France

Following WWII, France experienced stable economic growth. For several decades the country flourished under both interventionist & free-market governments which allowed for economic development as well as creating a safe environment for the workers. Towards the end of the 20th century, France was among the 10 largest economies in the world and third in Europe, following Germany and the UK.

However, recent years show that the future of France may not be as bright as it seemed. Its strong social and public systems and distance maintained within the pan-European economy make further economic growth more and more difficult.

France has well developed agricultural and industrial sectors and can be proud of its educated and skilled workforce. However, the country has never recovered from the economic downturn in 2000 and still struggles. Economic growth has been slow, unemployment rising, the power of unions increasing. Government has been trying to promote investment and domestic growth, however, with questionable success. It remains to be seen what the future of France is and how it will compete within the expanding EU and on a global scale.