French people refer to their country as "France." The official name of the country is the French Republic, or "République française" in French. Interestingly, the name "France" is believed to have come from the Latin word "Francia," which means "Land of the Franks."
The Franks were a Germanic tribe that inhabited the region now known as France in the 3rd century. Over time, the region became known as "Frankia" and eventually evolved into "France." The name has stuck ever since, and today it is universally recognized as the name of the country.
While the country is known as "France" internationally, the French people have a variety of colloquial names for their country. One common nickname for France is "L'Hexagone," which refers to the country's roughly hexagonal shape on a map. This nickname is often used by the French themselves to describe their homeland.
Another popular nickname for France is "La Belle France," which translates to "Beautiful France" in English. This nickname highlights the country's natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is a term of endearment that reflects the pride that the French people have in their country.
In addition to these nicknames, France is sometimes referred to as "L'Hexagone" due to the shape of the country, as it is roughly hexagonal in shape. This nickname is often used by the French to describe their country in a more informal and affectionate way.
Overall, the French people simply call their country "France" and are proud to do so. The name has a long history and is deeply rooted in the country's identity. While there are various nicknames and colloquial terms used to refer to France, "France" remains the official and most commonly used name for the country.