France asks itself: Who are we?

FRANCE is to stage a national debate aimed a solving an identity crisis from which it fears the country is suffering.

Ordered by the government, the bout of national soul-searching will bring together students, parents, teachers, unions, religious leaders and others in France and in overseas territories.

Participants are to mull over such questions as whether youths should be required to sing the national anthem at least once a year, how to integrate newcomers from former French colonies, and whether Muslim women should be allowed to wear veils.