outerwear france 1 general economic situation according to insee the french national institute of statistics and studies gross product gnp increased in 2004 by 2 3 2003 0 8 2002 this was slightly above average growth rate other eco nomies europe with overall inflation line rates european countries a major problem for economy is unemployment which 9 although has declined 2005 it still higher than union much switzerland figure development over past 5 years source 10 2001 2000 6 4 at beginning 2006 population quite despondent mood first vote against new eu constitu tion more or less dissatisfied government riots take place paris suburbs
