These 8 Countries Border France in 2024

Vive la France! France is considered one of the most popular countries in the world, being in the top three most visited countries year after year. Historically, it has been a major power, being part of the Allied Powers during both World Wars. It was a monarchy for a long time until the French Revolution paved the way for a republic. That didn’t last long and Napoleon was crowned Emperor. Eventually, Napoleon was exiled and over the years, France went back and forth between a republic and a constitutional monarchy. Today, it is a republic.

Geographically and climatically, France is extremely diverse. It is the biggest country in the European Union by area. The northern and western part of the country is more plain, whereas the eastern region is more mountainous. Furthermore, the coastal area in the south has a Mediterranean climate, popular with tourists. More than 25% of France is forested and 50% is farmland or country, which speaks to France’s commitment to save the environment. Common animals making France home include brown bears, alpine hares, chamois antelopes, as well as flamingos, and vultures.

France is bordered by eight nations that have an interesting history, as well. Let’s explore the eight neighboring countries around France.

Andorra

A tiny landlocked nation, Andorra is nestled between France and Spain. It is an extremely mountainous country that is popular with mountain sports like hiking and skiing. Furthermore, the country’s land is almost exclusively in the Pyrenees mountain range. The country is also considered to be an important bird region by BirdLife International. Andorra has a population of about 81,000.

Belgium

Belgium is located to France’s north. Belgium is mostly a plain country with no mountainous regions except for its southern border with France and Luxembourg in the Ardennes Forest. Also, the country is home to a variety of animals including badgers, lynxes, wild boars, and red deer. Lastly, Belgium has a population of nearly 11.7 million, which makes it the sixth-most densely populated country in Europe.

Germany

Germany is France’s neighbor to the east. That border has historically been challenged by Germany for many years, going back and forth between Germany and France. Since World War II, it has stayed the way it is today. Half of their border is the Rhine River, which serves as a natural border. The rest is characterized by low valleys and hills. Germany has a temperate climate that is quite forested in several regions of the country, especially in the south.

Italy

Italy shares a small border with France at the northwestern border of Italy and the southeastern border of France. The border that sits on the sea is Mediterranean in nature and thus has a milder climate than the more mountainous border the two countries share. The animals that make the mountainous region are the typical ones found in the Alps like mountain goats, but the further south you go, the types of animals change with otters and marmosets found in the coastal border.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg borders France to its northeast. It’s a tiny nation that acts as a constitutional monarchy with its head of state, Grand Duke Henri. Also, it’s a financial center for the European Union and part of the Benelux economic region. A mountainous region in the north and valleys in the southern part divide the country. Lastly, the wildlife that makes Luxembourg home include elk, roe deer, wild boars, arctic wolves, and European polecats.

Monaco

Monaco is a tiny nation on the Mediterranean coast whose leader is Prince Albert. It is the most densely populated country in the world and it is nestled between the sea and mountains to its north. Furthermore, Monaco is known for being a wealthy enclave that has high-end gambling and a race car competition every year. Lastly, Monaco has a population of 39,050.

Spain

The second-largest country in the European Union, Spain is located to France’s south. The Pyrenees Mountains extend through most of France’s southern border, but both coastal regions are more plain in topography. Only 7% of Spain’s land is covered with forests or are national parks due to tree cutting that dominated the country for many years. In the Pyrenees region, there are Iberian ibexes, alpine marmots, brown bears, and chamoises.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country that borders Austria to the east. The border is a mountainous one as the Alps extend through Switzerland to the southeastern French border. Thus, the border between France and Switzerland is perfect for skiing and other mountain activities. The animals that live in the mountains include the ibex, mountain goats, and others.

France Facts

• Capital: Paris
• Population: 68 million
• Currency: Euro
• Official Language: French
• President: Emmanuel Macron

The countries that border France include Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland. France has been a major power throughout history. Many consider France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, as the de facto leader of the European Union. Today, it continues to be a dominant force politically and economically.

Summary of 8 Countries That Border France