FIND HOTELS DESTINATIONS

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TRAVEL GUIDE & ADVICE

Buses / coaches into Malaysia (KL / Malacca) run from Brunei, Indonesian Borneo, Singapore and Thailand. Please see the relevant c... more

Malaysia overview

A former British colony, Malaysia, as the rising star of South-East Asia, neighbored with Thailand in the west, Singapore in the S... more

Taiwan Climate

Located in the subtropical climate zone, Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. The weather is fluctuated during spring... more

Taiwan Overview

Ilha Formosa – Beautiful Island. This is what a group of Portuguese sailors uttered upon seeing T... more

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TRAVELER HOTEL REVIEWS

Blue Wave Inn [1 Reviews]

we were told the hotel has been newly renovated but it didn't appear a brand-new look to me. The location of Blue Wave I... more

Grand Hilton Hotel Seoul [1 Reviews]

Just a few minutes hike takes you to the top of Baikrun-san and views to the north of Seoul. I just took a 15-minute wal... more

Ascott London Mayfair [1 Reviews]

Location is good near Berkely Square and a brisk walk to Picadilly. The lobby was small but opens into an enclosed court... more

New Oriental Osaka [1 Reviews]

The location of the hotel was very convenient. In the area there weren¡¯t many things to do, as there were only apartm... more

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France Hotels

Worldwide Hotels Europe Hotels France Hotels France

Location
Western Europe

Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area
545,630 sq km (339,054 sq miles) (not including overseas territories).

Population
61.8 million (2008 estimate).

Population Density
112 per sq km.

Capital
Paris. Population: 12.7 million (2.2 million in the city; 10.5 million in the suburbs) (2006).

Geography
France, the largest country in Europe,borders Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east and Spain to the south-west, across the Pyrenees mountain range (the small country of Andorra lies in between the two countries). The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbours, England (part of the United Kingdom).

EU
Member since 1958.

Government
Republic since 1792.

Head of State
Nicolas Sarkozy since May 2007.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Francois Fillon since May 2007.

Language
French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, but these are rapidly declining, with the exception of Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany. English becomes more common language for the new generation.

Religion
Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%; Jewish 1%; unaffiliated 9%.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.

Social Conventions
It is considered very rude to be loud in a crowded place, such as a subway car or restaurant. People won't be offended (although they may be surprised, especially in rural areas) if you wear clothing that is unusual in France, such as a sari, a Scottish kilt, or djelabas. Shaking hands and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are the usual forms of greeting. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and it may take time to get on first-name terms. At more formal dinners, it is the most important guest or host who gives the signal to start eating. Mealtimes are often a long, leisurely experience. Casual wear is common. Social functions, some clubs, casinos and exclusive restaurants warrant more formal attire. Evening wear is normally specified where required. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on most beaches but naturism is restricted to certain beaches - local tourist offices will advise where these are. A ban on smoking in workplaces (including airports, railway stations, shops and offices etc) came into force in February 2007, and bars and restaurants joined the list in January 2008.