1. Water Transportation
a. France has many, many seaports. Such ports border the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea. France currently has 162 merchant marine, which is a measure of the number of ships carrying goods or all commercial vessels. This currently ranks France 36th among other nations.
b. I was not able to find a list of France's biggest seaport, but I was able to find a list of the "major" seaports. Marseille is on the Mediterranean Sea, Bordeaux, Nantes and Brest are on the Atlantic Ocean, and Cherbourg, Le Havre and Dunkerque are on the English Channel.
2. Land Transportation
a. Freight transport has declined since the early 80s. Most of the railways today are passenger railways. Not much of France's transportation of goods is done by railway anymore.
b. France has about 30,000 km of railway for passenger trains. In 2006, it was estimated that the number of passengers to ride along the railway was a little over a million. France currently ranks 9th among nations in total railways.
c. France has 951,000 km of roadways with approximately 11,100 km of expressway. This currently ranks France 8th among nations in total roadways.
3. Air Transportation
a. The majority of international flights will arrive/depart from the major cities in France. A few of these major cities include Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Nice. It is very common that once you reach France by air, all other travel will be done by train.
b. Other airports include airports in Caen, Rennes, Toulon and Agen among many others. France has a total of 473 airports, which currently ranks France 17th among other nations in the number of airports.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
International Trade: France
1a. Exports
How much: $58.7 billion (2012 est.)
What: machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages
To whom: Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, UK, US, Netherlands
1b. Imports
How much: $658.9 billion (2012 est.)
What: machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals
To whom: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK, China
2. Exchange Rate
euros per US dollar:
0.7838 (2012)
0.7185 (2011)
0.755 (2010)
0.7198 (2009)
0.6827 (2008)
3. Immigration/Emigration
Immigration:
How much: 211,055 (2008)
From: Africa, European Union, Asia
I could not find much on Emigration from France but I did find that France has a net migration rate of 1.1 migrants/1,000 population (2012). Because the net migration rate is positive, there are more people immigrating to France than emigrating from France. By doing some quick calculation based on the net migration rate and the estimated number of immigrants in 2008, I found that the approximate number of emigrants in 2008 to be about 209,955.
4. Relations with other Countries
France has relatively good standing with all countries. France is a part of the United Nations. France was a part of World War II. France fought against nations such as Germany and Italy who are now very large trading allies. France does not seem to have too many foreign enemies.
References: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fr.html
How much: $58.7 billion (2012 est.)
What: machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages
To whom: Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, UK, US, Netherlands
1b. Imports
How much: $658.9 billion (2012 est.)
What: machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals
To whom: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK, China
2. Exchange Rate
euros per US dollar:
0.7838 (2012)
0.7185 (2011)
0.755 (2010)
0.7198 (2009)
0.6827 (2008)
3. Immigration/Emigration
Immigration:
How much: 211,055 (2008)
From: Africa, European Union, Asia
I could not find much on Emigration from France but I did find that France has a net migration rate of 1.1 migrants/1,000 population (2012). Because the net migration rate is positive, there are more people immigrating to France than emigrating from France. By doing some quick calculation based on the net migration rate and the estimated number of immigrants in 2008, I found that the approximate number of emigrants in 2008 to be about 209,955.
4. Relations with other Countries
France has relatively good standing with all countries. France is a part of the United Nations. France was a part of World War II. France fought against nations such as Germany and Italy who are now very large trading allies. France does not seem to have too many foreign enemies.
References: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fr.html
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
News Summary: Crillon Hotel Flaunts Treasures Before Auction (4/23/13)
The famous hotel located in downtown Paris, Hôtel de Crillon, will be closing its doors for two years for a major renovation. Before they close however, the hotel will be auctioning off over three thousand of items from the hotel. Examples of items for sale include a couch that is priced at 2000 euros or about $3000, and a single bottle of wine that is priced at 7000 euros, or a little over $9000.
Understanding this auction from a supply and demand point of view sheds light on these outrageous prices. First of all, the Hôtel de Crillon is one of the most famous hotels in all of France. The hotel housed guests from Theodore Roosevelt to Madonna to Bill Clinton. The demand for these items is extremely high because of the great history and luxury of the hotel. In addition, most of these items are of a select few, meaning that there is a very, very limited supply of items to be sold. Both the high demand and low supply leads to extremely high prices, as seen in the couch and the bottle of wine.
