The overseas department of France in South America is. Air-tours - multidisciplinary travel agency - Geography of France

Mountains

The Pyrenees mountain range stretches along the border with Spain. During the Ice Age, the Pyrenees were not subject to powerful glaciation. There are no large glaciers and lakes, picturesque valleys and jagged ridges characteristic of the Alps. Due to the considerable altitude and inaccessibility of the passes, communications between Spain and France are very limited. Communication between these countries is maintained mainly through a few narrow passages between the mountains and along the seas in the west and east.
The Alps partly form the border of France with Italy and Switzerland (up to Lake Geneva), and partly extend into south-eastern France up to the Rhone. IN high mountains The rivers carved out deep valleys, and the glaciers that occupied these valleys during the Ice Age widened and deepened them. Majestic peaks, such as the highest point in Western Europe, Mount Mont Blanc (4807 m), stand out picturesquely against the backdrop of glacial valleys. Unlike the Pyrenees, the Alps have a number of relatively easily accessible passes.
The Jura Mountains, along which the border with Switzerland runs, are located between Geneva and Basel. They have a folded structure, composed of limestone, lower and less dissected compared to the Alps, but they were formed in the same era and have a close geological connection with the Alps.

Plateau

The French Massif Central, located between the basins of the Loire, Garonne and Rhone rivers, is the largest massif resulting from the destruction of the ancient Hercynian mountains. Like other ancient mountain regions of France, it rose during the Alpine era, with the softer rocks of the Alps folded and the dense rocks of the Massif Central fractured by cracks and faults. Deep molten rocks rose through such disturbed zones, which was accompanied volcanic eruptions. In the modern era, these volcanoes have lost their activity. Nevertheless, many extinct volcanoes and other volcanic landforms have been preserved on the surface of the massif. The Armorican massif, which occupies the territory of the Brittany and Cotentin peninsulas, is less elevated and less fractured compared to the French Massif Central. However, despite the low altitudes, the Armorican massif is deeply dissected by river valleys and there are few leveled areas. Steep slopes predominate, which, combined with poor soils, limits agricultural development. The Vosges Mountains, which separate the fertile Rhine Valley in Alsace from the rest of France, are only 40 km wide. The smoothed and forested surfaces of these mountains rise above the deep valleys. A similar landscape prevails in the north of the country in the Ardennes (their main massif is located in Belgium).

Plains

The Paris Basin is located in north-central France, surrounded by the Armorican Massif, the French Massif Central, the Vosges and the Ardennes. Around Paris there is a system of concentric ledges of ridges, separated by narrow strips of plains. The Garonne Lowland, located in the southwest of France at the foot of the Pyrenees, is a flat region with fertile soils. The Landes, a triangular wedge-shaped area southwest of the lower Garonne, has less fertile soils and is lined with coniferous forests. The Rhône-Saone Graben in southeastern France forms a narrow passage between the Alps to the east and the French Massif Central to the west. It consists of a series of small depressions separated by highly dissected uplifted areas.

Climate

Normandy and Brittany are characterized by a maritime climate, which extends its influence over the entire western part of the country. Brittany has a particularly mild and humid climate, characterized by a small difference between summer and winter temperatures, as well as cloudy days with strong winds. It is warm in winter ( average temperature January +7°С), but summers are cool and cloudy (in July +17°С). In the eastern regions of the country, the continental climate dominates: here the annual range of average monthly temperatures reaches 20°C. Paris is characterized by mild winters, the average January temperature is +3.5°C. Coast protected from northern winds by the Alps and Massif Central Mediterranean Sea It has Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and humid warm winters. In lowland areas far from the sea, the average January temperature is also positive, and summer is much warmer. In the southern part of France on the coast, the climate is Mediterranean subtropical: summers are dry and hot, winters are warm, but in the fall it starts to rain. In Nice, the average temperature in July is +23°C, in January +8°C. In the mountains - the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central - there are low winter temperatures, strong winds, abundant precipitation, and long-lasting snow cover. The average annual precipitation in most of the country is 600-1000 mm, and precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the country, with the exception of the Mediterranean coast.

Rivers

Most rivers in France, starting in the Massif Central, flow into Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea.

