Paris

Paris (in French: Paris) is the capital of France and its largest city in terms of population. It is located in the center-north of France on the banks of the Seine River in the Île-de-France region. The river divides the city into two islands, "Île Saint-Louis" and "Île de la Cité," which form the old city. The city covers an area of 105 square kilometers, and the population within the city (excluding the suburbs) was around 2.258 million people according to the 2011 census, making it the largest city in France by population. Paris is known as the European capital of culture and is a diverse city with a mix of races and religions. It is called the "City of Light" and houses important museums and historical landmarks that trace the history of humankind, with many artifacts brought from outside France. Paris is also one of the major economic centers in Europe, housing headquarters for numerous major French companies. It leads in advanced technological tools, automobile and aircraft manufacturing. The city's economy also relies on tourism, with around 30 million tourists visiting in 2014 due to its international fame, luxury fashion, and famous perfumes, as well as the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Name and History:

The name "Paris" can be traced back to one of the Gallic tribes that inhabited the banks of the Seine River in the 8th century BCE. This tribe referred to the city as "Parisii," and the name persisted over time. However, from the 1st to the 4th century CE, the name changed to "Lutetia" and later reverted to "Paris." The name "Parisii" is believed to have originated from the Celtic word "Parisio," which means "the craftsmen."

Evidence suggests the existence of settlements in the city dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, though it is not confirmed yet. The confirmed history of the city dates back to the Parisii tribe, one of the Gallic tribes. The Romans invaded the city in 52 BCE and ruled it intermittently, during which the city expanded and became home to flourishing palaces, theaters, and famous temples throughout history. The Franks (or French) seized control of the city in the late 5th century CE and made it their capital, leading its inhabitants back to Christianity. The city flourished further by the end of the 11th century when the University of Paris was established in 1200 CE, attracting students from all over. The Black Death struck the city in 1384, claiming a large percentage of the population. It was followed by the bubonic plague in 1466, and plague outbreaks occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries. The English occupied the city during the period from 1337 to 1453, causing it to lose its status as the capital of France until it was regained by Charles VII, and Paris regained its status as the French capital under François I in 1528. In the 18th century, France began to recover from the wars of the previous centuries, and a group of thinkers and writers emerged. This period became known as the Age of Enlightenment, earning the city the nickname "City of Light." At the end of the 18th century, the spark of the French Revolution against the ruling authority led to the execution of Louis XVI and his wife in 1793 in Place de la Concorde. Another revolution in 1830 caused a change in the form of government to a constitutional monarchy, and another revolution in 1848 established the Second French Republic. As the Industrial Revolution began, Paris's infrastructure began to develop, and most of the historical streets we see today date back to the Industrial Revolution era when the Seine River's governor drew maps and streets of the city. After World War II, the city took a different direction economically and industrially while preserving most of its historical landmarks, eventually becoming a significant meeting place for thinkers, writers, and decision-makers.

Climate:

Paris has a generally oceanic climate similar to that of most cities in Western Europe. It is moderate and relatively humid. Summers are warm and mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are relatively mild, with an average temperature of about 7 degrees Celsius, rarely dropping below freezing. In the transitional seasons of autumn and spring, the weather is changeable, moderate during the day, and refreshing at night. Rain falls over Paris throughout the year.

Top Tourist Attractions in Paris:

Paris boasts numerous tourist attractions, including its world-renowned museums. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée Rodin, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Official Language: French

Currency Used: Euro, CFP Franc

Area: 105.4 square kilometers

Population Density: 20,754 inhabitants/km²

Vehicle Registration Plate: 75