Définition
The overseas territories are an integral part of the French Republic, but have different statuses to those of the overseas departments and the overseas authorities. They include :
- the Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) ;
- the Scattered French Islands in the Indian Ocean.
The Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) is composed of Saint-Paul, Amsterdam, Crozet archipelago, Kerguelen archipelago and Adélie Land and is governed by Law n°55-1052 of 6 August 1955. These lands have their own administration, based in the municipality of Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island (ruling of 20 March 2000). Legally, they have been an overseas territory with special status since 6 August 1995.
Since February 2007, the Scattered French Islands in the Indian Ocean (the islands of Tromelin, Glorioso, Juan de Nova, Bassas da India and Europa) have formed the 5th district of the TAAF. The Scattered Islands remained French after independence was granted to the former overseas territory of Madagascar, and are under the authority of the Minister for overseas departments and territories (Decree n° 60-555 of 1st April 1960). They are governed by the Prefect, the higher administrator of the Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (ruling of 3 January 2005).
Remarque
French Polynesia was formerly an Overseas Territory and is now an Overseas Authority (COM). New Caledonia was also formerly an Overseas Territory.