Mineral resources

Coal deposits are found in the foothills and intermountain depressions of the Hercynian Mountains in northern France, Lorraine and the Massif Central. The total reserves of hard coal are estimated at 2-3 billion tons, with low-quality coals predominating, few coking coals and anthracites. The largest reserves of uranium ore in Europe have been discovered in the Massif Central and other Hercynian uplands; Here, antimony, gold and other non-ferrous metals are mined in small quantities. Europe's largest iron ore deposits were found in the Jurassic limestone layers in the west of the Lorraine Plateau. Lorraine ores are not rich: they contain only 30-33% iron and a lot of phosphorus, but their layers are thick, lie shallow and the ores contain natural fluxes. Nearby, east of Nancy, rock salt deposits are known. West Side The French Alps (Pre-Alps) are composed of sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones; the eastern, higher alps are composed of crystalline rocks. Centuries-old activity of ice, snow and melt water has led to a strong dismemberment of the Alps. Pyrenees (France belongs only to them northern slopes) significantly lower than the Alps (~2500m). Particularly majestic is the huge glacier cirque of Gavarny with almost vertical walls 400-500 m high, from where waterfalls fall, giving rise to the river. By. Nowadays, there are almost no glaciers left in the Pyrenees. Powerful mountain systems The Alps and Pyrenees have large reserves of water, their vast subalpine and alpine meadows are used for pastures, and forests provide raw materials for the wood processing industry. Here are the centers international tourism and mountaineering. The subsoil of France as a whole contains significant reserves of mineral raw materials, especially iron ore, bauxite, potassium and rock salts, but fuel resources are very limited.

Mineral reserves (data as of January 1, 2007)
Barite - 1300 thousand tons (general),
800 thousand tons (confirmed)
Bauxites - 100 million tons (identified), 53 million tons (total), 13 million tons (confirmed)
Tungsten - 40 thousand tons (identified), 20 thousand tons (general), 20 thousand tons (confirmed)
Gas - 9.7 billion cubic meters.
Iron ore - 2200 million tons (total, confirmed)
Tin - 65 thousand tons (total, confirmed)
Fluorspar - 14 million tons (total), 10 million tons (confirmed)
Silver - 4000 tons (general), 2000 tons (confirmed)
Lead - 700 thousand tons (general), 320 thousand tons (confirmed)
Brown coal - 161 million tons (total), 14 million tons (confirmed)
Hard coal - 441 million tons (total), 15 million tons (confirmed)

Flora and fauna

Forests occupy 27% of the country's territory. Walnut, birch, oak, spruce, and cork trees grow in the northern and western regions of the country. On Mediterranean coast- palm trees, citrus fruits. Among the representatives of the fauna, deer and fox stand out. Roe deer live in alpine regions, and wild boar survive in remote forests. Also lives here a large number of various species of birds, including migratory ones. Reptiles are rare, and among snakes there is only one poisonous one - the common viper. In coastal sea ​​waters There are many types of fish: herring, cod, tuna, sardine, mackerel, flounder, silver hake.

Protected areas

The French national park system consists of nine parks located both in European France and in its overseas territories. The parks are managed by a government agency, the French National Parks Authority. They occupy 2% of the territory of European France; they are visited by 7 million people a year. In France, there is also a structure of regional natural parks, introduced by law on March 1, 1967. Regional nature parks are created by agreement between local authorities and the central government, and their territory is reviewed every 10 years. As of 2009, there are 49 regional natural parks in France.

Population

The population of France is 63.7 million people. More than 61.8 million people live on the continental territory. In terms of population, the state ranks 20th among 192 UN member countries.
The population density in France is 108 people per 1 sq. km. According to this indicator, the country ranks 14th among EU countries. The total fertility rate in France is one of the highest in Europe - 1.98 children per woman of reproductive age. About 5 million people are of foreign origin (immigrants or children of immigrants), of which 2 million have French citizenship.
The national composition of the country is dominated by the French (94%), the rest are Portuguese, Algerians, Italians, Moroccans, Turks, Basques and others.

In French, all these properties are often called DOM-TOM (an abbreviation for départements d'outre-mer / territoires d'outre-mer).

