FRANCE

Compiled from the October 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
French Republic

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 551,670 sq. km. (220,668 sq. mi.); largest west European country, about four-fifths the size of Texas.

Cities: Capital—Paris. Other cities—Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux.

Terrain: Varied.

Climate: Temperate; similar to that of the eastern U.S.

People

Nationality: Adjective—French.

Population: (Jan. 2003 est.) 61.4 million.

Annual growth rate: (2001) 0.37%.

Ethnic groups: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Sub-Saharan African, Indochinese, and Basque minorities.

Religions: Roman Catholic 90%.

Language: French.

Education: Years compulsory—10. Literacy—99%. Health: Infant mortality rate—4.46/1,000.

Work force: (25 million) Services—71%; industry and commerce—26%; agriculture—3%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Constitution: September 28, 1958.

Branches: Executive—president (chief of state); prime minister (head of government). Legislative—bicameral Parliament (577-member National Assembly, 319-member Senate). Judicial—Court of Cassation (civil and criminal law), Council of State (administrative court), Constitutional Council (constitutional law).

Administrative subdivisions: 22 administrative regions containing 96 departments (metropolitan France). Four overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Reunion); five overseas territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands, and French Southern and Antarctic Territories); and two special status territories (Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon).

Political parties: Union for a Popular Majority (UMP) [a new coalition of center-right parties, among which are Rally for the Republic (Gaullists/conservatives) and Liberal Democracy]; Union for French Democracy (a center-right conglomerate of smaller parties); Socialist Party; Communist Party; National Front; Greens; various minor parties.

Suffrage: Universal at 18.

Economy

GDP: (2003 estimate, PPP) __BODY__.65 trillion.

Avg. Annual growth rate: (2004 estimate) 2.6%.

Per capita GDP: $27,500 (2003).

Agriculture: Products—grains (wheat, barley, corn); wines and spirits; dairy products; sugarbeets; oilseeds; meat and poultry; fruits and vegetables.

Industry: Types—aircraft, electronics, transportation, textiles, clothing, food processing, chemicals, machinery, steel.

Trade: (est.) Exports (2002)—$346.5 billion: aircraft, automobile spare parts, pharmaceuticals, electronic components, wine, electricity. Imports (2001)—$308.3 billion: crude oil, automobiles and automobile spare parts, natural gas, pharmaceuticals, electronics, aircraft spare parts. Major trading partners—EU and U.S.

PEOPLE

Since prehistoric times, France has been a crossroads of trade, travel, and invasion. Three basic European ethnic stocks—Celtic, Latin, and Teutonic (Frankish)—have blended over the centuries to make up its present population. France's birth rate was among the highest in Europe from 1945 until the late 1960s. Since then, its birth rate has fallen but remains higher than that of most other west European countries. Traditionally, France has had a high level of immigration. About 90% of the people are Roman Catholic, 7% Muslim, less than 2% Protestant, and about 1% Jewish. More than 1 million Muslims immigrated in the 1960s and early 1970s from North Africa, especially Algeria. In mid-2002, there were between 4 and 6 million persons of Arab descent living in France.

Education is free, beginning at age 2, and mandatory between ages 6 and 16. The public education system is highly centralized. Private education is primarily Roman Catholic. Higher education in France began with the founding of the University of Paris in 1150. It now consists of 91 public universities and 175 professional schools, such as the post-graduate Grandes Ecoles.

The French language derives from the vernacular Latin spoken by the Romans in Gaul, although it includes many Celtic and Germanic words. French has been an international language for centuries and is a common second language throughout the world. It is one of five official languages at the United Nations. In Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the West Indies, French has been a unifying factor, particularly in those countries where it serves as the only common language among a variety of indigenous languages and dialects.

HISTORY

France was one of the earliest countries to progress from feudalism to the nation-state. Its monarchs surrounded themselves with capable ministers, and French armies were among the most innovative, disciplined, and professional of their day.

During the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), France was the dominant power in Europe. But overly ambitious projects and military campaigns of Louis and his successors led to chronic financial problems in the 18th century. Deteriorating economic conditions and popular resentment against the complicated system of privileges granted the nobility and clerics were among the principal causes of the French Revolution (1789-94). Although the revolutionaries advocated republican and egalitarian principles of government, France reverted to forms of absolute rule or constitutional monarchy four times—the Empire of Napoleon, the Restoration of Louis XVIII, the reign of Louis-Philippe, and the Second Empire of Napoleon III. After the Franco-Prussian War (1870), the Third Republic was established and lasted until the military defeat of 1940.

World War I (1914-18) brought great losses of troops and materiel. In the 1920s, France established an elaborate system of border defenses (the Maginot Line) and alliances to offset resurgent German strength. France was defeated early in World War II, however, and was occupied in June 1940. The German victory left the French groping for a new policy and new leadership suited to the circumstances. On July 10, 1940, the Vichy government was established. Its senior leaders acquiesced in the plunder of French resources, as well as the sending of French forced labor to Germany; in doing so, they claimed they hoped to preserve at least some small amount of French sovereignty.

The German occupation proved quite costly, however, as a full one-half of France's public sector revenue was appropriated by Germany. After 4 years of occupation and strife, Allied forces liberated France in 1944. A bitter legacy carries over to the present day.

France emerged from World War II to face a series of new problems. After a short period of provisional government initially led by Gen. Charles de Gaulle, the Fourth Republic was set up by a new constitution and established as a parliamentary form of government controlled by a series of coalitions. The mixed nature of the coalitions and a consequent lack of agreement on measures for dealing with Indochina and Algeria caused successive cabinet crises and changes of government.

