France's Location in Europe: Western Europe Defined

France is situated in Western Europe. It is the largest country entirely within the region (excluding transcontinental Russia).

Borders & Geography

• Northwest: English Channel (La Manche), Atlantic Ocean
• North/Northeast: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany
• East: Switzerland, Italy
• South: Spain, Andorra, Mediterranean Sea
• Southeast: Monaco

Key Facts

• Area: 551,695 km² (213,011 sq mi) — largest in Western Europe
• Shape: Often described as a hexagon (l'Hexagone)
• Overseas regions: Also includes territories in the Caribbean, South America, Indian Ocean, Pacific (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, etc.)

France's central position has made it a historic crossroads of European trade, culture, and conflict.