont Blanc (4810 m), and to the coastal plains, that occupy four river systems: Seine in the north, Loire and Garonne flowing westwards and Rhone, which flows from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea.
|
|
|
|
Languages
|
French; locally also German, Flemish, Italian, Basque, Catalan, Breton, Occitan, Corsican, Arabic, Haitian Creloe.
|
|
|
|
Short History
|
The borders of modern France are approximately the same as those of ancient Gaul (the Celtic Gauls). Romans conquered Gaul in the 1st century and the inhabitants soon adopted Roman culture and language.
In the 4th century Germanic tribe, principally the Franks, overrun Gauls’s eastern frontiers along the river Rhine. The ancient name of “Francie” was derived from these Franks. The modern name
“France” derives from the name of the feudal domain of the Capetian Kings of France around Paris which is called Île-de-France.
Today, France has been at the forefront of the European states, seeking to exploit the momentum of Monetary Union to create a more unified and capable European Union political, defense and security apparatus.
|
|
|
|
Time Zone
|
International Dialing Code
|
Average Temperatures
|
July 19 0C, January 3 0C.
|
|
|
|
Opening Hours of Banks
|
Monday - Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Saturday: 9.00am – 12.30pm.
|
|
|
|
Opening Hours of Post-Offices
|
Monday - Friday: 8.00am – 5.00pm.
|
|
|
|
Opening Hours of Shops
|
Legally permitted opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 10.00am – 7.00/8.00pm.
|
|
|
|
Credit Cards
|
The following credit cards are accepted in France: mostly Visa and MasterCard–EuroCard. They are accepted in numerous hotels, restaurants and shops. Almost all petrol stations will accept credit cards.
|
|
|
|
Foreign Currency Exchange
|
Apart from the banks, foreign currency can be also exchanged in exchange offices, hotel receptions, tourist agencies, petrol stations and larger department stores.
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telecommunications
|
The country is almost entirely covered by mobile telephony signal, since the operators have concluded contracts with larger European and world operators. Mobile phones in the country are designed to function within the network of frequency bands 900 MHZ and 1800 MHZ. You can host in the following mobile networks: Bouygues, Orange, SFR, Transatel.
|
|
|
|
Anti Smoking Law
|
In France smoking is fully banned from January 1st 2008. Smoking is prohibited in all public places, also in bars, restaurants and night clubs.
|
|
|
|
Emergency Telephone Numbers
|
Population of the State
|
Population of the Capital
|
Demographics
|
Religion
|
|
|
|
|
|
