The area of France. Relief

The area of France is 551,500 square kilometers. It is a large state of Western Europe, beloved by tourists all over the world. The Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel wash it in the north and west, the Mediterranean Sea in the south.

The territory of France includes the island of Corsica, which belongs to one of the regions of France, however, it has a special status "Territorial community of Corsica". Overseas Departments of France - Guiana, Guadeloupe, Reunion, Martinique.

The country's terrain is formed by high mountains, ancient plateaus and plains. The Pyrenees mountain range stretches along the border with Spain. The difficulty of accessing these mountains limits the possibility of free movement to a neighboring country. They link France and Spain to each other only a few narrow passages of mountain passes, as well as sea links to the west and east.

The border with Italy and Switzerland is partly formed by the Alps. Here, unlike the Pyrenees, there are many easily accessible passes. In these mountains is the famous Mont Blanc. Its peak rises high above sea level and reaches a height of 4807 meters. Together with the Pyrenees and the mountains of Jura, the Alps form the Alpine system.

The area of France in its central massif, located in the basins of the Loire, Garonne and Rhone rivers , forms a plateau. In ancient times here were the Hercynian mountains. Subsequently, they were destroyed by volcanic eruptions. At present, volcanoes have lost their activity.

The area of France in its northern part is the lowlands. The Parisian basin among the Armorican and Central French Massifs, the Vosges and the Ardennes occupies two thirds of the country. Paris is surrounded by a system of concentric ledges of ridges.

The area of France is covered by forests (27%), national nature parks and a huge ramified river system. Here the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne and the Rhone flow. The large rivers of the country are interconnected by an entire network of canals. There are large seaports: Le Havre, Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseilles.

The climate of France is formed under the influence of oceanic air currents. The struggle of the western wind with the continental eastern and southern Mediterranean occurs constantly. The predominance of this or that direction of air decisively influences the climate in this part of Western Europe.

Western air masses bring precipitation here in the form of fine drizzling rain. Continental influence from the east gives the summer a hot weather, and in winter it is often snow. A hot and stuffy summer can cause heavy rains.

The coastal regions of France on the southern coast are under Mediterranean influence. Winter here is mild and damp, and the summer is hot and dry.

The vegetation covering the whole area of France is very diverse and depends on the landscape. In the mountains, mosses and lichens, down the slopes - alpine meadows, closer to the plains the abundance of forests and plantations. On the Mediterranean coast grow plants that are well tolerated by the hot dry climate.

In the national reserves and zoos in France, you can find Central European, Mediterranean and Alpine species of animals. Unfortunately, man 's economic activity had a significant impact on their habitat in their natural environment. The number of animals in the wild is very limited.