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5 Facts you did not Know about Living in France

France is a country that has prospered on the insistence every person’s liberty. For centuries it was ruled by monarchs. In 1789, after the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the constitution transformed the governance and politics into an institution “by the people and for the people”. The country is famous for many amazing things such as fashion, wine and tourism. The Language class came up with some intriguing facts that you probably didn’t know about this European country.

It is a Republic

The country is officially known as Republic of France. It has over centuries undergone several transformations especially as appertains to its size. From a mere spec in 400 A.D to the huge territory it is today, one of the largest territories in Europe and it is the motherland of modern democracy.

France evolved to be a country where everyone irrespective of their social class, political affiliation, and religious beliefs or background is seen and treated as an equal. It is a country where people are free and at liberty to decide, do and undo whatever they think is unsuitable for their country.

It has over 400 Types of Cheeses

While in France hardly will a day pass by without talking about and eating cheese. So important is the cheese culture that it would be deemed a disservice to yourself to visit the country and leave without savoring several types. Indeed, President de Gaulle was once quoted asking ‘how can one rule a country with over two hundred and forty six cheese types’. Many French cheeses are protected by Appellation d’Origine Protégé. This shows just how dear cheese is to the French people.

The French promoted the Metric Measurement System.

Today, the country is still at the front in the world of new discoveries and innovations. In 1790 the metric system was introduced in France and soon after the rest of the world embraced this new way of measuring and weighing things. Even after the abolition of the system by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812, the metric system still persisted after reintroduction in the 1840s. Today, only three countries in the world don’t use metric system. This shows just how France is a grand place to study, live and even work.

Frances Boasts Of The Highest Density Of Bakeries

Today, France has over 32,000 bakeries. While this is the highest concentration of bakeries in a place, it doesn’t compare to the 54,000 bakeries that the country used to enjoy in the 1950s. The French cuisine is nothing short of explicit. Since the 18th century, the French people have always enjoyed the baguette (baton-shape bread). The making of bread was so intense in the 1920s that the government had to introduce a law demanding the bakers not to start baking before 4am and not to continue doing so after 10 pm.

The Government Pays for 70% of Health Bills

The health system in this country is funded by the government. Whether you are an eligible worker or a student, you literally don’t have to worry about footing humongous hospital bills. You are only required to pay for 30% of your health bills while the government takes care of the remaining 70%. The government contribution to the resident’s health bills is catered for through the efficient CMU insurance scheme.

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