It’s obligatory in France. Until recently the french ID was comically large which led to men having to carry massive wallets which gave rise to the ubiquitous “man bag”.

There is no obligation to have, even less to carry, an ID card in France (in French : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11601).

But yeah, the previous card was ridiculously large.

Same URL, but in English :

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F11601?...

For people who don't read French, yes on paper there is no legal obligation to have any kind of ID on you.

However, police forces are allowed to ask anyone their identity without any reason, and if they can't justify of their identity, they can be detained by the police for up to 4 hours for verification, and Police may requires them to do a fingerprint scan: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1036

I assume women had their own, smaller, ID?

The point is that men now had to have a "purse" to carry the wallet that carried the ID.

You can use passport or driving licence which are smaller

I know about being required to have an ID (the case in Germany, maybe all of EU), what countries have penalties for not carrying them?

Also, the comparison is ridiculous.

This is not correct, eventhough sometimes falsly claimed even by police officers. You are obliged to posess an ID card once you turn 16 years old (§1 PersAuswG). But you don't have to carry it with you, eventhough it might complicate things e.g. should you be cought comitting a small crime. You need to have it on you, or another valid ID, when crossing the border though.

Uh, you agreed with me.

The ID is provided by the government for free, though. So I guess they will have to give you a phone for free, plus a free plan.

Western European here. ID is most definitely not provided for free.

In France, the ID card is free. Some other forms of ID (passport, ...) are not.

Imagine you are broke and have to go to jail because you can't pay for your ID because you are broke.

Both of mine cost €0 (two seperate countries). The third doesn't require I carry I'd (despite what the cops would often try and have you believe).

In France, you must always carry a means of identification with you. However, a friend who is able to positively identify you is enough (legally - but obviously police will challenge you).

However, ID is never controlled, and many live with OQTF (Order to leave the French territory).