Overseas department

As an Overseas Territory and overseas region (French département d' outre- mer et région d' outre- mer, abbreviation DOM -ROM) are referred to some departments of the French Republic, the outside Metropolitan France, the European mainland, and are thus a belonging to the French overseas territories. In the DOM -ROM are former colonies to departments d'outre -mer were after the Second World War. In addition to the DOM exist outside of France métropolitaine the Collectivités d' outre- mer (COM). The island of Corsica and overseas is not a region but belongs to France métropolitaine.

Due to the high transfer payments from the European Union and France to ensure an environment in comparison to the relatively high standard of living, particularly strong movements for independence have in the DOM -ROM never formed. Neither in France nor in the European Union, this special status, which can be regarded as a remnant of French colonialism, questioned.

The total population of the French Overseas Territories comprises approximately 2.06 million people (January 2010).

The DOM include as part of France to the European Union; the currency is the Euro. Only in relation to customs duties and sales taxes, there are some exceptions. The overseas départements are not included in the Schengen area. Belonging to France and hence the EU is also on the Euro banknotes expression: On the banknote back of the overseas départements are (so far except for the -added only at the 31 March 2011, Mayotte ) are shown with the corresponding map sections - bottom left of the map of Europe ( see figure at right ).

The overseas departments and their representation in the National Assembly or the Senate:

Overseas Territory and overseas region means that department and region coexist as distinct authorities, the powers between the General Council and Regional Council are divided. According to Article 73, last paragraph, of the Constitution of the Fifth French Republic and Territory region can be merged into a single territorial entity with a single consultative assembly, which requires a referendum. The first subdivision of this type is 2011 Mayotte since March.

On 24 January 2010, the voters in Martinique and French Guiana were in favor of the merger. In Martinique, it was the second referendum on the issue. On 7 December 2003 the voters had voted in Guadeloupe and Martinique clearly just against the merger.