Sociology

France is a country in Western Europe and it is the second largest in the region. It has a population of 59 million with 75 of its population living in major cities (Tomalin 2003). Through history French has been known for their uniqueness that is they are all different in all aspects. They do things to their own advantage and in their own way. As Tomalin (2003, Pp. 8), records France sees herself as one of the leading contributors of civilization through her contribution in education, art, literature, scientific research and other fields. Indeed their contribution especially in literature cannot be overlooked as many writings in the same, contain French names. Up to date it has a great cultural influence due to its ability to safeguard its interests and also due to the fact that she always tries to see to it she has dominated the academic field.

Background information
Most of the France population is French and only about 14 are African immigrants and other Europeans immigrants. Its regional languages include Catalan, Breton, Provencal and Basque. As discussed earlier France is a country with rich cultural heritage and to narrow down in this paper I shall only discuss about religion which helps in establishing and safe guarding morals and values of a society. It has been recorded that in the History of France, religious conflicts have caused many wars. The major religious groups in French are Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and the Jews. The population can be said to be religious as it is only a small group that does not ascribe to any faith. Catholicism is the major religion although it is not the state religion as France does not have one. As Tomail (2003, Pp.10) puts it 90 are Roman Catholics, 5 are Muslims, 2are protestants, 1 Jewish and the other 2 is for those who do not ascribe to any faith and others.

Catholicism
Before 1789 Catholic was the official state religion but in 1905 a law was passed that separated the church and the state and there was freedom of worship that runs up to date (Adrian 2006). It is only about 14 who are practicing Catholics  and the others  attend church only  when one cannot avoid like during weddings or when they are being baptized as majority are even buried by the church. Children are introduced to Holy Communion at age eleven in a ceremony that is usually attended by all family members .Major catholic festivals are celebrated nationally and it is important to note that, people, and villages are mostly named after a saint.

However, the Roman Catholic Church became less influential as many people termed it as rigid and traditional and they also started to abandon its practices. Due to this the church, tried to adapt to modern lifestyles and as Gofen (2003, Pp. 79) recorded in 1960s there was an increase in the number of masses being conducted. There are some sites that are regarded as miracle sites and are usually visited by devout Catholics. As put by Gofen (2003, Pp. 80) 6 million pilgrims visit Lourdes each year. At the miracle site, people light candles and kneel down as it is according to their faith and offer prayers to Virgin Mary to heal them of their diseases and infirmities.

Islam and other religions.
France has about one million Muslims. They have settled in mainly Marseille (Gofen, 2003). He also notes that Muslim is the only religion in France that is growing at a very high rate. Muslims are mainly immigrants from North Africa (Cesari 2007). Their festivals are not acknowledged nationally but to them they are very important and these are the Id el Fitr, Id el Kebir and Ramathan (Tomalin, 2003).As Gofen (2003, Pp. 82) states,  the largest population of Jews in Western Europe live in France. They are found around Paris, other major towns in Eastern regions and also in Marseille. To mark their origin, Jewish children last name is of Jewish origin. Hebrew schools and synagogues mark the existence of Jews in France.

There are other small religions in France like Hindu and Buddhists that are practiced by few immigrants. Freemasons have been there for a longtime while Moonies and Krishna are the least popular. According to Gofen, (2003, Pp. 83) Freemasons take part actively in politics. Further studies show that there is still a 4 who do not ascribe to any faith. Religion in France has directly affected naming since children have been named in reference to their religion. Before the French revolution children were given Roman Catholic names but now they are named in reference to their parents religion.

Protestantism.
In France Protestants are called Huguenots and all their activities are carried out by Protestant Federation of France. It was not until the French revolution when this group was restored. The 16th century wars had significantly reduced its presence. It is important   to recognize at this point, one of the greatest protestant reformers John Calvin (1504-64), who made major contributions during his era as recorded (Gofen, 2003). His further studies show that only 2 of the French populations are Protestants. There are different denominations of the same but the dominant one is the Reformed Church of France. Protestants are involved politically and also in other sectors like business.

Conclusion.    
French are people well known for their hard work but this does not prevent them from going for Holidays. Work hard but enjoy life, is their watchword as Tomail, (2003, Pp. 58) states. Most of their holidays are religious in origin. There is Christmas for mostly Catholics, Easter still for Catholics, Assumption on August 14, all saints day, Ascension Day and Pentecost and many more. All these are religious Festivals and are recognized nationally. In conclusion, as it is recorded by (Operation World 2001) the largest percentage of French are Christians 67.2, 19. 7 are non religious, Muslim10, Jewish 1.18, BuddhistChinese 1.02, other, 3, Bahia0.02.This was updated last in the year 2003 and it keeps on changing as culture is dynamic.