This paper considers how one of the oldest countries in Europe, France, has long been a key trading partner with other nations,
particularly those in Western Europe and North America. It looks at how today, France is seen as one of the more important markets within the European Union and American
companies considering expanding operations to France need to evaluate the
political, demographic and business environment within France before making the commitment to market there. It shows how France is an attractive market for American companies because it is a country which does not have significant trade barriers, because its work force and consumers are highly educated and because its political system is stable.