PARIS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- France holds its second round run-off of presidential elections on Sunday. The French president has a five-year term (previously seven years) and can be re-elected once. Following is a brief introduction to the country.

    France is a major player in the European Union (EU) and world politics. France and Germany, enemies in World War II, became the backbone of European integration. The coal and steel community between the two countries together with Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg was the beginning of today's EU.

    With a total area of 643,427 square km, France is the largest country in the EU. Mainland France and Corsica, together with four overseas territories -- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion -- make up France's 26 administrative regions. The 26 regions are further divided into 100 departments.

    Mainland France is bordered on land by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Monaco and Andorra.

    With a population of 63.7 million, France is one of the most populous countries in Europe. The French belong overwhelmingly to the Roman Catholic church.

    France is the world's number one tourist destination, attracting some 75 million visitors every year.

    France's economy relies mainly on services and manufacturing although the agricultural sector remains a big employer. France is the biggest beneficiary of EU agricultural subsidies.

    France's economic growth has been below EU average in recent years partly because of the lack of labor market flexibility and a high tax burden. The country also suffers high unemployment and public finance strains.