What is the capital of France?

Paris, the capital of France, is the largest city on the European continent and one of the most prosperous cities in the world. It is located in northern France, on the west bank of the Seine River, 375 kilometers away from the river mouth (English Channel). The Seine winds through the city, forming two central islands (Site and Saint-Louis). The population of the capital Paris is 2.201578 people (as of January 1, 2009). The city itself is located in the center of the Paris Basin and has a mild maritime climate. There is no scorching heat in summer and no severe cold in winter. The average temperature in January is 3°C, the average temperature in July is 18°C, and the annual average temperature is 10°C. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in summer and autumn, with an average annual rainfall of 619 mm.

Paris is the largest industrial and commercial city in France. The northern suburbs are mainly manufacturing areas. The most developed manufacturing projects include automobiles, electrical appliances, chemicals, medicine, food, etc. Luxury goods production ranks second and is mainly concentrated in downtown areas; products include precious metal utensils, leather products, porcelain, clothing, etc. The outer urban area specializes in the production of furniture, shoes, precision tools, optical instruments, etc. The printing and publishing industry is concentrated in the Latin Quarter and Rue Remy. The greater Paris (metropolitan) area accounts for three-quarters of France's total film production. The headquarters of most banks and insurance companies in Paris (including the Bank of France and the Stock Exchange) are located on the west side of the "Market" (the local central market from 1183 to 1969).

Paris is the center of French culture and education and a world-famous cultural city. France's famous Académie Fran?aise, University of Paris, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Ecole Nationale des Ponts et des Beaux-Arts and the National Scientific Research Center are all located in Paris. The University of Paris is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1253.

Paris also has many academic research institutions, libraries, museums, theaters, etc.