Area: 43,698 sq km [29,146 square miles]

Population: 5,495,000

Regional capital: Lyons

Rhone-Alpes ranks second in importance in population and economic development among metropolitan France's 22 regions.

The Lyons complex is France's second most important manufacturing and services centre (electrical and mechanical engineering, chemicals, clothing).

Lyons is renowned for its universities, harbors the second largest financial centre, and a major tourism center.

Towns in Rhone-Alpes

Aix-les-Bains

Annecy

Chambery