Home › Explained sheets › History, geography and culture
A military and diplomatic power
This sheet presents France's place in the world. France has an autonomous and technologically advanced military force.
Key points of the sheet
- France is a nuclear power. It has had nuclear weapons since 1960. Its doctrine is based on deterrence (dissuasion).
- France is a maritime power. Thanks to its overseas territories, it is present in all oceans. It has the second largest EEZ (ZEE) in the world.
- France plays a major role in international relations. It is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has a right of veto in major international decisions.
- France is present in more than 150 countries through its embassies and consulates. It is an active member of many international organisations, for example the European Union and NATO.
Words to know
- deterrence (dissuasion)
- France's nuclear doctrine is based on deterrence, with a strategic air and sea strike force.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (Zone Économique Exclusive (ZEE))
- France has the second largest EEZ in the world.
- United Nations Security Council (Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies)
- France is a permanent member, with the United States, China, Russia and the United Kingdom.
- right of veto (droit de veto)
- Its status as a permanent member gives France this right in major international decisions. This status also strengthens its influence.
- network of embassies and consulates (réseau d'ambassades et de consulats)
- This network lets France be present in more than 150 countries. It is one of the densest in the world.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Since what year has France had nuclear weapons?
In French, the language of the exam: Depuis quelle année la France a-t-elle l'arme nucléaire ?
France has had nuclear weapons since 1960.
What is the rank of the French EEZ in the world?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel est le rang de la ZEE française dans le monde ?
France has the second largest EEZ in the world.
Which country is a permanent member of the UN Security Council with France?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel pays est membre permanent du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU avec la France ?
The permanent members are France, the United States, China, Russia and the United Kingdom.
You have read the sheet. See where you stand with 40 questions like the real exam.
Take the free mock exam (40 questions)Free mock exam · Exam Pass €19 incl. VAT, paid once, no subscription
More in this topic (France in Europe and in the world)
Source
Sheet “Une puissance militaire et diplomatique” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.