French Southern and Antarctic Lands
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands ( Terres et australes antarctiques françaises, TAAF ) is a French overseas territory.
The territory comprises the Kerguelen archipelago, the islands of Amsterdam and St. Paul, the Crozet Islands, the Terre Adélie and, since 2007, the tropical Îles Éparses. The membership of the Adelielands to the territory under international law but not recognized due to the Antarctic Treaty. In the area south of 60 degrees south latitude France therefore exerts its territorial jurisdiction only under the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty of 1991.
The French sub-Antarctic islands in the Indian Ocean south-east of Africa and have a total area of 7672 km ² ( 7215 km ², 352 km ², 58 sq km, 8 km ² and 39 km ²). The Antarctic area Adelieland covers an area of 432,000 km ², the Îles Éparses located in Madagascar and have an area of 39 km ².
Prefect and chief administrator of the territory is based in Saint- Pierre on Réunion outside the territory since 2012 Pascal Bolot. The territory is not part of the European Union, but the euro is the official currency.
The territory is quite capable, but does not lack permanent population as a territorial entity. It has no elected assembly and sent no representatives in the French parliament.
Administrative divisions
The territory was created in 1955 as a spin of the islands of Saint -Paul and Amsterdam, Kerguelen, Crozet Islands and the Adelielands from the former French colony of Madagascar. It was divided into four initially, since 2007 with the Îles Éparses five districts, which are headed by district managers. A district administrator tasks similar to a French mayor. This includes registration of births and deaths and police duties.
(1 ) estimated staff of research stations during the Antarctic winter and the military bases ( 2) The Adélie Land is located on the Antarctic mainland and is therefore subject to the Antarctic Treaty, were set by the territorial claims expire. ( 3) As of February 21, 2007 are incorporated these islands as the fifth district in the territory. (4) Research Station ( 5) formal administrative seat outside the territory on the island of Réunion located
Geography
The climate is in accordance with the geographical latitude temperate, sub - antarctic or antarctic. The islands are mainly volcanic origin. The highest point is Mont Ross on Kerguelen with 1850 m.
Resident
The area has no permanent inhabitants. Around 140 researchers overwinter in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations four. This number can double during the summer months.
In addition, the crew of military bases on four of the Îles Éparses which totals 54.
Economy
The economic life of the regions is very low. It is all about the construction and maintenance of research stations. In addition, the islands serve as a starting point for fishing. The most important trading partner is France. Since 1955 TAAF issues its own stamps.