Finally, on May 13, 1958, the government structure collapsed as a result of the tremendous opposing pressures generated in the divisive Algerian issue. A threatened coup led the Parliament to call on General de Gaulle to head the government and prevent civil war. He became prime minister in June 1958 (at the beginning of the Fifth Republic) and was elected president in December of that year.

Seven years later, in an occasion marking the first time in the 20th century that the people of France went to the polls to elect a president by direct ballot, de Gaulle won reelection with a 55% share of the vote, defeating François Mitterrand. In April 1969, President de Gaulle's government conducted a national referendum on the creation of 21 regions with limited political powers. The government's proposals were defeated, and de Gaulle subsequently resigned. Succeeding him as president of France have been Gaullist Georges Pompidou (1969-74), Independent Republican Valery Giscard d'Estaing (1974-81), Socialist François Mitterrand (1981-95), and neo-Gaullist Jacques Chirac (first elected in spring 1995 and reelected in 2002).

While France continues to revere its rich history and independence, French leaders are increasingly tying the future of France to the continued development of the European Union. During President Mitterrand's tenure, he stressed the importance of European integration and advocated the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty on European economic and political union, which France's electorate narrowly approved in September 1992. President Jacques Chirac assumed office May 17, 1995, after a campaign focused on the need to combat France's stubbornly high unemployment rate.

The center of domestic attention soon shifted, however, to the economic reform and belt-tightening measures required for France to meet the criteria for Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) laid out by the Maastricht Treaty. In late 1995, France experienced its worst labor unrest in at

least a decade, as employees protested government cutbacks. On the foreign and security policy front, Chirac took a more assertive approach to protecting French peacekeepers in the former Yugoslavia and helped promote the peace accords negotiated in Dayton and signed in Paris in December 1995.

The French have been one of the strongest supporters of NATO and EU policy in Kosovo and the Balkans. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S., France has played a central role in the war on terrorism. French forces, including the Charles de Gaulle carrier battle group, participate in Operation Enduring Freedom. French troops also participate in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Afghanistan.

GOVERNMENT

The constitution of the Fifth Republic was approved by public referendum on September 28, 1958. It greatly strengthened the authority of the executive in relation to Parliament. Under the constitution, presidents have been elected directly for a 7-year term since 1958. Beginning in 2002, the term of office is now 5 years. Presidential arbitration assures regular functioning of the public powers and the continuity of the state. The president names the prime minister, presides over the cabinet, commands the armed forces, and concludes treaties.

The president may submit questions to a national referendum and can dissolve the National Assembly. In certain emergency situations, the president may assume full powers. Besides the president, the other main component of France's executive branch is the cabinet. Led by a prime minister, who is the head of government, the cabinet is composed of a varying number of ministers, ministers-delegate, and secretaries of state. Parliament meets for one 9 month session each year. Under special circumstances an additional session can be called by the president.

Although parliamentary powers are diminished from those existing under the Fourth Republic, the National Assembly can still cause a government to fall if an absolute majority of the total Assembly membership votes to censure. The Parliament is bicameral with a National Assembly and a Senate. The National Assembly is the principal legislative body. Its deputies are directly elected to 5-year terms, and all seats are voted on in each election. Senators are chosen by an electoral college and, under new rules passed in 2003 to shorten the term, serve for six years, with one-half of the Senate being renewed every three years. (As a transitional measure in 2004, 62 Senators will be elected to 9-year terms, while 61 will be elected to 6-year terms; subsequently, all terms will be six years.) The Senate's legislative powers are limited; the National Assembly has the last word in the event of a disagreement between the two houses. The government has a strong influence in shaping the agenda of Parliament. The government also can declare a bill to be a question of confidence, thereby linking its continued existence to the passage of the legislative text; unless a motion of censure is introduced and voted, the text is considered adopted without a vote.

The most distinctive feature of the French judicial system is that it is divided into the Constitutional Council and the Council of State. The Constitutional Council examines legislation and decides whether it conforms to the constitution. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, it considers only legislation that is referred to it by Parliament, the prime minister, or the president; moreover, it considers legislation before it is promulgated. The Council of State has a separate function from the Constitutional Council and provides recourse to individual citizens who have claims against the administration. The Ordinary Courts—including specialized bodies such as the police court, the criminal court, the correctional tribunal, the commercial court, and the industrial court—settle disputes that arise between citizens, as well as disputes that arise between citizens and corporations. The Court of Appeals reviews cases judged by the Ordinary Courts.

Traditionally, decision-making in France has been highly centralized, with each of France's departments headed by a prefect appointed by the central government. In 1982, the national government passed legislation to decentralize authority by giving a wide range of administrative and fiscal powers to local elected officials. In March 1986, regional councils were directly elected for the first time, and the process of decentralization continues, albeit at a slow pace.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 12/1/04

