The French Southern and Antarctic Lands are overseas territories of France consisting of:
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Ile Amsterdam & Ile Saint Paul. Ile Amsterdam was discovered in 1522 and claimed by France in 1843. Today it is the location of a French meteorological station. Ile Saint Paul was claimed by the French in 1893. It is visited by researchers and fishermen. Both islands are inactive volcanic islands.
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Iles Crozet. Iles Crozet is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar. They were discovered and claimed by France in 1772 and until 1955 they were administered by Madagascar. A research station is located on one of the islands.
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Iles Kerguelen. Discovered in 1772, Iles Kerguelen consists of one large island and approximately 300 smaller ones. The islands are located in the southern Indian Ocean. A research station is located on the main island.
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Adelie Land. Antarctic lands discovered and claimed by France in 1840. The land is not recognized by the USA.
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Iles Esparses: A group of 5 islands around Madagascar. Today, they are the home to military garrisons, weather and radio stations, and a sea turtle sanctuary.
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands have no permanent inhabitants. Those on the islands are military personnel, meteorological and scientific researchers, and support staff.
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands were officially established as overseas territories in 1955 and are dependent on subsidies from the French government. In these overseas territories, the chief of state is the president of France who is represented by a prefect.
Due to their varied location, isolation, and limited human activity, the islands are important scientific research fields.
France’s largest nature reserve is comprised of Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint Paul, and Ile Amsterdam and the waters surrounding these islands. This National Nature Reserve was created in 2006.
French Southern Territories