THE LAND

The largest West European nation, la Republique Francaise (as France is officially known) covers 543,965 square kilometers and has its capital in Paris. France is bordered by Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy to the southeast and Spain to the south. Bounded by four seas - the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean - France has 5,500 km. of coastline and thus is provided with many ports.

France has a diverse landscape, including the vast coastline,with large tracts of forests and woodlands, and several prominent mountain ranges. In the French Alps, Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak, rises to 4807 meters, while in the southwest, the Pyrenees form a rugged border between France and Spain. France's major rivers include the Seine, which flows through Paris, the Garonne, the Loire and the Rhone.

French vineyards are legendary, but the French also supply much of Europe with beef, veal, poultry, and dairy products. Crops include wheat, barley, as well as plants grown for the perfume industry. Major industries include oil refining, steel, cement, aluminium, agricultural products & foodstuffs, luxury goods, chemicals, motor manufacturing, energy products.

France is a Democracy with a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate (upper house of 321 seats) and the National Assembly (lower house of 577 members). For National Assembly elections, a single constituency majority voting system is used. The executive is the President, elected every seven years. He appoints the Prime Minister and other members of government.

France is one hour ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT). From India, take 3.30 hours off. In the Summer time from April 1st to September 30th, local time moves in France from GMT +1 to GMT +2.

THE PEOPLE

The French are saddled with the reputation of being less than friendly to tourists. Certainly the French are much more reserved than outgoing Americans, and Parisians - who see millions of travelers a year, most of whom don't speak a word of French - can seem haughty and unhelpful. Outside the capital, French people are quite friendly, and if you make a little effort you'll be rewarded with smiles and heartfelt courtesy. It's well worth learning a little French before arriving in France; the effort serves to unlock French hospitality.

• The official language is French, although regional languages and dialects are found in many places. English is widely spoken in the business community, but an understanding of French is considered essential for visitors and business people.
• France is relatively homogenous. Its main immigrant communities include Spanish, Portuguese, Algerian and Moroccan, with smaller communities from former French colonies.
• Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in France. Muslims are the second largest religious group followed by Protestants (Huguenots) and a substantial Jewish population. The country's 1 million Muslims are primarily immigrants.
• Since World War II, French society has undergone great transformations. Whereas one person in 3 used to work in farming, today this ratio stands at 1 in 16. Concurrently, religious practice (mostly Catholic) declined almost at the same rate.

SOCIAL PSYCHE

Since the 1950's, French people have enjoyed the benefits of mass culture and consumerism. As the fourth economic power, France's standard of living and level of consumption are very similar to those in the USA.

• French society likes formality in many aspects of everyday life as obligatory handshaking or cheek kissing, the use of the vous (rather then the familiar tu) and of titles when referring to a superior or a stranger and the concern About France always dressing well.
• Almost three quarters of the citizens live in urban areas and urban life in a city such as Paris has become almost the same as in any other megapolis in the world.
• Consumerism is well developed in all provinces.
• An objective approach to life allows the use of social organizations and other external structures to provide stability and insulation from life.
• Competitive behavior is expected, since recognition is one's greatest reward.
• Time is money.

Thanks to government sponsored programs, France has managed to remain one of the most high-tech countries in the world. Technological breakthroughs such as the Concorde, the TGV, the Minitel or the Chunnel, have linked the country between regions and with its neighbors.

BUSINESS PSYCHE

France is fast becoming a multiethnic nation with people being hired from all over the world. French companies already recognize the benefits and are drawing on the cultural diversity of their work force to obtain the language and cultural skills needed to compete successfully in international markets.

• The French tend to focus on long term objectives and will try to establish firm personal relationships with the other negotiating party.
• During a first meeting, remain polite and cordial, but keep in mind that the French tend to be suspicious of early friendliness.
• The French can be very direct, questioning, and probing, so a carefully planned, logically organized proposal is very important.
• Logic will dominate arguments on the French side. Moreover, they will be quick to criticize anything illogical stated by the opposition.
• Arguments tend to be made from an analytical, critical, perspective that is articulated with eloquence and wit.
• Although the French can often be persuaded to change their opinions, they will not accept anything that deviates from the cultural norm. They are, however, receptive to any new information that enhances the spirit of debate.
• The French will judge you on your ability to demonstrate your intellect. Don't be too concerned if your opinions differ from those of your opponents; what matters is your ability to effectively defend your position, demonstrate that you are well informed, and maintain your composure.
• French business protocol requires constant formality and reserve in negotiations.
• Refrain from discussing your family or other personal matters during negotiations.
• You'll find that the French are often reluctant to take risks.
• The French workplace is highly organized and structured. Generally, bureaucracy and administrative procedures are considered far more important than efficiency or flexibility. Consequently, French business culture tends to be reluctant to embrace change.
• French women still face considerable challenges in achieving positions and levels of income that are comparable with those of men.
• Punctuality is very important.
• Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of meetings with both hands.