President: Chirac, Jacques
Prime Minister: Raffarin, Jean-Pierre
Min. of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, & Rural Affairs: Gaymard, Herve
Min. of Civil Service & State Reform: Dutreil, Renaud
Min. of Culture & Communication: Donnedieu de Vabres, Renaud
Min. of Defense: Alliot-Marie, Michele
Min. of Economy, Finance, & Industry: Gaymard, Herve
Min. of Employment, Labor & Social Cohesion: Borloo, Jean-Louis
Min. of Environment & Sustainable Development: Lepeltier, Serge
Min. of Family & Children:
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Barnier, Michel
Min. of Health & Social Protection:
Douste-Blazy, Philippe
Min. of Interior, Internal Security, & Local Liberties: de Villepin, Dominique
Min. of Justice: Perben, Dominique
Min. of National Education, Higher Learning, & Research: Fillon, Francois
Min. of Parity & Professional Equality: Ameline, Nicole
Min. of Relations With Overseas Territories: Girardin, Brigitte
Min. of Youth, Sports & Associations: Lamour, Jean-Francois
Min. of Transport, Tourism, & Maritime Affairs: de Robien, Gilles
Min. Del. for Cooperation, Development,& Francophonie: Darcos, Xavier
Min. Del. for European Affairs: Haignere, Claudie
Min. Del. for Foreign Trade: Loos, Francois
Min. Del. for Housing & the City: Daubresse, Marc-Philippe
Min. Del. for Industry: Devedjian, Patrick
Min. Del. for Integration & Equal Opportunity, Job Security & Inclusion: Olin, Nelly
Min. Del. for Interior & Spokesman for the Government: Roig, Marie-Josee
Min. Del. for Labor Relations: Larcher, Gerard
Min. Del. for Relations With Parliament: Cuq, Henri
Min. Del. for Research: d'Aubert, Francois
Min. Del. for Small & Medium-Size Businesses, Trade, Small-Scale Industry, the Professions, & Consumer Affairs: Jacob, Christian
Min. Del. for Tourism: Bertand, Leon
Min. Del. for Veterans Affairs: Mekachera, Hamlaoui
Sec. of State for Agriculture & Fisheries: Forissier, Nicolas
Sec. of State for the Budget & Budgetary Reform: Cope, Jean-Francois
Sec. of State for the Elderly: Vautrin, Catherine
Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs: Muselier, Renaud
Sec. of State for Handicapped Persons: Montchamp, Marie-Anne
Sec. of State for Health Insurance: Bertrand, Xavier
Sec. of State for Integration of Youth Employment: Henart, Laurent
Sec. of State for Reform: Woerth, Eric
Sec. of State for Transport & Maritime Affairs: Goulard, Francois
Sec. of State for Urban & Rural Planning: de Saint-Sernin, Frederic
Sec. of State for Victims' Rights: Guedj, Nicole
Governor, Bank of France: Noyer, Christian
Ambassador to the US: Levitte, Jean-David
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: de la Sabliere, Jean-Marc Rochereau

France maintains an embassy in the U.S. at 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20007 (tel. 202-944-6000).

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

President Jacques Chirac and his center-right coalition won the May 2002 elections. Chirac was first elected in 1995, and his party, the RPR, won an absolute majority in the National Assembly (470 out of 577 seats). During his first 2 years in office, President Chirac's prime minister was Alain Juppé, who served contemporaneously as leader of Chirac's neo-Gaullist Rally for the Republic (RPR) Party. However, during the legislative elections of 1997, the left won a majority in the Assembly, and Juppé was subsequently replaced by Socialist Lionel Jospin. This right-left "cohabitation" arrangement, which ended with Jospin's resignation following his defeat in the first round of the May 2002 presidential elections, was the longest lasting government in the history of the Fifth Republic.

During Chirac's first term, a referendum was passed changing the presidential term of office from 7 to 5 years. This change means that, henceforth, presidential and legislative elections could take place at nearly the same time. As expected, in the second round of the presidential election on May 5th, 2002, Jacques Chirac comfortably defeated Jean-Marie Le Pen, a veteran leader of the far-right National Front. Mr. Chirac won by the largest margin (82% to 19%) ever recorded in the second round of a French presidential election; at the same time, abstention reached a record level of 20%.

The ensuing legislative elections proved to be a victory for the center-right and a reversal of the 1997 elections. The center-right coalition party—Union for a Presidential Majority (UMP)—won 399 out of 577 seats in the National Assembly, thereby securing for Chirac and his party a majority in the government. Meanwhile, the combined left, which had previously held 320 seats, took only 178, including 154 for the Socialists (PS), 21 for the Communists (PCF), and three for the Greens. The extreme-right National Front, despite the second-place finish of its leader Le Pen in the April/May 2002 presidential election, won no seats. Abstention at 39% set a new record. The UMP was rechristened the Union for a Popular Movement following the legislative elections. In March 2004 regional elections, however, Chirac's party lost control of all but one region, while the Socialists scored major gains. The UMP won only 16.6% of the vote in the June European Parliament elections.

During the 2002 presidential election campaign, President Chirac's team made pledges on reforms which could diminish the high level of overall structural unemployment. Experts also have called on France to reduce government spending, the budget deficit, and public debt, and to allow flexibility in the implementation of the 35-hour work week. Mounting pressure for short- and long-term reforms include more labor-market flexibility, less taxation, and an improved business climate, including further privatization and liberalization.

French and EU analysts stress that longer-term measures must focus on reducing the future burden of ballooning public pension and health care budgets, as well as reducing labor-related taxes. Government action to initiate such reforms may have contributed to the center-right's poor showing in the 2004 regional and European Parliamentary elections.

ECONOMY

With a GDP of __BODY__.654 trillion, France is the fourth-largest Western industrialized economy. It has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base, and a highly skilled work force. A dynamic services sector accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity (71% in 2002) and is responsible for nearly all job creation in recent years. GDP growth was 0.2% in 2003, after two years of steady decline from 4.2% in 2000. The government forecasts GDP growth of 2.6% in 2004.

Government economic policy aims to promote investment and domestic growth in a stable fiscal and monetary environment. Creating jobs and reducing the high unemployment rate through recovery-supportive policy has been a top priority. The Government of France successfully reduced an unemployment rate of 12% to 8.7% in the late 1990s but has seen unemployment increase to 9.8% in 2004. France joined 10 other European Union countries in adopting the euro as its currency in January 1999. Since then, monetary policy has been set by the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. On January 1, 2002, France, along with the other countries of the Euro zone, dropped its national currency in favor of Euro bills and coins.

