France is a country located in Western Europe that once had a large colonial empire. It takes its name from the Latin word "Francia" meaning land of the Franks. France is currently a unitary semi-presidential republic with a president and prime minister. Popular sports in France include soccer, rugby, basketball, and the annual Tour de France bicycle race. Martial arts like karate, judo, and savate are also practiced.

1. A walk for France

2. France is a country located in Western Europe, with several overseas islands and territories located on other continents.

3. During the 17th and 18th centuries, France colonized much of North America; during the 19th and early 20th centuries, France built the third largest empire of the time, including large portions of North, West and Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and many Pacific islands.

4. The name "France" comes from Latin Francia, which literally means "land of the Franks" or "Frankland". There are various theories as to the origin of the name of the Franks. One is that it is derived from the Proto-Germanic word frankon which translates as javelin or lance as the throwing axe of the Franks was known as a francisca

5. The French Republic is a unitary semi-presidential republic with strong democratic traditions. The executive branch itself has two leaders: the President of the Republic, currently Nicolas Sarkozy, and the Government, led by the president-appointed Prime Minister, currently François Fillon.

6. Popular sports include football, both codes of rugby football and in certain regions basketball and handball. France has hosted events such as the 1938 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and hosted the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup.

7. The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race that covers more than 3,500 kilometers throughout France and a bordering country. The race usually lasts 23 days and attracts cyclists from around the world.