List of territories

Overseas departments
Guadeloupe
Martinique
Reunion
French Guiana (la Guyane Française)

Overseas communities (communities)
Mayotte
Saint-Barthélemy
Saint Martin
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
Wallis and Futuna (Wallis-et-Futuna)
French Polynesia

Overseas Special (Associated) Territory
New Caledonia(la Nouvelle-Calendonie)

Overseas territories without permanent population
French Southern and Antarctic Territories (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises)
in the Indian Ocean:
islands of Amsterdam and Saint-Paul (l"île Amsterdam, l"île Saint-Paul)
Crozet Islands
Kerguelen Islands (les îles Kerguelen or les îles de la Désolation)
in Antarctica (declared affiliation contradicts UN decisions):
Land of Adélie (la Terre Adélie)
Small (“scattered”) islands (Îles Éparses):
in the Indian Ocean (subordinate to the French Southern and Antarctic Territories):
Bassas da India
Europe (island) (Europa)
Glorieuses Islands
Îles Éparses Islands
Juan de Nova
V Pacific Ocean:
Clipperton (l "île Clipperton)
Part of the island:
Saint Helena is located in the Atlantic Ocean 2,800 km west of Africa and belongs to Great Britain, but the two places where Napoleon lived and the valley in which he was buried are French territory.
For the overseas territory as part of the island, see also the inhabited Saint-Martin (France).

Territorial claims
Madagascar disputes the islands of Basas da India, Glorieuse, Europa, and Joao de Nova, which are part of the Eparce Islands, which have the status of a French overseas territory with a special status.
The State of Comoros (Union of the Comoros) lays claim to the island of Maore (formerly Mayotte), which has the status of a “territorial unit” of France.
Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana) has claims to the territories of French Guiana, the largest overseas department of France.
Since 1990, Mauritius has been negotiating the return of Tromelin Island (belongs to France). There is also agreement in principle regarding the joint management of the island and its surrounding maritime space.
The Republic of Vanuatu disputes the rights to the Matthew and Hunter Islands, located in New Caledonia, which has been an “overseas territory” of France since 1946.
The international community does not recognize France's territorial rights to Adelie Land, the Antarctic sector included by France in its Southern and Antarctic territories.

In the European part of France there are several hundred islands of varying sizes. The largest of them is Corsica island, located in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. From other major French Mediterranean islands you can note islands of Porqueroy (12.54 sq. km.), Levan (9 sq. km.), Port-Cros (7 sq. km.) related to the group islands d'hier. In addition to them, other groups of islands and islets of France are noted in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea: Corsican islands, Marseille islands, archipelago du Frioul, archipelago des Embiers, group of islands de Lérins.

A large number of French islands are also located in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. Among them we can note groups of islands of Saint-Marcouf, Saint-Malo, Dinard, roadstead of Brest, etc., as well as archipelagos to Brea, Sept-Ile, de Glenant, to Molin. There is enough here large islands: Oleron (174 sq. km.), de Re (85 sq. km.), Noirmoutieres (49 sq. km.), d'Yeu (23.3 sq. km.), Belle-Ile (85.6 sq. km. .km.) , as well as many small islands, most of which are uninhabited. There are also dozens of French islets , but there are no relatively large and inhabited ones among them.

France also includes more than twenty overseas departments and dependent territories. And all of them, with the exception of Guiana, are islands. At the same time, the overseas territories of France are scattered around the world and are found in the waters of the Indian (Reunion, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories - FYAT), Atlantic (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon) and Pacific (French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, Clipperton) oceans. The largest islands of the overseas territories of France: o. Grande Terre (New Caledonia, 16,664 sq. km.), o. Grande Terre (FYAT, 6,675 sq. km.), Reunion (2,512 sq. km.), Lifou (New Caledonia, 1,146 sq. km.), Martinique (1,128 sq. km.), Tahiti (French Polynesia) , 1,036 sq. km.), etc. The total area of ​​the islands of the overseas territories of France is 468,655 sq. km., where more than 2.4 million people live.

Continental France has more than 5.5 thousand km. sea ​​borders. Of these, almost 70% are on the Atlantic coast, where France is washed by the waters of the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay and, in fact, the Atlantic Ocean. There are more than 200 islands and islets belonging to France in the coastal waters. Some of them are inhabited, but the majority, due to their size, remain wild and are of interest as a tourist resource.

