France

France is a leader in Western Europe and has the world's fifth-largest economy, but voters are concerned with their country's perceived decline. The physical quality of life is expected to take a steep plunge in 2017 and then again in 2026. This projection steadily increases the perception of government corruption through 2020. Immigration and globalization also concern the public and fuel support for the Front Nationalists, France's hard right wing party.

France is one of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It is a democratic nation and one of the founding members of the United Nations and European Union; its founding position largely defines its foreign policy. In the 1950s, France's close ties with Israel put its Arab Middle Eastern relationships in jeopardy, however with the 21st century things have improved and there is no threat of a nuclear war with these nations. This zero threat is projected to continue through 2098. These improved relations have also strengthened trade, improving France's already strong economy. France plays a significant role in Africa and has strong relations with various Asian countries, especially Japan where trade between the nations is growing.

Many see it necessary for France to reduce government spending and increase the size of its working population, which is small in comparison to its overall population. To accomplish this the government has lowered income taxes and improved its pension system. It should also work to develop greater labor-market flexibility and allow further privatization. These changes could increase the nation's GDP, which remains 30% lower than the US GDP, despite their higher levels of productivity. In 2004, France grossed $341.3 billion in exports and spent $349.3 billion on imports. France is already a large exporter of aircraft

and with its recent development of the Airbus, its export productivity should increase. Efforts to integrate politically and economically with Germany should be continued because it will lead to integration with other European countries and strengthen the European Union. France is currently one of Europe's larger military spenders, but they actively participate in peacekeeping/coalition efforts and since they are not in danger of a war France should reduce its military expenditures.

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