Introduction

France, or République Française, is located in Western Europe and includes several overseas territories. Mainland France borders two bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterrean Sea. France’s land neighbors are Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Luxembourg. Its capital city is Paris, one of the most well-known cultural and tourist centers of the world. France continuously plays a significant role in international affairs from the monumental French Revolution to its active role in the European Union and NATO to holding one of the five permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. ¹

Economy and Business

France is one of the top economic powers in the world whose economic outlook remains positive:

• Fifth largest economy globally ²
• Represents ⅕ of the Eurozone GDP ³
• Highly educated workforce and the highest number of STEM graduates in Europe ⁴
• The IMF expects a 1.6% GDP growth for both 2019 and 2020, supported by labour and product market reforms that should help boost labour force participation and productivity ⁵

France’s top trading partners are Germany, Spain, Italy, the United States, and Belgium. ⁶

Strengths

• Has fared well against economic crisis because of its low reliance on external trade ⁷
• France was ranked tenth in the world in the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Index, with an entrepreneurial environment that seeks to make life easier for entrepreneurs. ⁸
• Competitive international groups in aerospace, energy, environment, pharmaceuticals, luxury, food, and retail
• High-quality infrastructure and public services

Business Market and Job Opportunities

Macron’s business reforms since taking office have only increased France’s business market, economic outlook, and foreign investment appeal. France has the most generous tax credit schemes and government subsidies in Europe, making it the ideal place for start-ups and small companies to invest. Much of France’s economic hub is centered in Paris where the tourism, fashion, and technological sectors flourish. ⁹

Growing and Top Sectors:

• Manufacturing: represents more than 17% of GDP and employs a fifth of the active workforce ¹⁰
• Agriculture: largest agricultural power in the European Union, accounting for one-fourth of the EU’s total agricultural production ¹¹
• Services: represents around 70% of the French GDP and employs more than three-quarters of the active workforce, leading tourist destination in the world with nearly 87 million foreign visitors in 2017 ¹²

Culture

France’s business culture is considered extremely formal and proper business etiquette such as scheduling meetings in advance and behaving professionally at all times is important to the French. Additionally, business in France is conducted slower and with a high level of care where business decisions are made by senior company officials. Unlike in the U.S., personal and professional lives are kept separate and small talk before meetings does not involve personal questions. ¹³

As the top tourist destination in the world, France has ample opportunity to experience French culture:

• France has many public parks which are perfect for picnics and outdoor activities
• Catch a football match in Paris in the famous Parc des Princes football stadium
• Flea-markets in France boast luxury fashion items at bargain prices 
• The Louvre Museum in Paris is among the world's largest museums and is home to many famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. 

The Advantage of Studying French

When you learn to speak French, you are connecting with over 122 million people in 42 countries. Because of its widespread influence and cultural ties, the French language provides a truly global perspective and can help prepare a student for a career in international business. ¹⁴

• Working and official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, Olympic Committee, international courts, and humanitarian organizations ¹⁵
• Only language besides English that is taught in every country ¹⁶
• Understanding French opens the door for business opportunities in Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, and Africa

Important Links

• Class Schedule
• SDSU Catalog 
• Academic Calendar