Despite significant reform and privatization over the past 15 years, the government continues to control a large share of economic activity: Government spending, at 54.7% of GDP in 2003, is among the highest in the G-7. Regulation of labor and product markets is pervasive. The government continues to own shares in corporations in a range of sectors, including banking, energy production and distribution, automobiles, transportation, and telecommunications.

Legislation passed in 1998 shortened the legal work week from 39 to 35 hours for most employees effective January 1, 2000. Recent assessments of the impact of work week reduction on growth and jobs have generally concluded that the goal of job creation was not met. The current administration is introducing increasing flexibility into the law, returning the country to a de facto (if not de jure) 39-hour work week in the private sector.

France has been very successful in developing dynamic telecommunications, aerospace, and weapons sectors. With virtually no domestic oil production, France has relied heavily on the development of nuclear power, which now accounts for about 80% of the country's electricity production. Nuclear waste is stored on site at reprocessing facilities.

Membership in France's labor unions accounts for less than 10% of the private sector work force and is concentrated in the manufacturing, transportation, and heavy industry sectors. Most unions are affiliated with one of the competing national federations, the largest and most powerful of which are the communistdominated General Labor Confederation (CGT), the Workers' Force (FO), and the French Democratic Confederation of Labor (CFDT).

Trade

France is the second-largest trading nation in western Europe (after Germany). After experiencing a modest surplus in its foreign trade balance in 2001, France ran an exceptional $9.6 billion surplus in 2002 due to a 3.5 percent decline in imports, only partially offset by a 1.5 percent decrease in exports. Total trade for 2001 amounted to $618.1 billion, over one-third of GDP. Trade with EU countries accounts for 60% of French trade.

In 2002, U.S.-France trade in goods and services totaled some $60 billion. According to French trade data, U.S. exports accounted for 7.9% of France's total imports. U.S. industrial chemicals, aircraft and engines, electronic components, telecommunications, computer software, computers and peripherals, analytical and scientific instrumentation, medical instruments and supplies, broadcasting equipment, and programming and franchising are particularly attractive to French importers.

Principal French exports to the United States are aircraft and engines, beverages, electrical equipment, chemicals, cosmetics, and luxury products. France is the ninth-largest trading partner of the United States.

Agriculture

France is the European Union's leading agricultural producer, accounting for about one-third of all agricultural land within the EU. Northern France is characterized by large wheat farms. Dairy products, pork, poultry, and apple production are concentrated in the western region. Beef production is located in central France, while the production of fruits, vegetables, and wine ranges from central to southern France. France is a large producer of many agricultural products and is expanding its forestry and fishery industries. The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Uruguay Round of the GATT Agreement resulted in reforms in the agricultural sector of the economy. Continued revision of the CAP and reforms agreed under the Doha round of WTO will further change French agriculture.

France is the world's second-largest agricultural producer, after the United States. However, the destination of 70% of its exports is other EU member states. Wheat, beef, pork, poultry, and dairy products are the principal exports. The United States, although the second-largest exporter to France, faces stiff competition from domestic production, other EU member states, and third countries.

U.S. agricultural exports to France, totaling some $600 million annually, consist primarily of soybeans and products, feeds and fodders, seafood, and consumer oriented products, especially snack foods and nuts. French agricultural exports to the United States are mainly cheese, processed products, and wine. They amount to more than $900 million annually.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

A charter member of the United Nations, France holds one of the permanent seats in the Security Council and is a member of most of its specialized and related agencies.

Europe

France is a leader in Western Europe because of its size, location, strong economy, membership in European organizations, strong military posture, and energetic diplomacy. France generally has worked to strengthen the global economic and political influence of the EU and its role in common European defense. It views Franco-German cooperation and the development of a European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) with other EU members, as the foundation of efforts to enhance European security.

Middle East Peace

France supports Quartet (US-EU-Russia-UN) efforts to implement the Middle East Road Map. France supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied territories. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive peace agreement, France supports the involvement of all Arab parties and Israel in a multilateral peace process. France has been active in promoting a regional economic dialogue and has played an active role in providing assistance to the Palestinian Authority. France opposed the use of force in Iraq in March 2003 and did not join the US-led coalition that liberated the country from the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein. France contributed in part to the 230 million euro EU contribution to Iraq reconstruction in 2003. After the Iraqi Interim Government took power, France suggested possible additional assistance, in the form of police training and debt relief.

Africa

France plays a significant role in Africa, especially in its former colonies, through extensive aid programs, commercial activities, military agreements, and cultural impact. In those former colonies where the French presence remains important, France contributes to political, military, and social stability. France maintains permanent military bases in Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon and Senegal. France deployed military forces to Cote d'Ivoire in 2002 and to Central African Republic in 2003 to address crisis in both countries and, with EU partners, led an international military operation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2003. In 2004, it deployed military forces to provide humanitarian relief supplies to refugees from Darfur in Chad and to monitor the Chad-Sudan border.

Asia

France has extensive political and commercial relations with Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as well as an increasing presence in regional fora. France is seeking to broaden its commercial presence in China and will pose a competitive challenge to U.S. business, particularly in aerospace, high-tech, and luxury markets. In Southeast Asia, France was an architect of the 1991 Paris Accords, which ended the conflict in Cambodia.

Latin America

France supports strengthening democratic institutions in Latin America. It endorses the ongoing efforts to restore democracy to Haiti and seeks to expand its trade relations with all of Latin America.

Security Issues

French military doctrine is based on the concepts of national independence, nuclear deterrence, and military sufficiency. France is a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and has worked actively with Allies to adapt NATO—internally and externally—to the post-Cold War environment. In December 1995, France announced that it would increase its participation in NATO's military wing, including the Military Committee (the French withdrew from NATO's military bodies in 1966 while remaining full participants in the alliance's political councils). France remains a firm supporter of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other efforts at cooperation.