In the whole mass offshore islands of France in the Atlantic Ocean There are several island groups that are similar in territorial characteristics, and, accordingly, in geology of origin and climate. The most numerous groups of islands are found in the French region of Brittany, where they are divided into four groups according to the departments in which they are located: islands of the departments Ille and Vilaine, Côté d'Armor, Finistère and Morbihan. . The most large island in this group is Belle Ile island , located in the Morbihan department. This island has an area of ​​about 85.63 sq. km. and is inhabited. Here, in four communes (Le Palais, Sauzon, Bangor, Lokmaria), according to the 2012 census, 5,326 people lived. An interesting fact is that in late XIX century, almost 11 thousand inhabitants lived here, but since then their number has been constantly falling until the 1980s, after which it began to gradually increase.

Except Belle-Ile islands among the islands of Brittany there are others inhabited islands: Groix island (Morbihan, 14.82 sq. km., 2,223 inhabitants), Oedic island (Morbihan, 2.08 sq. km., 121 inhabitants), d'Oua island (Morbihan, 2.91 sq. km. km., 249 inhabitants), the island of Molen (Finistère, 0.72 sq. km., 186 inhabitants), the island of Ouessant (Finistère, 15.58 sq. km., 863 inhabitants), the island of Batz (Finistère, 3.2 sq. km. km., 506 inhabitants), the island of Ile de Seine (Finistère, 0.58 sq. km., 215 inhabitants), the island of Ile de Brea (Cote d'Armor, 3.09 sq. km., 404 inhabitants ). The remaining islands of Brittany are small and uninhabited, although there are more than a hundred islands, grouped into groups and archipelagos: the islands of Saint-Malo in the commune of Saint-Malo, the islands of the commune of Cancale, the islands of the commune of Dinard, the archipelago of Brea (Cote-d'Armor, 10 islands, 444 inhabitants), the archipelago of Sept-Île (Cote-d'Armor, 9 islands), the Glenan archipelago (Finistère, 9 islands), the Molen archipelago (Finistère, 11 islands), the islands of the Brest roadstead (Finistère, 6 islands), the group of islands du golf Morbihan (Morbihan, 53 islands). In addition, in Brittany there are several dozen uninhabited islands that are not classified into separate groups or archipelagos.

In the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean there are also islands of the Manche department (Bas-Normandie), islands of the Loire Land regions, Poitou-Charentes, Aquitaine . The islands of the Manche department (Basse Normandy), which number several dozen islands and include the islands of the communes of Mont Saint-Michel, Djenet, Saint-Marcouf, the Chaussy archipelago and other islands .

Islands of the Loire Land region include more than a dozen islands in the departments of the Atlantic Loire and Vendée. There are also large ones among them. The largest island in the region is Noirmoutier Island has an area of ​​49 sq. km. with a population of 9,592 people (2012). The communes of La Guerinière, Barbatre, l'Epin, Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile are located here. Also inhabited island region is Ile d'Yeux island , with an area of ​​23.32 sq. km. and with a population of 4,562 people. The commune of the same name is located here. The remaining islands of the Loire Land region are uninhabited. The largest of them: islands of Dumais, Evens, Grand Charpentier, de Bouin, du Pilier, etc.

Islands of the Poitou-Charentes region not so numerous, but among them there are the largest islands in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean of continental France - islands d'Oleron (Charente-Maritime, 174 sq. km., 21,871 inhabitants) and de Re (Charente-Maritime 85.32 sq. km., 17,640 inhabitants). There are numerous small islands here. A particularly large number of them are found in the Gironde estuary at its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean. Most of these islets are unnamed. TO The small islands of the Poitou-Charentes region also include the fairly famous Fort Boyard and Fort Enet. There are other islands that are small and uninhabited.

Another group of islands of continental France in the Atlantic Ocean are the islands of the Aquitaine region. This also includes several nameless islands in the Gironde estuary, as well as uninhabited islets in the waters of the Bay of Biscay: Banc d'Arguin, il Oz'Oiseau, Far de Cordua.

From the Mediterranean islands of France Several island groups are also distinguished. These are the islands of the Lenguedoc-Roussillon region, the islands of the Provence-Alpes-Côté d'Azur region , which includes several groups of islands: Archipelago des Embiers, Marseille Islands, Archipelago du Frioul, Lérins Islands ; and Corsica and Corsican Islands .

Islands of the Languedoc-Roussillon region is a small group of small uninhabited islands located in the coastal zone of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The most famous of these islands is the volcanic island of Fort de Bresco, located 1.5 km away. from the continental coast of Agde. On this island there is a medieval fortress-fort, the construction of which was very common in France. You can also note such forts as Fort Boyard, Fort Enet, located in the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region there are also several islands: de l'Haut, Planasse, du Souliere.

