cago, Houston, Los
Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco
telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. LEACH
embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris Cedex 08
mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777
telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22
FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83
consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

Flag description:
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red;
known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the origin of
the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution; the design and/or
colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of
Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Cote d'Ivoire, Luxembourg, and Netherlands;
the official flag for all French dependent areas

Economy France

Economy - overview:
France is in the midst of transition, from a well-to-do modern
economy that has featured extensive government ownership and
intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The
Socialist-led government partially or fully privatized many large
companies, banks, and insurers, but the government retains
controlling stakes in several leading firms, including Air France,
France Telecom, Renault, and Thales, and is dominant in some
sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense
industries. The telecommunications sector is gradually being opened
to competition. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in
which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies,
and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of
free markets on public health and welfare. The current government
has lowered income taxes and introduced measures to boost
employment. The government is focusing on the problems of the high
cost of labor and labor market inflexibility resulting from the
35-hour workweek and restrictions on lay-offs. The government is
also pushing for pension reforms and simplification of
administrative procedures. The tax burden remains one of the highest
in Europe (43.8% of GDP in 2003). The current economic slowdown and
inflexible budget items have pushed the 2003 deficit to 4% of GDP,
above the EU's 3% debt limit. Business investment remains listless
because of low rates of capital utilization, sluggish demand, high
debt, and the steep cost of capital.

GDP:
purchasing power parity -