The possessions of France are located in three oceans at once. This country recognizes its overseas lands the right to choose their own course of development. The islands of France are located in the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In past centuries, French colonies were scattered across the planet. In the course of history, the country has lost part of its overseas territories. Some colonies managed to achieve independence from France and are its former possessions.
Brief description of island holdings
The most famous island in the country is Corsica. Thanks to its amazing landscapes, it became famous all over the world. Corsica is territorially divided into regions: Central, Western, Southern, etc. Each region has its own characteristics. The unique islands of France are located in the Indian Ocean. The Mascarene Islands group includes Reunion, the most populous island in France. The population there exceeds 706 thousand people. There are several nature reserves in Reunion. Its ecological zones are unparalleled. The island has a volcanological laboratory and a meteorological center that study the cyclones of the Indian Ocean.
France owns the island of Mayotte, located in the southern part of the Comoros archipelago. The area of the island is 374 sq. km. Mayotte has two central islands and about 30 smaller islands. Martinique belongs to the French islands in the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque island is located in the Caribbean and is considered the smallest department in the state. In Martinique, the main occupation of the inhabitants is tourism. Near the Canadian coast, in the Northwest Atlantic, is the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. Fishing and tourist services are the main sources of income on the islands. The continental lands of France are Guadeloupe and Guiana, which also have access to the Atlantic Ocean.
French islands in the Pacific
The most interesting overseas territories of the country are located in the Pacific Ocean. The southwestern region of the ocean is occupied by a large French possession - New Caledonia, whose area is 18,575 km2. sq. The northern lands of this country are washed by the waters of the Coral Sea. The territory includes the island of New Caledonia, which is much larger than Corsica, as well as the Loyote Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Pen islands and others. New Caledonia is 1200 km away from Australia. The resources of the overseas territory make it very important for the French economy. The archipelago has huge reserves of natural resources. In addition, tourism is well developed there. The island of New Caledonia is considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
In the center of the southern section of the ocean is French Polynesia. It includes 118 islands of coral and volcanic origin. The most "backward" islands of France are Futuna and Wallis. They are found in Polynesian Oceania.
