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The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups. France, and in particular Paris, has played an important role as a center of high culture and of decorative arts since the seventeenth century, first in Europe, and from the nineteenth century on, world wide. From the late nineteenth century, France has also played an important role in cinema, fashion and cuisine. The importance of French culture has waxed and waned over the centuries, depending on its economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great regional and socioeconomic differences and by strong unifying tendencies. Contents[hide] * 1 Problems in defining "French" culture * 2 Language * 3 Religion * 3.1 Catholicism * 3.2 Islam * 3.3 Judaism * 3.4 Buddhism * 3.5 Cults and new religious movements * 4 Regional customs and traditions * 5 Other specific communities * 6 Social class * 7 Families and romantic relationships * 7.1 Household structure * 8 Role of the State * 8.1 Education * 8.2 Minister of Culture * 8.3 Académie française * 8.4 Military service * 8.5 Labor and employment policy * 8.6 Healthcare and social welfare * 9 Food and lifestyle * 9.1 Food and alcohol * 9.2 Tobacco and drugs * 9.3 Sports and hobbies * 9.4 Fashion * 9.5 Pets * 10 Media and art * 10.1 Art and museums * 10.2 Music * 10.3 Cinema * 10.4 Television * 10.5 Books, newspapers and magazines * 11 Architecture and housing * 12 Transportation * 13 Holidays * 14 Conventions * 15 See also * 16 References * 17 Notes * 18 External links |
[edit] Problems in defining "French" culture
Whether in France, Europe or in general, "culture" consists of beliefs and values