France Economy

This article addresses the current economic situation of France. For historical information, see Economic history of France. France is the world's fifth largest and wealthiest economy. It is the second largest economy in Europe (behind its main economic partner Germany). France's economy entered the 2008-2009 recession later and left it earlier than most comparable economies, only enduring four quarters of contraction. As of September 2010, France's economy has been growing continuously since the second quarter of 2009. Between January and March 2011, France's GDP growth has been stronger than expected, at 1%, one of the best figures in Europe.