Outside of NATO, France has actively and heavily participated in recent peacekeeping/coalition efforts in Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans, often taking the lead in these operations. France has undertaken a major restructuring to develop a professional military that will be smaller, more rapidly deployable and better tailored for operations outside of mainland France. Key elements of the restructuring include reducing personnel, bases, and headquarters and rationalizing equipment and the armament industry. French active-duty military at the beginning of 2001 numbered about 437,573, of which nearly 39,000 were assigned outside of metropolitan France. France completed the move to all-professional armed forces when conscription ended on December 31, 2002.

France places a high priority on arms control and non-proliferation. After conducting a final series of six nuclear tests, the French signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 1996. France has implemented a moratorium on the production, export, and use of anti-personnel landmines and supports negotiations leading toward a universal ban. The French are key players in the adaptation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe to the new strategic environment.

France is an active participant in the major supplier regimes designed to restrict transfer of technologies that could lead to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Australia Group (for chemical and biological weapons), the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Missile Technology Control Regime. France participates actively in the Proliferation Security Initiative, and is engaged with the US, both bilaterally and at the IAEA and OPCW, to curb NBC proliferation from the DPRK, Iran, Libya and elsewhere. France has signed and ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention.

U.S.-FRENCH RELATIONS

Relations between the United States and France are active and cordial. Mutual visits by high-level officials are conducted frequently. Bilateral contact at the cabinet level has traditionally been active. France and the United States share common values and have parallel policies on most political, economic, and security issues. Differences are discussed frankly and have not generally been allowed to impair the pattern of close cooperation that characterizes relations between the two countries.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

PARIS (E) Address: 2, avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08; APO/FPO: PSC 116 Box A M-26, APO AE 09777; Phone: (33) (1) 4312-2222; Fax: 33-1-42 66 97 83; INMARSAT Tel: 011-8816-3145-8172; Workweek: Mon—Fri 9 a.m-6 p.m.; Website: www.ambusa.fr

AMB:	Howard H. Leach
DCM:	Alejandro Wolff
DCM OMS:	Sophie Jorgensen
CG:	Donald E. Wells
CG OMS:	Terri Lindsey
POL:	Josiah B. Rosenblatt
MGT:	Elizabeth J. Agnew
AFSA:	Valerie Belon
AGR:	Besa Kotati
AID:	George Carner
APHIS:	Alejandro Thiermann
CLO:	Natalie Wells
CUS:	Deirdre Mahon
DAO:	COL Ralph Steinke
DEA:	Eugene Habib
ECO:	Thomas White
EEO:	Colombia Barrosse
EPA:	Sarita Hoyt
EST:	Robert Dry
FAA:	Lirio Liu Nelson
FAA/CASLO:	Nouri Larbi
FCS:	Robert Connan
FMO:	Robert A. Riley

GSO:	John Lamson
ICASS Chair:	Angeir Peavy
IMO:	Richard Gunn
IPO:	Donald Clayton
IRS:	Kathy Beck
ISO:	Wilson Estell
ISSO:	Linda Safta
LAB:	William Owen
LEGATT:	Lauren Anderson
PAO:	Renee Earle
RAMC:	Mark Young
RSO:	Kevin Bauer
State ICASS:	Donald E. Wells
Last Updated: 9/22/2004

MARSEILLE (CG) Address: Place Varian Fry, 13286 Marseille France; APO/FPO: PSC 116 MARS APO AE 09777; Phone: 33 491 54 9200; Fax: 33 491 55 09 47; Workweek: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00

PO:	Leslie W. McBee
CON:	Ellen B. Thorburn
CLO:	Leslie W. McBee
Last Updated: 10/4/2003

LYON (C) Address: 1, quai Jules Courmont, 69289 Lyon cedex 02; APO/FPO: PSC 116 Box L, APO AE 09777; Phone: 33 4 78 38 36 88; Fax: 33 4 72 41 71 81; Workweek: Mon—Fri 9 a.m-5 p.m; Website: www.ambusa.fr/consul/lyon/htm

PO:	Angie Bryan
Last Updated: 9/28/2004

US UNESCO (PARIS) (M) Address: 12 Avenue Raphael, Paris 75116; APO/FPO: PSC 116, USUNESCO, APO AE 09777; Phone: 9-011-33-1-45 24 74 56; Fax: 9-011-33-1-45 24 74 58; Workweek: 900-1800; Website: www.amb-usa.fr/usunesco

AMB:	Louise V. Oliver
AMB OMS:	Becky Young
DCM:	Andrew Koss
DCM OMS:	Maria Valdivieso
POL:	Anne Carson
MGT:	Matt Dever-OECD
AFSA:	Valerie Belon EMB
CLO:	Natalie Wells
FMO:	Robert Riley EMB
GSO:	John Lamson
IMO:	Richard Daher
ISSO:	Richard Daher
PAO:	Raymond F. Tripp
RSO:	Kevin Bauer EMB
State ICASS:	Donald Wells EMB
Last Updated: 11/4/2004

USOECD (M) Address: 12, ave Raphael Paris 75016; APO/FPO: PSC 116 (USOECD), APO AE 09777; Phone: (33)(1)4524.7477; Fax: (33)(1) 4524.7497; Workweek: M–F; 9-6

