Paris today
(page 1)
Ref.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris
Paris is the most populated city and capital of France, capital of the
region of Ile-de-France and unique joint-department in the country. It
is situated on a loop of the Seine in central Paris basin, between the
confluence of the Marne and Seine upstream, and the Oise and the Seine
downstream. Its inhabitants are called Parisians and Parisiennes.
The position of Paris at a crossroads of trade routes to land and
river heart of a rich agricultural region into a major cities in France
during the tenth century, with royal palaces, rich abbeys and a
cathedral; the twelfth century, Paris became one of the first homes in
Europe for education and the arts. The royal power, setting itself in
this city, its economic and political importance will continue to grow.
Thus, at the beginning of the fourteenth century, Paris is the largest
city throughout the Christian world. In the seventeenth century, it is
the capital of the first European political power, the eighteenth
cultural center of Europe and the nineteenth capital of arts and
pleasures.
Paris is the economic and commercial capital of France, its first
financial and stock market. The density of its railway, highway and
airport structure, the hub of air network french and European makes it
a focal point for international transport. This situation is the result
of a long evolution, in particular the absolutism of the then
revolutionary Jacobinism.
This conception is that of a centralized vision monarchist and
republican, which gives a considerable role in the capital in the
country and tends to concentrate in the extreme powers. This dichotomy
has led successive governments since the years 1960 to develop
decentralization in order to better balance the country.
Known throughout the world for its monuments and its artistic and
cultural life, Paris is also an important city in world history, with a
political impact and major economic. Symbol of French culture, its
animation and its major museums are an attraction for almost thirty
million visitors a year. Paris is also regarded as one of the world
capitals of fashion and luxury.
In 2005, the population of Paris intramural was 2 153 600
inhabitants according to the estimate of INSEE. Nevertheless, during
the twentieth century, metropolitan Paris has expanded beyond the
limits of the town. Its urban area, which includes the city and
suburban crown, included 11 174 740 inhabitants in 1999. It is, with
those of Moscow and London, one of the three most populated cities in
Europe