France remains a very socialist country, and the government’s influence in the capitalistic market system is still prevalent. The major industrial employment segments are still government monopolies (France Telecom in telecommunications, Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer in railways, Air France in airlines, and EDF/GDF in gas and electricity).

The recent global economic slowdown has had a clear impact on employment in France, leading to a deceleration of employment growth.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete France guide.