AMB:	Constance A. Morella
AMB OMS:	Myra Howerton Dunn
DCM:	Robert Smolik
DCM OMS:	James Bryant
PO:	Peter Barlerin Economic Policy Advisor
PO/CON:	David Mosby SecDel
POL/ECO:	Melissa Horwitz Energy Advisor for State
COM:	Steve Morrison
MGT:	Matthew B. Dever
US REP:	Beth Lisann DOE Attache
AFSA:	John Robinson
AGR:	Helen Recinos
AID:	George Carner
APHIS:	Alejandro Thiermann
ECO:	John Weeks
EPA:	Sarita Hoyt
EST:	Morton Holbrook
FIN:	Kamal Latham Finance and Investment Advisor
IMO:	Richard Daher
ISSO:	Richard Daher
LAB:	John Robinson
PAO:	David Mosby
Last Updated: 10/16/2004

TOULOUSE (C) Address: 25 allees Jean Jaures, 3100 Toulouse; APO/FPO: PSC 116—Toulouse, APO AE 09777; Phone: 33 5 34 41 36 50; Fax: 33 5 34 41 16 19; Workweek: Mon—Fri 9 a.m-5 p.m; Website: http://www.amb-usa.fr/toulouse/default.htm

PO:	Jennifer Bachus Carleton
Last Updated: 2/9/2005

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

December 7, 2004

Country Description: France is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Monaco is a developed constitutional monarchy. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport is required for entry to France and Monaco. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays up to 90 days in France and Monaco. That period begins when you enter any of the Schengen group of countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. For further information concerning entry requirements for France, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-6000, or the French Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco. For further information on entry requirements to Monaco, travelers may contact the Consulate General of Monaco at 565 5th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017, tel. (212) 759-5227. The Consulate General's web site is http://www.monaco-consulate.com. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on France and Monaco. Visit the Embassy of France web site at http://www.consulfrance-washington.org for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: The Government of France maintains a threat level program called "Vigipirate" which is similar to the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System. Under this plan, in times of heightened security concerns, the government mobilizes police and armed forces at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, embassies, and government installations. Over the last year, arrests have been made in France in connection with various possible Islamic extremist terrorist plots. Like other countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement of free cross-border movement, France's open borders with its European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorist groups to enter/exit the country with anonymity.

American citizens should remain alert and vigilant, and report any suspect packages or suspicious activities to local police. All passengers on subways and trains are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to report any unattended baggage to the nearest authority.

In the past, political assassinations and random bombings have occurred in France. The Basque Separatist Party (ETA) and the National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC) continue to operate in the south of France and occasionally bomb local government institutions, banks, travel agencies, etc. There have been numerous politically motivated bombings on the island of Corsica and there have been two bombings on the mainland near Nice following the conviction and sentencing of several prominent separatists in France. While no deaths were caused by any of these acts of terrorism, Americans should remain vigilant when traveling to Corsica.

Violent civil disorder is rare in France. In the past, however, student demonstrations, labor protests, and other routine demonstrations have turned into violent confrontations between demonstrators and police. Americans are advised to avoid street demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Crime: Both France and Monaco have relatively low rates of violent crime. Nevertheless, while the overall crime rate has fallen slightly in recent years, the volume of crimes involving violence has increased in France. Thieves commonly target vehicles with non-local license plates and work in or near tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, trains, train stations, airports, and subways. Americans in France and Monaco should be particularly alert to pick-pockets in train stations and subways. Photocopies of travel documents and credit cards should be kept separate from the originals.

Although thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Embassy in Paris receives frequent reports of theft from several areas in particular:

Paris: Gangs of thieves operate on the rail link (RER) from Charles de Gaulle Airport to downtown Paris, where they prey on jet-lagged, luggage-burdened tourists. In one common ruse, a thief distracts a tourist with a question about directions, while an accomplice steals a momentarily unguarded backpack, briefcase, or purse. Thieves also time their thefts to coincide with train stops so they may quickly exit the car. Travelers may wish to consider taking a bus or taxi from the airport into the city.

Reports of stolen purses, briefcases and carry-on bags at Charles de Gaulle Airport have been on the rise. Travelers should monitor their bags at all times and never leave them unattended. As thieves commonly target laptop bags, travelers should avoid carrying passports and other valuables in computer bags.

There have been reports of robberies in which thieves on motorcycles reach into a moving car by opening the car door or reaching through an open window to steal purses and other bags visible inside. The same technique is used against pedestrians walking with purses/bags/cameras slung over their street-side shoulder. Those traveling by car should remember to keep the windows up and the doors locked.

Many thefts occur on the Number One Subway Line, which runs through the center of Paris by many major tourist attractions (including the Grand Arch at La Defense, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, and the Bastille). Pickpockets are especially active on this metro line during the summer months and use a number of techniques. The most common, and unfortunately the most successful, is the simple "bump and snatch," where an individual bumps into the tourist while at the same time reaching into the pockets/purse/bag. Visitors should be particularly careful when metro doors are closing, as this is a favored moment for the less-sophisticated pickpockets to simply grab valuables and jump through the closing doors, leaving the victim helplessly watching as the thief flees. Visitors are encouraged NOT to aggressively confront thieves, who often operate in groups and may become violent if cornered. Simply drawing attention to an attempted theft will most likely stop the operation and cause a tactical withdrawal by the thief.

Gare du Nord train station, where the express trains from the airport arrive in Paris, is also a high-risk area for pickpocketing and theft. Travelers should also beware of thefts that occur on both overnight and day trains, especially on trains originating in Spain, Italy, and Belgium. Additionally, several sexual assaults involving American citizens have occurred recently in the immediate vicinity of the Gare du Nord train station.

Thefts also occur at the major department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Samaritaine) where tourists often place wallets, passports, and credit cards on cashier counters during transactions.

