A profile of France is sketched in this paper. Emphasis is placed on the nature, scope, and accomplishments of population activities in the country. Topics and sub-topics include: (1) location and description of the country; (2) population--size, growth patterns, age structure, urban/rural distribution, ethnic and religious composition, education, economic status, future trends; (3) population growth and socio-economic development--relationships to national income, economic activity, international trade, consumption, national social security budget; (4) history of population concerns; (5) population policies; and (6) scientific research in population studies. Demographic problems have been a major concern in France since the beginning of the century, with distinct pronatalist and antinatalist movements emerging. Their respective influences on official policy have extended to this day. At the present time, France has a developing body of laws protecting the family and encouraging large families, but the country is also liberalizing the laws that restrict use and dissemination of contraceptive methods. References and a country map are given. (BL)