In addition, GDP may be effected by this major renovation. There will definitely be an increase in investment because the hotel company will be spending millions of dollars to pay renovation companies to rebuild the hotel. At the conclusion of construction, consumption will increase because hundreds of people will be staying at the hotel spending money. Finally, net exports will also increase because of an increase in exports. I believe that people will travel to Paris from outside the country simply to see or to stay at the timeless hotel. Overall, I would expect an increase in GDP.
Article: http://www.france24.com/en/20130414-crillon-hotel-france-paris-concorde-auction-cesar
Understanding this auction from a supply and demand point of view sheds light on these outrageous prices. First of all, the Hôtel de Crillon is one of the most famous hotels in all of France. The hotel housed guests from Theodore Roosevelt to Madonna to Bill Clinton. The demand for these items is extremely high because of the great history and luxury of the hotel. In addition, most of these items are of a select few, meaning that there is a very, very limited supply of items to be sold. Both the high demand and low supply leads to extremely high prices, as seen in the couch and the bottle of wine.
In addition, GDP may be effected by this major renovation. There will definitely be an increase in investment because the hotel company will be spending millions of dollars to pay renovation companies to rebuild the hotel. At the conclusion of construction, consumption will increase because hundreds of people will be staying at the hotel spending money. Finally, net exports will also increase because of an increase in exports. I believe that people will travel to Paris from outside the country simply to see or to stay at the timeless hotel. Overall, I would expect an increase in GDP.
Article: http://www.france24.com/en/20130414-crillon-hotel-france-paris-concorde-auction-cesar
Thursday, April 18, 2013
"Reinventing the Bazaar" by John McMillan Chapter 4 Questions
1. I found the part about the trucker and his laptop to be very interesting. It thought that it was pretty funny that he had his laptop with him and he charged it by a lawn mower battery in a bowling bag. The point of this passage was about how new methods of information have completely evolved the trucking industry. I think it is remarkable how much technology is evolving and how it is changing the economy. Information now is so easy to get. I can walk into a store and do my own information retrieving by simply pulling up the product on my iPhone.
2. I believe that when the author was referring to transaction costs, he was referring to costs to the seller that don't necessarily apply to the good being sold. I feel that examples shed more light on the concept. The author gives the examples of things like "money back guarantee" or the buyer being able to trust the seller not to reuse the buyer's credit card information. Transaction costs are costs to the seller to make the buyer feel more safe in the transaction.
3. I feel that the sellers get the upper hand when information is not evenly distributed. When people are not informed that they can get the same good for a lower price, they will end up paying too much for the good. In addition, as the author said, people may end up buying a good that does not necessarily the perfect fit for them. I feel that uneven distribution of information hurts the consumer the most. On the other hand, when information is evenly distributed, people will seek out the lower prices, giving more business to the under cutter, which leaves the other businesses with higher prices at a loss.
2. I believe that when the author was referring to transaction costs, he was referring to costs to the seller that don't necessarily apply to the good being sold. I feel that examples shed more light on the concept. The author gives the examples of things like "money back guarantee" or the buyer being able to trust the seller not to reuse the buyer's credit card information. Transaction costs are costs to the seller to make the buyer feel more safe in the transaction.
3. I feel that the sellers get the upper hand when information is not evenly distributed. When people are not informed that they can get the same good for a lower price, they will end up paying too much for the good. In addition, as the author said, people may end up buying a good that does not necessarily the perfect fit for them. I feel that uneven distribution of information hurts the consumer the most. On the other hand, when information is evenly distributed, people will seek out the lower prices, giving more business to the under cutter, which leaves the other businesses with higher prices at a loss.
