France is one of the world's major economic powers.
Agriculture is important, and about 60% of the land
is used for farming.
Over half of the value of agricultural output derives
from livestock; leading crops are sugar beet, wheat,
corn, barley, and potatoes. Only Italy produces more
wine.
Iron ore and bauxite are the leading minerals. Major
industrial products include chemicals, textiles, steel,
food (particularly cheese), motor vehicles and aircraft.
Tourism is important, as is the production of luxury
goods such as perfume.
The railroads, utilities, many banks, and some key
industries are nationally owned, but there has been
some recent movement toward privatisation.
France has the world's second largest number of operating
nuclear power plants, which produce over 75% of its
electricity.
