"France is a famous place."

Translation: فَرَنْسا مَكان مَشْهور.

[TMLN2014]

When is the definite article used in country names? For example: العراق، اليمن...

[ConchiCastillo]

There doesn't seem to be a rule. Perhaps someone else can comment on this. In the meantime, here is a list of definite countries: https://arabicbox.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/when-to-use-the-definite-article-al-with-countries-name/

[wendya1]

VERY useful.
Thanks