Abstract Paragraph
In neglecting tropical diseases and in setting drug prices
high, the pharmaceutical companies are responding to the system they are in:
they are reacting to the incentives of the marketplaces (pg 29). The manufacturers will designate a specific
price for each item (msrp) and the proshop seemed to follow this price (by
comparing the prices in the store to other golf shops). A competitive market means that alternatives
exist (pg 6). Some of the brands for
sale included Puma, Adidas, Titleist, Travis Mathew, Ping and Nike. Manufacturers have the power to set prices
and provide goods based on demand, but competition by many companies lead to
alternative options and lowered prices.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
A Fez of the Heart Article Response
1. The most interesting part of the article for me is the story of Mustafa Yildirim and his son, Halil. It was interesting to me because of the huge difference in lifestyle between a father and his son. The article goes into great detail about how Mustafa's tools included a plow while Halil's tools included a fax machine. If I were given information on the two of them, I would never be able to guess that they are even related, let alone father and son. This story really illustrates how Pomegranate has changed in such a short period of time.
2. This article very clearly illustrates how economics and culture interact. First of all, bikinis and nudity were very frowned upon in Pomegranate, and in some cases, people would be stoned for doing so. Now, the people of Pomegranate will use this for advertising and for making a profit in their business. Traditional cultural beliefs have been neglected to make a profit. Secondly, the fez is another example of the interaction between the economy and culture. Like the store clerk said, the fez was illegal for himself to wear, but not illegal for a tourist to wear. The people of Pomegranate will still practice traditional values but when it comes to making money, they will gladly allow tourists to wear the fez. It is remarkable to me how the traditional culture of Pomegranate has dwindled away in hopes of economic gain.
3. People are drawn to the Eiffel Tower simply because it is one of those famous landmarks that everyone wants to see. The entire city of Paris is a popular destination in France because it is known to be romantic, therefore many honeymoons and trips for couples involve Paris. Other popular destinations include magnificent ancient building or palaces as well as beautiful natural sites. These places are very popular because many people love the sites and will say that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
2. This article very clearly illustrates how economics and culture interact. First of all, bikinis and nudity were very frowned upon in Pomegranate, and in some cases, people would be stoned for doing so. Now, the people of Pomegranate will use this for advertising and for making a profit in their business. Traditional cultural beliefs have been neglected to make a profit. Secondly, the fez is another example of the interaction between the economy and culture. Like the store clerk said, the fez was illegal for himself to wear, but not illegal for a tourist to wear. The people of Pomegranate will still practice traditional values but when it comes to making money, they will gladly allow tourists to wear the fez. It is remarkable to me how the traditional culture of Pomegranate has dwindled away in hopes of economic gain.
3. People are drawn to the Eiffel Tower simply because it is one of those famous landmarks that everyone wants to see. The entire city of Paris is a popular destination in France because it is known to be romantic, therefore many honeymoons and trips for couples involve Paris. Other popular destinations include magnificent ancient building or palaces as well as beautiful natural sites. These places are very popular because many people love the sites and will say that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
France: Tourism
1. France welcomes 79 million tourists per year, making it the most visited country in the world. France also maintains the third largest income from tourism. France welcome tourists from all over the world, but from mostly more developed countries.
2. It is quite obvious that the most visited attraction in France is the Eiffel Tower. Paris, France is the most popular destination for those visiting France. Other visited attractions include St Tropez, Chamonix and the Palace of Versailles.
3. France's list of national parks include Vanoise, Port-Cros, Pyrénées, Cévennes, Écrins, Mercantour, Guiana Amazonian, Réunion, Guadeloupe and Calanques.
4. The majority of museums in France are art museums due to France's long history in music and art. Just a few of the museums in France include Musee du Louvre (Paris), Musee d'Orsay (Paris), Musee Ingres (Montauban, the Dordogne), Musee Toulouse-Lautrec (Albi, Languedoc) and Musee de la tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux, Normandy).
2. It is quite obvious that the most visited attraction in France is the Eiffel Tower. Paris, France is the most popular destination for those visiting France. Other visited attractions include St Tropez, Chamonix and the Palace of Versailles.
3. France's list of national parks include Vanoise, Port-Cros, Pyrénées, Cévennes, Écrins, Mercantour, Guiana Amazonian, Réunion, Guadeloupe and Calanques.
4. The majority of museums in France are art museums due to France's long history in music and art. Just a few of the museums in France include Musee du Louvre (Paris), Musee d'Orsay (Paris), Musee Ingres (Montauban, the Dordogne), Musee Toulouse-Lautrec (Albi, Languedoc) and Musee de la tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux, Normandy).
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