ÎledeFrance

Île-de-France is a region of France located in the north-central part of the country, encompassing the metropolitan area around Paris. It is the most populous and economically significant region, containing the national capital, Paris, at its core.

The region comprises eight departments: Paris; Seine-et-Marne; Yvelines; Essonne; Hauts-de-Seine; Seine-Saint-Denis; Val-de-Marne; and Val-d'Oise.

Geography and economy: Île-de-France covers about 12,000 square kilometers and is home to roughly 12 million people. It generates a large share of France’s GDP, driven by services, finance, industry, and tourism. The region serves as a central hub for politics, culture, higher education, and research.

Transport and culture: The area features an extensive transportation network, including the Paris Métro, RER, national and regional rail lines, and major highways. It is served by two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and hosts the La Défense business district. Cultural and historical assets are abundant, with institutions such as the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, and sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles within its borders.

Administration and governance: Île-de-France is an administrative region with a regional council elected for six-year terms and a regional prefect representing the national government. The regional capital is Paris, which also serves as the capital of France. The region has evolved as the historic heart of the French state and remains a major national and European hub.