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Economy of France



Economy of France is the fifth largest economy in the world behind the United States, Japan, China, Germany and ahead of the UK. In 2007, the value of its gross domestic product (GDP) was 1.892 billion euros. It is the seventeenth highest GDP per capita (nominal exchange rate), slightly above the average EU-15. In the ranking by GDP at PPP, is France's seventh largest economy. France is undergoing a transition from a modern developed economy where the government presence in the economy was very important to an economy where the market is free. Cinergy Health The government has privatized many large companies, banks and insurers, and has given parts of leading companies such as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. Still maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly energy, public transportation, defense and industry. The telecommunications sector is increasingly opening up to competition.But the French government is committed to a capitalism in which it maintains social justice through law, to inspect, at public expense, reducing economic disparities and the market effect on health and public well-being. The tax burden remains one of the strongest in Europe (nearly 50 of GDP). The growth in French GDP per capita is lower than other developed countries over the past two decades, provoking debate about the reality of this gap and on economic reforms that could remedy the problem. In recent years, a strong social opposition against the reforms of the labor market has prevented the government revive the economy. In 2007, the government has launched major efforts to reform the economy. In 2007, the government budget deficit has returned to within the limits of 3 of GDP set by the European Union, and unemployment has fallen below 9 .The French economy is mainly a service economy: the services sector occupies 75 of the population, while the primary sector (agriculture, fisheries) is less than 2 , and the secondary sector (mainly industry) a 24 . The French economy is increasingly open economy, representing an important place in international trade. France is the fifth country on its exports and sixth for its imports. In 2006, exports accounted for 26 of GDP and imports by 27 . The trade balance (goods and services) has become a deficit in 2004, and this deficit has increased in 2005 and 2006. The unemployment rate remains higher than other developed countries. The employment rate (63.8 in 2006), near the European average (64.8 ) is below the EU-15 (66.2 ), and the average of developed countries, especially for people of seniors, youth under 30 years, and low-skilled.