Endeavors to explore France's heritage, both in terms of the past as well as the present since as a nation for many centuries it has played a central role in European history and civilization, its cultural and intellectual achievements having had the widest influence. Divided into four parts: the first discusses geographical background (land, climate, peoples); the second French history (up to 1991), the third, France today (society, culture, intellectual life); and, the fourth, a regional portrait of France (stresses the importance of the various regions within this diverse nation). Lively and authoritative text is complemented by high-quality photography, artwork and unique (50) maps.