CUSTOMS

There are certain social customs and norms unique to theFrench. When you meet people, or are introduced to people, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• When you speak their language, be gracious if the French correct your mistakes in grammar or pronunciation. Usually, people who make these efforts care About France the French language and are only trying to help you speak it effectively.
• It's strongly recommended that you learn basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will be well appreciated and will be remembered. The French will revert to English if they see you floundering.
• If you can't speak French, preface what you are saying whenever possible with: "Excusez-moi, s'il vous plait, de vous deranger, mais je ne parle pas francais" ("Please excuse me for bothering you, but I do not speak French"). If you say these words, you are more likely to receive assistance.
• Men should stand, or at least initiate a move to do so, whenever a superior makes an entrance.
• Expect to be greeted by a handshake; kissing on the cheeks (across genders) is also common amongst colleagues at work . It is not extended to outsiders and you should not attempt it until your female colleagues have made the initial move.
• Despite the formality of French business culture, people tend to stand close when speaking to each other.
• Maintaining eye contact is important, but try not to focus too intently on the other person.
• Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.
• Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive.
• Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.
• Smiling is treated only with indifference here. It will not be welcomed as a greeting or as an indication of approval.
• If you feel the need to point, motion with your whole hand, rather than your index finger.
• Make a writing gesture in the air to summon for the check.

How you address a person when introduced is important, and while many French quickly address others by their first names, it is safest to wait for your French counterpart to suggest it. You must remember a few things:

• In accordance with French business protocol, use first names only when invited.
• When speaking French, use the "vous" form until you are asked to use "tu".
• French business culture is intensely hierarchical, so be sure to learn and use the titles of everyone you plan to encounter. Moreover, in many offices, first names are not used.
• "Madame" is a basic title of courtesy for all women, as is "Monsieur" for men.
• Today, the courtesy title "Mademoiselle" is rarely, if ever, used and should be avoided.
• The French will sometimes introduce themselves by first saying their surname, followed by their first name; if both sound like first names, this can be especially confusing (i.e. if Maurice Francois introduces himself as "Francois", "Maurice"). If unsure, be sure to ask.
• For casual contacts such as waiters and clerks, courtesy titles such as "Monsieur" or "Madame" will suffice. When entering a store or restaurant, you may say "bon jour" or "bonsoir", and "au revoir" upon leaving.
• Introduce yourself as you want to be called.

Gifts are not expected, but are polite as tokens and a good way of showing appreciation. These are a few do's and don'ts of gift giving:

• Be aware that displays of warmth and generosity between business associates are not the norm in French business culture. Giving presents is acceptable here, but exercise discretion.
• Gifts are expected for social events, especially as thank-yous after a dinner party.
• Good gift selections can also include coffee table books About France your home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country.
• French business etiquette dictates that you don't include your business card with a gift.
• If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor. Bring flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur to the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.
• If you decide to bring flowers, remember that chrysanthemums are for funerals, red roses for lovers. A gift of carnations can often be interpreted as a sign of bad will. Moreover, ensure that the bouquet is in odd numbers, in accordance with the old European tradition.
• Don't bring wine; the host usually prefers to make the evening's selection. The only possible exception can be a special French dessert wine or high quality liqueur.
• If you have been a guest at a dinner party or similar social gathering in a home, ensure that you send a thank you note to your hosts the next day. Preferably, your note should be handwritten and delivered by messenger. Sending flowers or a basket of fruit is another thoughtful gesture.
• Holiday cards can be appropriate, particularly as an expression of thanks to your business associates. The practice in France is to send New Year greetings and this can occur during the whole month of January but not later.
• Indian curios also make good gifts.