Définition
The region, as the most recent structure in French local government, became a territorial authority following the decentralisation laws of March 16, 1986, date of the first election of regional councillors elected by universal suffrage. Its existence was confirmed by the constitutional revision of March 28, 2003. The regional councillors elect the president of the regional council who manages the budget, the personnel and the policy of the region.
The specific purviews of the region concern mainly regional development, economic development, vocational training, construction or maintenance of high schools, rail passenger transport. There are 17 regions in France including 5 overseas. The territorial authority of Corsica is more often than not assimilated with a region.