Islands of the Provence-Alpes-Côté d'Azur region , include several groups of islands: islands of the departments Alpes-Maritimes (Lérins Islands), Var (Des Embiers Archipelago, Hyères Islands), Bouches-du-Rhône (Marseille Islands, Frioul Archipelago). Lérins Islands is a small group of islands in the Alpes-Maritimes department. The group includes relatively large island of Sainte-Marguerite with an area of ​​2.1 sq. km., on which up to 10 people periodically live, as well as those located next to it island of Saint-Honora (0.37 sq. km.), islets of Saint-Ferreol and Tradelier .

Islands of the Var Department There are several dozen small islands and their groups. This includes the islands of the Des Embiers archipelago, which includes 5 uninhabited islands: Embier, Grand Rouvaux (0.57 sq. km.), Petit Rouvoux, Grand Gau and Petit Gau . In addition to the islands of the Des Embiers archipelago, there are others in the Var department. Islands d'Hyeres (Hyeres Islands) - the largest French islands in the Mediterranean Sea after Corsica, occupying a total area of ​​28.99 sq. km. This is a fairly dense island group consisting of several large islands: Bagot, Levan, Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Grand Rebo, Petit Rebo, Redon; and several small islands: Rocher du Rascard, Gabiniere.. The largest of them is Porquerolles Island (12.54 sq. km., 210 inhabitants). Second by size - Levan Island , having an area of ​​9 sq. km. Just over 100 people live on its territory. Port-Cros Island - the third largest island of the Var department. Its area is 7 sq. km., and on its territory there is the Port-Cros National Park. Also in the Var department there are several small uninhabited islands that do not belong to any of the island groups, located, as a rule, close (within 10-100 meters) from the coast. This Bendor Islands, Lyon de Mer, Lyon de Terre, d'Or, Viel and others.

Islands of the Bouches-du-Rhône department include large island groups: the Archpelago du Frioul and the Marseille Islands (Marseille Islands), as well as several small single islands in the coastal waters of the department. Archipelago du Frioul has a dozen small islands off the coast of Marseille, on whose territory about 80 people live, mostly temporarily. Among the islands of the archipelago, the most famous is Isle of If , on which the castle of the same name is located. In addition to the island of If, the archipelago includes islands of Gran Salaman, Petit Salaman, Eiglode, Gros Esto, Pomegeu, Ratonneau and others . All of them are quite small and located in a close group. Marseille Islands (Marseille Islands) They have a slightly more numerous composition, but are also small in size and located in close proximity to the coast. The largest island of the group is Mare Island , is a rocky massif of volcanic origin and is uninhabited. The remaining islands are even smaller: Jar, Esteu, Rio, Moyad and others They are small pieces of land with an area of ​​up to 500 square meters. m., rising above sea level in close proximity to one another at a distance of up to 1 km. from the coast. In addition to the indicated island groups, the Bouches-du-Rhône department also includes several single islands located along the entire coast of the department. This - Planier Islands, d'Endum, Degabi, l'Everin, Vert and others. They are all small. The biggest - Wert Island has an area of ​​about 0.12 sq. km., of continental origin and is located near the coast, south of Marseille. All these islands are uninhabited.

Corsica is the largest island in France in the Mediterranean Sea. Near the island there are several dozen small islands and islets, which are also influenced by France. Among these islands, a relatively large group consists of Zerbical Islands , located on the south side of Corsica. This group includes 6 small islands Maestro Maria, Forana, Piana, du Toro, Rocher de la Vacca, Pietricaggios. . All these islands are uninhabited. The largest of them is Piana Island , having an area of ​​6.5 hectares, the rest are much smaller. Except Zerbical Islands There are other island groups off the coast of Corsica: islands of Finocchiarola, de Muen, Lavezzi, Sanguiner, Tonara and others , as well as individual islands , of which there are several dozen. On the northern side of Corsica is islands de la Pietra, Giraglia, Capens and several small islands , from the west - Gargalo Island , from the south and east - islands d'Essica, Cavallo and others . The largest of them is Cavallo Island , has an area of ​​1.2 sq. km. and is located almost at the southernmost point of the island of Corsica at a distance of 2.4 km.. Cavallo Island uninhabited, but there are several campsites and mini-hotels equipped with piers, which makes it attractive for yachting tourists.

