Movement

Movement

A. Economic Description

Compared to other countries, France's economy is the fourth largest in the world. France is a very industrialized nation, yet it has kept some of the cultural characteristics that contribute to its old-world charm. The economy is "exceptionally diversified" ("Economic Structure", 1). It produces everything from aircraft

to pharmaceuticals.

1. Primary Economic Activities

Agriculture is France's main primary economic activity. The agriculture and agro-food industries make up about 6% of the gross domestic product which is the total sum of everything in the economy ("Economic Structure", 1). However, agriculture is about the only bountiful natural resource in France. While France has limited amounts of coal, uranium, and other materials that could be mined, it is very hard to get to those places because they are so deep in the ground and they are unusable in steel production. France also produces hydroelectric energy but it can not produce enough to meet the entire country's needs ("Natural Resources", 1).

2. Secondary Economic Activities

France engages in quite a few secondary economic activities such as manufacturing, machinery and transport equipment production, aircraft production, and pharmaceutical items. This part of the economy makes up about 26% of France's gross domestic product and 25% of its labor force ("CIA 2001", 1). Manufacturing plays the largest role out of all of the secondary economic activities with a contribution of 16% to the gross domestic product. Behind it are the construction and energy generation companies which account for 4% and 3% of the gross domestic product ("Economic Structure", 1).

Tertiary Economic Activites

Services are a large part of the composition of France's gross domestic product. It accounts for 70.6% of the GDP and a whopping 71% of the work force ("CIA 2001". 1). Tourism has a lot to do with the very large chunk services take up in France's gross domestic product. People make their way to France for many different reasons. Some people come for the great food, wines, and pastries. Others come for the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera, Eiffel Tower, and fun festivals such as the gypsy festival which is known for its extravagant singing and dancing. Others come for art and entertainment which they can take in at any one of France's many museums such as the Louvre. The Cannes Film Festival is another event that makes France an attractive destination for those who love the arts. The festival brings film stars together from all over the world to promote their new summer movies. There is something for everyone in France.

According to lonelyplanet.com, the best times to go to France are in the spring and winter. In the spring, the weather is nice and people start going out to the beaches. In the winter you can have fun in the snow around France's Alps and the Pyrenees.

B. Migration

1. Refugee Migration

Because France is centered right in the middle of Western Europe, it is bordered by several countries. Therefore it would be very easy for refugees from adjoining countries to come over to France for safety. Refugees coming over to France could be a very big problem if more than one country bordering France were to engage in civil war. An influx in refugees could lead to overpopulation in areas and possibly food and supply shortages.

If France were to engage in a civil war, its people would have the option of going to any of the countries that are on its borders. France has a good relationship with most, if not all, of its border nations and any of their refugees would more than likely be welcomed until the civil war ended. However, the countries that border France could also have the same problems that France would face is refugees came into their country such as overpopulation and food and supply shortages.

Since the end of World War II, most interactions between the countries of Western Europe have been nice and civil. Such things as the European Union were put into place to ensure "stability, peace, and economic prosperity"(European Union, 1).

2. Guest Workers

Guest workers have become more and more important since the days following World War II. Today, almost all countries have guest workers. France is no exception. Some of the groups that are presently