France is a state in Western Europe, but its borders are not defined only by the Eurasian continent. The property of this country is located in different parts of the world. Where are the overseas departments and territories of France located and what are they? Find out about this from the article.
Overseas possessions of France
The republic is located in the west of the continent of Eurasia, surrounded by Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Andorra and Monaco. In the south it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean.
France is a presidential-parliamentary republic. The administrative division of the state is rather complicated and includes regions divided into departments with cantons and districts, as well as communes. In addition, there are territories and overseas departments of France.
Non-continental lands of the state are former colonies. They are located on islands in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Administratively, territories, overseas and special communities are sometimes distinguished among territories.
Territories and overseas departments of France (list)
The number of French lands outside the continent was not always the same. Many territories, for example, as part of Algeria, lost control of France in 1959, 1962. Some lands remain controversial.
Madagascar claims the French Esparsa Islands, Suriname disputes French Guiana, the Comoros claim the island of Major (Mayotte), Vanuatu - the two islands in New Caledonia. France, in turn, announced its claim to Adele’s Land, which is located in Antarctica. The world community has so far rejected all statements.
The current overseas departments of France are shown in the table below.
Title | Region |
Reunion | Indian Ocean |
Guadeloupe | The Caribbean |
Guiana | South America |
Martinique | The Caribbean |
Major | Indian Ocean |
As such, there are only two overseas territories of the state.
Title | Region |
Clipperton | Pacific Ocean |
French Southern and Antarctic Territories | Indian Ocean |
Other lands are often referred to the overseas territories of France, although they have different statuses and rights.
Title | Region | Status |
Saint barthelemy | The Caribbean | Overseas community |
Saint martin | The Caribbean | Overseas community |
Wallis and Futuna | Pacific Ocean | Overseas community |
French polynesia | Pacific Ocean | Overseas community |
Saint Pierre and Miquelon | North America | Overseas community |
New caledonia | Pacific Ocean | Special administrative-territorial formation |
The difference in status and rights
French overseas possessions are territories that belong to the state, but are removed from it at considerable distances. At present, they are not colonies, and their inhabitants have all the rights of French citizens. The population of overseas territories can freely move around the zone of the European Union.
The overseas departments of France for political status are equal to those in the continental part of the country. In the constitution of the country they appear also as regions. In each of them, a regional council is formed, whose members can be members of various national structures (Senate, National Assembly) on the rights of ordinary French citizens.
Overseas communities differ from departments in broader rights. They have their own social security system, customs and fiscal independence. Communities are not subject to laws adopted in mainland France. They have an autonomous government and are not affiliated with the European Union.
Story
From the beginning of the XVI century, France became a strong colonial state. Controlled territories were in all regions of the world. The colonies were both individual islands in the middle of the oceans, and the continental lands of Canada, Africa, etc. Until now, in many countries of Africa, the French language is the state language.
The modern overseas departments of France were colonized only in the 17th century. Their land was used as plantations for growing sugarcane, tea and other products. The labor force was slaves brought from Africa.
After World War II, some territories repeatedly changed their status. Part of the land was announced by departments, including Algeria. After a long struggle, the country managed to regain independence.
The territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon initially became a department, but later the status changed to a community.
The issue with the Comoros was resolved for a relatively long time. France captured them at the beginning of the XIX century. The island government organized a referendum where everyone except Mayotte voted for independence. With UN support, the Comoros gained independence, and Mayotte to this day remains a part of France.
Interesting places and facts
All overseas possessions are difficult to give a general description. They are located in different parts of the planet, have a different climate, nature and population. Outside the continent, approximately 3 million people live. The main occupation for many is the service sector, because these regions are popular among tourists.
French Guiana is the overseas department of France in South America. This is the largest department of the state. Unlike other territories, it is located on the continent. Here, reeds and fruits are grown, and minerals are extracted. Tourists are attracted here by national parks and reserves located in tropical forests.
Other overseas territories are not far behind in attractiveness. New Caledonia is often called one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. People come to Guadeloupe for diving, walks in the national park, and to see the La Soufriere volcano. The most densely populated area, Reunion, also has a unique nature. There are several nature reserves, a weather station and a volcanic laboratory.
Conclusion
Among the overseas territories of France are departments, communities, territories with special status. All of them differ in rights and powers. Most of the territories are located in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, the largest department, French Guinea, is located on the continent of South America.
Overseas territories are significantly removed from France, but controlled by it. They are former colonies that the state seized from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Territories vary in population composition, local customs, culture and economic level. Recently, tourism has been actively developing in most lands.