Short facts about the government of French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Country name:

conventional long form:  Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands conventional short form:  French Southern and Antarctic Lands local long form:  Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises local short form:  Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1955; administered from Paris by High Commissioner of the Republic Brigitte GIRARDIN (since 25 March 1998), assisted by Secretary General Jean-Yves HERMOSO (since NA)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 districts named Ile Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; excludes "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Source: World Factbook