<P> Almost all inhabited French administrative divisions outside Europe are classified as either overseas regions or overseas collectivites ; these statuses are very different from one another from a legal and administrative standpoint . Overseas regions have exactly the same status as mainland France 's regions . The French constitution provides that , in general , French laws and regulations ( France 's civil code , penal code , administrative law , social laws , tax laws , etc . ) apply to French overseas regions the same as in mainland France , but can be adapted as needed to suit the region 's particular needs . In the French overseas regions , laws can not be adapted whereas the overseas collectivities are empowered to make their own laws , except in certain areas ( such as defense , international relations , trade and currency , and judicial and administrative law ) . The overseas collectivities are governed by local elected assemblies and by the French Parliament and French government , with a cabinet member , the Minister of Overseas France , in charge of issues related to the overseas territories . ( New Caledonia is neither an overseas region nor an overseas collectivity ; it has a sui generis status , in keeping with the Nouméa Accord . ) </P>
<P> Almost all inhabited French administrative divisions outside Europe are classified as either overseas regions or overseas collectivites ; these statuses are very different from one another from a legal and administrative standpoint . Overseas regions have exactly the same status as mainland France 's regions . The French constitution provides that , in general , French laws and regulations ( France 's civil code , penal code , administrative law , social laws , tax laws , etc . ) apply to French overseas regions the same as in mainland France , but can be adapted as needed to suit the region 's particular needs . In the French overseas regions , laws can not be adapted whereas the overseas collectivities are empowered to make their own laws , except in certain areas ( such as defense , international relations , trade and currency , and judicial and administrative law ) . The overseas collectivities are governed by local elected assemblies and by the French Parliament and French government , with a cabinet member , the Minister of Overseas France , in charge of issues related to the overseas territories . ( New Caledonia is neither an overseas region nor an overseas collectivity ; it has a sui generis status , in keeping with the Nouméa Accord . ) </P>
what is the name of the french overseas department
what is the name of the french overseas department
Overseas France
Overseas France