French overseas collectivities facts for kids

Have you ever heard of places that are part of France but are far away, even in different oceans? These special places are called Overseas Collectivities (in French, collectivités d'outre-mer, or COM). They are like unique regions or territories that belong to France, but they have their own special rules and ways of being governed. France changed its laws on March 28, 2003, to give these places this new name and status.

What are Overseas Collectivities?

Overseas Collectivities are a type of administrative division of France. This means they are parts of France, but they are not located in mainland Europe. They are often islands or groups of islands in different parts of the world. These territories used to have other names, but they were all given the name collectivités d'outre-mer after a big change in France's laws on March 28, 2003. This change helped to give them a special status.

Discovering France's Overseas Collectivities

As of March 31, 2011, there are five main Overseas Collectivities. Each one is unique and has its own interesting features. Let's explore them!

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a large group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It has a very special status and a great degree of autonomy. Autonomy means it has a lot of power to make its own decisions and manage its own affairs, almost like a small country.

Self-Governance in French Polynesia

One way you can see French Polynesia's self-governance is through its leader. The leader is called the President of French Polynesia (Le président de la Polynésie française). Also, the territory is sometimes called a pays d'outre-mer, which means "overseas country." This shows how much freedom it has. French Polynesia also has its own law-making body, called the Assembly of French Polynesia.

Saint-Barthélemy

Saint-Barthélemy is a small, beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. It is often called St. Barts for short. This island is known for its lovely beaches and is a popular place for tourists. It became an Overseas Collectivity in 2007, separating from Guadeloupe.

Saint-Martin

Saint-Martin is another island in the Caribbean Sea. It shares an island with a Dutch territory called Sint Maarten. The French part, Saint-Martin, is an Overseas Collectivity. It also became a separate Overseas Collectivity in 2007, just like Saint-Barthélemy.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are found off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. It is the only remaining part of New France (the old French colonies in North America) that is still under French rule.

Local Government in Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon have their own local government. This government is called the Territorial Council of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. This council helps to make decisions for the people living on the islands.

Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna is a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are far away, near Fiji and Samoa. Wallis and Futuna is unique because it is the only inhabited part of France that is not divided into communes. Communes are like small local government areas in France.

Images for kids

• French Polynesia.jpg

  French Polynesia is known for its beautiful islands and clear waters.

• Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.jpg

  Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are islands off the coast of Canada.