Overseas France
The French territories outside Europe, comprising islands and a South American mainland region.
Overseas France consists of 13 French territories outside Europe, mostly the remnants of the French colonial empire that remained a part of the French state under various statuses after decolonisation. It is a collective name, not an administrative designation. The five overseas regions have the same administrative status as the thirteen metropolitan regions; the five overseas collectivities are semi-autonomous; and New Caledonia is an autonomous territory. Overseas France includes island territories in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, French Guiana on the South American continent, several peri-Antarctic islands, and a claim in Antarctica. Excluding the district of Adélie Land, where French sovereignty is effective de jure by French law but the claim is frozen by the Antarctic Treaty, overseas France covers a land area of 120,396 km² and accounts for 18.0% of the French Republic's land territory.
Quick Facts
- Linking name
- France
- Demonym
- French
- Population estimate
- 2,891,000 (Jan. 2026)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Outside Europe, four broad classes of overseas French territorial administration exist: overseas departments/regions, overseas collectivities, the sui generis territory of New Caledonia, and uninhabited territories. Overseas regions have exactly the same status as France's mainland regions; local administrations cannot pass new laws. Overseas collectivities, created by the constitutional reform of 28 March 2003, can make their own laws except in reserved areas. New Caledonia gained a special status (sui generis) in 1999, following the 1998 Nouméa Accord, with a gradual transfer of power and three independence referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021. The French Southern and Antarctic Lands are the only overseas territory. Clipperton Island is held as an overseas 'state private property' under direct authority of the French government.
Reader's Guide
Overseas France includes 11 inhabited territories: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion (overseas departments/regions); French Polynesia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna (overseas collectivities); and New Caledonia (sui generis collectivity). Uninhabited territories include the French Southern and Antarctic Lands and Clipperton Island. In January 2026, 2,891,000 people lived in overseas France. Most residents are citizens of France and the European Union. Overseas France is represented by 27 deputies in the National Assembly and 21 senators in the Senate.
Did You Know?
- Its exclusive economic zone of 9,825,538 km² accounts for 96.7% of the EEZ of the French Republic.
- Six overseas regions are considered Outermost Regions of the European Union; the rest, except Clipperton, are overseas countries and territories.
- New Caledonia held three independence referendums: in 2018 (43.3% yes), 2020 (46.7% yes), and 2021 (3.5% yes, with a boycott by the Kanak community).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many territories make up Overseas France?
There are thirteen territories in total, ranging from a continental stretch of coast in South America to tiny peri-Antarctic outposts and an Antarctic claim. Each one holds a distinct legal status within the French Republic.
What is the political status of Overseas France?
Overseas France is a descriptive term rather than a formal administrative category, so the thirteen territories do not share a single unified government. Each operates under its own specific legal arrangement—ranging from full departmental status to special collectivity status—while all remain sovereign parts of the French Republic.
More in Cultural And Historical Regions
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced