The Browning Hi Power was the only pistol used in quantity by both sides in WWII being made for Commonwealth Forces by John Ingliss & Co in Canada and by German occupied FN in Belgium, a favorite pistol issued to the Waffen SS. It has been the official sidearm of over 50 different countries at one time or another and is still widely seen in service in many parts of the world. It is still issued in the British Army, although it is being replaced by the Sig P226.
The French used their own Model 1935 in WWII followed by the MAC 50. Today they use a version of the Beretta M92 GIAT BM92-G1. I am sure Frenchman can give you much more information than me.
The Browning Hi Power is extremely reliable. Mine has had over 7000 rounds fired through it without one FTF or malfunction of any kind. The only major criticism is that it is not as robust in terms of longevity as some other 9mm's but then European 9mm is loaded hotter than US 9mm. Probably best to avoid +P or +P+. It shoots, points and handles well, despite having what appears to be a wide grip. It and the S&W M39 remain my two favorite 9mms. Millions were made and for the rest of the world it is as ubiquitous as the 1911 is here in the US,