ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Northern Basque Country

Okay, so imagine there's a place called the northern Basque country. It's a special area that's in the western part of France, close to the border with Spain. The people who live there are called Basques, and they're known for having their own unique language and culture.

In the northern Basque country, there are lots of things to see and do. You can visit pretty little towns and villages, some of which have been around for hundreds of years. You might see people dressed up in colorful traditional clothes, dancing or singing or playing music.

The Basque people are really proud of their heritage, and they have lots of traditions that they keep alive. For example, they have a special kind of sport called pelota, which is kind of like playing catch with a small ball and a glove, but it's a lot more complicated and fast-paced.

One thing that's really interesting about the northern Basque country is that it has its own government, which is separate from the rest of France. This government has its own president and parliament, and it makes decisions about things like schools, healthcare, and the economy.

So, even though the northern Basque country is still part of France, it's a special place with its own language, culture, and government. People all over the world come to visit this unique and beautiful area to learn about the Basque people and their rich history.