Island of Corsica (French - Corse) is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, second in size only to the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia and the island of Cyprus. Its area is 8,680 sq. km, its length from west to east is 85 km, and from north to south - 183.5 km. Corsica Island located at a distance of 170-180 km. southeast of the coast of continental France. At the same time, from Italian coast Corsica is separated from the Apennine Peninsula by only 85 km, and from the northern coast of the neighboring large island of Sardinia - only 12 kilometers. From North Corsica island washed by the Ligurian Sea, on the eastern side - waters Tyrrhenian Sea. From the south and west, Corsica is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Currently on island of Corsica 322.1 thousand people live with a population density of just over 37 people/sq.km. It is worth noting that the number of people living on the island fluctuated constantly. Thus, in 1936, about 322.8 thousand inhabitants lived in Corsica, and in 1954 - only 244 thousand people; in 1975, 289.8 thousand people lived here, and in 1982 - 240 thousand inhabitants. After this, the number of people living in Corsica constantly grew.

In administrative terms, it has the status of a region of France, on the territory of which there are 2 departments (Haute-Corsica, South Corsica), 5 districts, 52 cantons and 360 communes. The largest settlements on the island are the capitals of the departments: Ajaccio (Southern Corsica) with a population of 66.8 thousand people, Bastia (Upper Corsica, 43.5 thousand inhabitants), and Porto Vexio (10.8 thousand) in the department of Southern Corsica. The coastal areas of Corsica are the most populated, and central part Due to the complex terrain, the islands have a lower density.

Corsica Island is a monolithic rock rising above the water. The average height of the island is 568 meters above sea level, making it the highest among western islands Mediterranean Sea. The presence of a large number of lakes on the island and the structure of some valleys indicate the existence of glaciers in the past. The coastline of Corsica has many ponds and marshes, as well as many islands offshore. Corsica Island divided from northwest to southeast mountain range, descending from north to south with maximum peaks of Monte Cinto (2,706 m above sea level), Capu a Verdatu (2,583 m), Capu Biancu (2,562 m), Punta Minute (2,556 m), Capu Falu ( 2 540m.). From a geological point of view, most of the island is a solid granite block, only the north East End The island is based on a continental shelf of continental origin.

Although many endemic species disappeared quite early in human history, compared to the mainland and islands of Brittany, Corsica has a relatively protected environment, both on land and on the coast and sea. Corsica Island has an international marine park, nature reserves (Scandola, Finocchiarola, Bigiuglia, Zerbical, Strait of Bonifacio and Tre Padul de Suarton) and Regional park Corsica. Several endemic insect species have been found on the island, which are protected by the Biodiversity Conservatory of Corsica.

Inland waters Corsica islands represent several dozen small rivers and streams, as well as a large number of small lakes. The most large rivers- Golo (89.6 km, river basin - 926 sq. km.), Tavignano (89 km., basin - 625 sq. km.), Taravo (65.6 km., 331 sq. km.). Almost all rivers and streams have a mountainous flow and differ relatively high speed water flow. Very picturesque mountain lakes Corsica, of which there are also several dozen here. The largest of them are: Bigiuglia pond (14.5 sq. km.), Urbino pond (8 sq. km.), Dian pond (6 sq. km.), Pond de Palo (2.12 sq. km.), Lake Tola, Lake Kalakuchcha (1.3 sq. km.), Lake Kodol (0.8 sq. km.). Alpine lakes are much smaller in size, but have pure water and extraordinary beauty, which attracts a large number of tourists who prefer leisure in the form of walking and cycling trips in sparsely populated regions.

Climate on island of Corsica distinctly Mediterranean. The average temperature on the island ranges from 7 degrees above zero in January to 20-23 degrees plus in July. Precipitation on the island is moderate. Moreover, from west to east their average annual number decreases. In Ajaccio this figure is 645-650 mm.mm. per year, and in Bastia - 790-800 mm.mm. On climate Corsica islands influenced by various winds blowing from the sea. The greatest influence is exerted by humid and warm easterly winds, prevailing 65% of the time. But winds blow from the west much less often: only 2-3% of the time.

