Anyone who wishes to create a new store in France of more than 300 square meters must first gain permission from a government commission that includes -- wait for it!

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Operation Atalanta has some two dozen ships from EU nations - including Britain, France, Germany and Italy - patrolling an area of about two million square miles off the Horn of Africa.

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In 2009, the EU launched Operation Atalanta, with over 20 ships from EU nations - including Britain, France, Germany and Italy - patrolling an area of about two million square miles off the Horn of Africa.

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French Polynesia is made up of some 200 islands -- the Society, Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral and Marquesas groups -- spread over 4.1 million square kilometres of Pacific Ocean: an area roughly eight times the size of France.

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Facing decline, France enacted silly laws to prop up the mother tongue, such as requiring the use of French in the public square, in advertising, etc.

FORBES: Detroit's Brand Killer

In the face of its waning importance France enacted silly laws to shore up the mother tongue, such as requiring the use of French in the public square, in advertising, etc.

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