The French Social Security system was introduced in 1945.
In order to take a better account of the new demographic trends,
the pension system underwent a major overhaul which was
adopted as a law in July 2003.
Benefits are financed on a "pay as you go" system.

67% of total social security spending (29% of GDP) comes from
employers and employees' contributions and 16% from taxes,
including earmarked taxes such as the CSG (Contribution sociale
généralisée - social security contribution levied on virtually all
sources of income). Public financing accounts for only a fifth
of total resources.

Benefits break down as follows: pensions (49.2%), health (27.2%),
family allowances (12.8%) and employment aid such as
unemployment benefits,
vocational training and social integration (8.4%).

In 2003, education spending amounted to €103.6 billion, 6.9 % of
GDP and 37.8% of the national budget. This represents €1,690 per inhabitant and €6,500 per pupil or student.

- Preschool, primary and secondary schools:
- 12,135 pupils.
- 746,220 teachers
- 69,800 preschools and primary schools, collèges and lycées
including 60,560 public schools..

Pupil/teacher ratio: 16.2 to 1.
Baccalaureat pass rate (2003): 80.1%.
- Higher education:
- 2,210,000 students.
- 74,094 teaching staff.
- 87 universities, 3,600 higher education establishments.
Student/teacher ratio: 29.8 to 1.

Religions

The French maintain a very strong gap between civilian life and religion. Religion is considered as private as possible, and it is considered offensively inquisitive to enter religious discussions in most contexts. Communautarisme, the forming of ethnic or religious communities separate from mainstream life, though present, is considered undesirable. French people in general are opposed to clerical power and its influence in policy; the separation of religion from government power is legally referred to as laïcité. French politicians, with the exception of a few right-wing politicians such as Christine Boutin, generally do not discuss their religious positions, and do not use arguments in political advocacy. Religious figures of speech however abound in public rhetoric.

Islamic fundamentalism is considered as a real threat for the cohesion of the French society. Reasons for tensions include the desire of certain imam or other Muslims not to abide by French laws, regulations and customs. Following cases of conflicts about Muslim girls breaching school dress regulations or refusing to attend certain classes, the French government adopted a statute prohibiting the wearing of religious symbols in public primary and secondary schools. These tensions echo earlier quarrels with respect to the influence of the Catholic Church in French society clericalism vs laicite and the influence of the Pope in French public affairs gallicanism vs ultramontanism

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