In hotels, thieves target lobbies and breakfast rooms, and take advantage of a minute of inattention to snatch jackets, purses, and backpacks. While many hotels do have safety latches that allow guests to secure their rooms from inside, this feature is not as universal as it is in the United States. If no chain or latch is present, a chair placed up against the door and wedged under the handle is usually an effective obstacle to surreptitious entry during the night. There are, however, reports of thieves breaking into hotel rooms on lower floors through open windows while the occupants are sleeping. To guard against this, hotel room windows should be kept locked at all times. There have been reports of thieves stealing safes from rooms in Parisian hotels. Whenever possible, valuables should be kept in the hotel safe behind the reception desk rather than in the room safe.

Many Americans have reported thefts occurring in restaurants and nightclubs/bars, where purses are stolen from the back of a chair or from under the table.

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are very common in France and provide ready access to cash, allowing travelers to carry as much money as they need for each day. The rates are competitive with local exchange bureaus and an ATM transaction is easier than the cashing of travelers' checks. However, crimes committed around ATMs have been reported. Travelers should not use ATMs in isolated, unlit areas or where loiterers are present. Travelers should be especially aware of persons standing close enough to see the PIN (Personal Identification Number) being entered into the machine. Thieves often conduct successful scams by simply observing the PIN as it is entered. If the card becomes stuck, travelers should be wary of persons who offer to help or ask for the PIN to "fix" the machine. Legitimate bank employees never have a reason to ask for the PIN.

Large criminal operations in Paris involving the use of ATM machines that "eat" the user's ATM card have been reported. This most often happens during a weekend or at night when the bank is closed. The frustrated traveler often walks away after unsuccessfully trying to retrieve the card, with plans to return the first day the bank is open. In such cases, a criminal gang has modified the machine using an add-on device equipped with a microchip that records the user's PIN number when it is typed in and also prevents the card from being ejected. The criminal retrieves the card from the device once the visitor departs, downloads the recorded PIN number and then goes to other ATMs and withdraws as much cash as possible. ATM users are strongly encouraged to carry a 24 hour emergency number for their ATM card and bank account that will enable the immediate prevention of withdrawals from the supporting account.

Pigalle is the "adult entertainment district" of Paris. Many entertainment establishments in this area engage in aggressive marketing and charge well beyond the normal rate for drinks. There have been reports of threats of violence to coerce patrons into paying exorbitant beverage tabs. Visitors are encouraged to avoid this area unless touring with a well-organized and reputable tour company.

Normandy: There has been an increase in break-ins and thefts from vehicles in the parking lots at the Normandy beaches and American cemeteries. Valuables should not be left unattended in a car, and locking valuables in the trunk should not be considered a safeguard. Thieves often pry open car trunks to steal bags inside.

Southern France: Thefts from cars with open windows stopped at red lights are fairly common, particularly in the Nice-Antibes-Cannes area, and in Marseille. Car doors should be kept locked and windows raised at all times to prevent incidents of "snatchand-grab" thefts. In this type of scenario, the thief is usually a passenger on a motorcycle. Similar incidents also have occurred at tollbooths and rest areas. Special caution is advised when entering and exiting a car, as this presents an opportunity for purse-snatchers. Break-ins of parked cars are also fairly common. Valuables should not be left in the car, not even in the trunk, when the vehicle is unattended.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while over-seas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. Under French law, compensation is available to victims of crime committed on French soil. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/brochure_victim_assistance.html.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical care comparable to that found in the United States is widely available.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning France and Monaco is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers. Usually, lane markings and sign placements are not as clear as in the United States. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers, as most French drivers do. The French typically drive more aggressively and faster than Americans and tend to exceed posted speed limits. Right-ofway rules in France may differ from those in the United States.

Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise), even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. Many intersections in France are being replaced by traffic circles, where the right-of-way belongs to drivers in the circle.

On major highways, service stations are situated at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as plentiful on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States. Paris, the capital and largest city in France, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails serves more than 4 million people a day with a safety record comparable to or better than the systems of major American cities. Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.

Between cities, France is served by an equally extensive rail service, which is reliable. High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France. Many cities are also served by frequent air service.

Visit the website of the French and Moneqasque National Tourist Office at: http://franceguide.com. Also visit the website for specific information concerning French and Monegasque driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of France's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of France's air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Special Circumstances: French and Monegasque customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from France of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, sales samples, and other items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., one of France's consulates in the United States, or the Consulate General of Monaco in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.

The emergency numbers in France for police, fire, and medical assistance are as follows: 17 (police emergency), 18 (fire department) and 15 (emergency medical/paramedic team/ambulance). In Monaco, the numbers are 17 (police emergency), 18 (fire department) and 9375-2525 (medical/paramedic team/ambulance).

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating French or Monegasque laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in France or Monaco are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html.

Registration/Embassy and Consulate Locations: Americans living or traveling in France or Monaco are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within France and Monaco. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in cases of emergency.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Rue St. Florentin, 75001 Paris (Place de La Concorde, Metro Stop Concorde), tel. 011-33-1-43-12-22-22 or (in France) 01-43-12-22-22; fax 011-33-1-42-61-61-40. Further information can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy's web site at http://www.amb-usa.fr.

The Consulate General in Marseille is located at Place Varian Fry, 13086 Marseille, tel. 011-33-4-91-54-92-00, ext. 304, or (in France) 04-91-54-92-00, ext. 304; fax 011-33-4-91-55-09-47.

The Consulate General in Strasbourg is located at 15 Avenue d'Alsace, 67082 Strasbourg, tel. 011-33-3-88-35-31-04 or (in France) 03-88-35-31-04; fax 011-33-3-88-24-06-95. The Consulate General in Strasbourg does not produce passports on the premises. American citizens in this area whose passports are lost or stolen and who have urgent travel needs should contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

The Consular Agency in Nice is located at 7, Avenue Gustave V, 3rd floor, 06000 Nice, tel. 011-33-4-93-88-89-55 or (in France) 04-93-88-89-55; fax 011-33-4-93-87-07-38.

