Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999.

French broadcast media is a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV stations. State-owned France Televisions operates four networks, one of which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels. A large number of privately-owned regional and local TV stations are in operation, and multichannel satellite and cable services provide a large number of channels. Public broadcaster Radio France operates seven national networks, a series of regional networks, and services for overseas territories and foreign audiences. Radio France Internationale, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster. Additionally, a large number of commercial FM stations exist, with many of them consolidating into commercial networks. France has over 15 million Internet hosts and more than 45 million Internet users.

Daily newspapers in France include La Croix, Le Figaro, L'Humanité, Libération, Le Monde, and Le Parisien, among many others. Weekly publications include: Le Canard Enchaîné, Le Nouvel Observateur, L'Express, Paris-Match, and numerous others. A large number of local and regional publications are also available.