France is a multicultural society. Large cities, universities and science all live and feed off the cultural diversity this country has to offer. Out of the 65 million people living here, an estimated 5 million are foreigners.

• Out of these 5 million, about 45% are African or North African, 40% are European and 12% are Asian.
• French culture is not homogeneous. Diversity is evident everywhere and at all times. But curiously, at the same time the various characteristics of the different ways of life are quite attached to the different local areas.
• The language, food and customs vary from region to region, which can make adapting to the country a little harder if you plan on staying in various different places.
• As in all parts of the world, in France you may find a few that aren't very welcoming to foreigners; you may find that locals will be more inclined to help if you try speaking some French or at least ask if they happen to speak English, instead of simply addressing them in English. Courtesy is always appreciated.
• Muslims make up a considerable part of French society. Of the 3-5 million muslims currently residing in France, half a million of these are French citizens. There has been certain tension with the Muslims in France, especially after some of the terrorist attacks carried out by fundamentalists and also by the banning of head scarves in public schools, a measure introduced by the French Education Minister.