The U.S. Government also has consular representation in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Rennes, and Toulouse that provide some services to Americans, by appointment only.

The post in Bordeaux is located at 10, place de la Bourse, 33076 Bordeaux (entry on rue Fernand Philippart); tel. 011-33-5-56-48-63-80 or 05-56-48-63-80 in France; fax: 011-33-5-56-51-61-97.

The post in Lille is located at 107, rue Royale, 59800 Lille; tel. 011-33-3-28-04-25-00 or 03-28-04-25-00 in France; fax: 011-33-3-20-74-88-23.

The post in Lyon is located at 1, quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon; tel. 011-33-4-78-38-36-88 or 04-78-38-36-88 in France; fax: 011-33-4-72-41-71-81.

The post in Rennes is located at 30, quai Duguay Trouin, 35000 Rennes; tel. 011-33-2-23-44-09-60 or 02-23-44-09-60 in France; fax: 011-33-2-99-35-00-92.

The post in Toulouse is located at 25, Allee Jean Jaures, 31000 Toulouse; tel. 011-33-5-34-41-36-50 or 05-34-41-36-50 in France; fax: 011-33-5-34-41-16-19.

International Adoption

January 2005

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family

Disclaimer: The following is intended as a very general guide to assist U.S. citizens who plan to adopt a child in France and apply for an immigrant visa for the child to come to the United States. The information in this flier relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and our current understanding. It does not necessarily reflect the actual state of the laws of France and is provided for general information only.

Please Note: The number of children available for adoption in France is small, and French couples who wish to adopt them are given priority over persons of other nationalities.

French nationals and foreigners residing in France wishing to adopt a foreign child must apply to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mission de l'Adoption Internationale). Americans residing in France who travel to pick up a child adopted from third countries should be informed that they need a French visa to bring the child to France and, once in France, a US visa, if they choose to immigrate their child to the U.S. at a later time. The adopted children of a number of Americans have been denied entry into France because they did not have the appropriate French visas.

Patterns of Immigration of Adopted Orphans to the U.S.: Recent U.S. immigrant visa statistics indicate no immigrant visas have been issued to French orphans.

Adoption Authority in France: The government office responsible for adoptions of children residing in France is the "Direction de l'Action Sociale, de l'Enfance et de la Santé," and each French department (local jurisdiction roughly equivalent to a U.S. state) has its own office and specific address. Residents of Paris must write, preferably in French, for information to the: Direction de l'Action Sociale, de l'Enfance et de la Santé, Sous-Direction des Actions Familiales et Educatives, Bureau des Adoptions, 94-96 Quai de la Rapée, 75570 Paris Cedex 12, tel.: 01-43-47-75-42. Americans residing elsewhere in France should consult the following French government internet site: http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/MAI, under the heading "Adresses utiles" for the address of the "Aide Sociale a l'enfance" office for the department in which they live.

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents: For French domestic and international adoptions, a couple must be married for a minimum of two years or if married less than two years, both spouses are at least 28 years old. There is no age limitation if one of the spouses wishes to adopt the other spouse's child. There is no age maximum. A single person can adopt provided he/she is at least 28 years old (In practice, it is very difficult to get approval, however). Adopting parents must be at least 15 years older than the child they want to adopt (10 years in the case of the other spouse's child).

Residential Requirements: A foreigner who wishes to adopt a child residing in France for the purpose of residing outside of France with the child does not need to be a resident of France. A foreigner who wishes to adopt a child, whether in France or elsewhere, for the purpose of residing in France with the child, must be a permanent resident of France.

Time Frame: Adoption in France is a lengthy process. The process takes at least a year, and can take several years.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: Addresses of facilitators can also be obtained from the government agencies also listed on the site http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/MAI. See Adoption Authority in France above. The U.S. Embassy also maintains a list of numerous attorneys practicing in France.

Adoption Fees in France: There are no "adoption fees" in France but adopting parents often hire an attorney to assist them with the administrative and legal proceedings.

Adoption Procedures: American citizens interested in or considering adopting a child in France should consult the French government internet site provided under Adoption Authority in France above.

Documents Required for Adoption in FRANCE: American citizens interested in or considering adopting a child in France or bringing a child to be adopted elsewhere to reside with them in France should consult the French government internet site provide above under Adoption Authority in France for information concerning documentary requirements.

Authenticating U.S. Documents To Be Used Abroad: All U.S. documents submitted to the French government/court must be authenticated. France is a party to the Hague Legalization Convention. Please visit at travel.state.gov for additional information about authentication procedures.

French Embassy and Consulates in the United States:
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: (202) 944-6000;
Fax: (202) 944-6166
http://www.info-france-usa.org/

France also has Consulate Generals in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco.

French Immigration Requirements: U.S. citizens residing in France who have adopted children from third countries must obtain a French visa for their child to enter France.

Applying for a Visa for Your Child at the U.S. Embassy in France: U.S. citizens residing in France who have adopted children from third countries are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris for information on how to apply for an immigrant visa on their child's behalf or naturalize them as U.S. citizens.

U.S. Embassy In France: The Consulate Section is located at: 2 Rue St. Florentin, 75001; Paris; Tel: 011-33-1-43-12-22-22 or (in France) 01-43-12-22-22; Fax: 011-33-1-42-61-61-40; http://www.amb-usa.fr./

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in France may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in France. General questions regarding international adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4 th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-404-4747.