Overseas departments of France

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/overseas-departments-of-france

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Where is Overseas departments of France?Guadeloupe, Martinique (Caribbean), French Guiana (South America), Réunion, Mayotte (Indian Ocean)
2. How many people live in Overseas departments of France?Approximately 2.1 million inhabitants across the five departments
3. How big is Overseas departments of France?Total land area of approximately 83,533 km² (32,252 sq mi)
4. What is the capital cities?Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe), Fort-de-France (Martinique), Cayenne (French Guiana), Saint-Denis (Réunion), Mamoudzou (Mayotte)
5. What is the key economic driver (french guiana)?Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais), Europe's primary space launch facility
6. Why are they called overseas departments?In 1946 a law turned them from colonies into departments, so they are treated like parts of France. This means they follow French laws and their residents have full citizenship.

Integral Part of the Republic: Legally and constitutionally considered an indivisible component of the French nation, with full rights and responsibilities.
Penal Colony: A territory where criminals are sent as punishment, often to remote locations.
Syncretic Culture: A culture that blends elements from different traditions and belief systems.
Decentralization: The process of transferring power and responsibilities from a central government to regional or local authorities.