Online Encyclopedia Search Tool

Your Online Encyclopedia

 

Online Encylopedia and Dictionary Research Site

Online Encyclopedia Free Search Online Encyclopedia Search    Online Encyclopedia Browse    welcome to our free dictionary for your research of every kind

Online Encyclopedia



Département d'outre-mer

(Redirected from Overseas Department)

Under the 1946 Constitution of the Fourth Republic, the French colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana in the Caribbean and Réunion in the Indian Ocean became départements d'outre-mer (Overseas Departments) or DOMs.

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon became a DOM in 1976, but its status changed to that of a collectivité territoriale in 1985.

As integral parts of the French Republic, they are represented in the National Assembly, Senate and Economic and Social Council, elect a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), and also use the Euro as their currency.

Since 1982, following the French government's policy of decentralization, they have elected regional councils with powers similar to those of the régions of metropolitan France. As a result of a constitutional revision which occurred in 2003, these regions are now to be called régions d'outre-mer  ; indeed the new wording of the Constitution aims to give no precedence to either appelation département or région d'outre-mer, though the second one is still virtually unused by French media.

See also:

External link


Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45