Favorable climatic conditions, good infrastructure, low population density and untouched nature Corsica islands make this island attractive to tourists. More than a million people visit the island every year. The greatest demand is for such types of recreation as beach, gastronomic and excursion. Tourists in Corsica prefer walking and cycling, as well as traveling on yachts along the coastal waters of the island.

France includes more than twenty overseas departments and dependent territories . And all of them, with the exception of Guiana, are islands. At the same time, the overseas territories of France are scattered around the world and are found in the waters of the Indian (Reunion, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories - FYAT), Atlantic (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon) and Pacific (French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, Clipperton) oceans.

Guadeloupe (French: Guadeloupe) - a region and at the same time an overseas department of France in the West Indies, in the eastern part Caribbean Sea, with a total area of ​​1628 sq. km. As part of the overseas Guadeloupe department includes the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre , separated by the narrow Salt River Strait, also known under the common name "Guadeloupe", (French: Ile de la Guadeloupe), as well as the small islands of Marie-Galante (French: Marie-Galante), La Desirade (French: La Desirade) , Le Saintes (French: Iles des Saintes) and Petite Terre (French: Iles de la Petite Terre). Basse Terre Island is the largest in the Grvadelupe island group. Its area is 847.82 sq. km, and its population is 186.6 thousand people. Here is the capital of the department - the city of Basse-Terre. Grande Terre Island it is also quite large (586.7 sq. km.) and the most densely populated. It is home to 197.6 thousand inhabitants with a population density of 337 people per 1 sq. km.

In addition to these islands, Guadeloupe also controls other island groups. The largest of them is Archipelago de Saintes , which includes 9 islands (Terre des Hautes, Terre des Basse, Grande Ile and others) has a total area of ​​12.8 sq. km. with a population of 2.86 thousand people. In addition to it, Guadeloupe includes such island groups as the islands of Côté-sous-les-Vens, Petit-sul-de-sac Marin, Grand-sul-de-sac Marine, as well as the Marie-Galante group of islands, the La Desirade islands, the Petit Terre group of islands.

Climate on the Guadeloupe Islands - tropical trade wind. Characterized by even temperatures (24-27 °C) and significant humidity (1500-2000 mm of precipitation per year). The rainy season lasts from July to November. Sometimes tropical hurricanes hit the island at this time. Despite the heavy rainfall, there are very few rivers on Grande-Terre, as the water drains into cracks in the limestone, but on the mountainous Basse-Terre, rivers are numerous and fast-flowing. Rainwater on the island is collected in tanks and used as drinking water. Tourism plays an increasingly important role in Guadeloupe's economy. Thanks to him Guadeloupe Islands receive an impetus for development and gradually turn into developed tourist centers. The majority of tourists to Guadeloupe are visitors from mainland France (92%), as well as citizens of Belgium and Italy.

Guiana (French Guiana) (French Guyane Francaise) is the largest overseas region and at the same time an overseas department of France, located in the northeast of South America. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne. It borders on the west with Suriname, on the south and east with Brazil, and on the north and northeast by the Atlantic Ocean. The area of ​​the department is 91 thousand sq. km. The population is only 250.4 thousand people (2014). At the same time, 55.2 thousand residents live in the capital.

Guiana has a continental location, but off the coastline in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean there are several islands and island groups that are subject to Guiana's territorial influence. First of all this Salyu Islands , the largest in terms of territory among islands of the Guianas, which include three islands: Royal, Diable, St. Joseph. These islands are located 15 km away. from the administrative center of Kourou, located on the coast of continental Guiana. The largest island of the archipelago - Isle Royale , whose area is 0.28 sq. km. The relatively large islands of the group are Saint Joseph Island (0.2 sq. km.), and Diablo Island (0.14 sq. km.) . All islands of the group are uninhabited.

The largest island of Guiana is La Mer. , part of the group of islands de Remire, located at a distance of 5-10 km. from the capital of Guiana - Cayenne. This island is a protrusion of the continental platform, overgrown with tropical forest. Besides him in the group Islands de Remire includes several relatively large islands: Le Malingre, Le Mammel , as well as a dozen very tiny islands scattered along the coast: Le Pere, Le Tserkuel, l'Enfant Perdu and others. All islands are uninhabited.

In addition to the indicated island groups, there are other single small islands along the coast, usually at a distance of 5-20 km. from the coast. These are: Grand Constable (0.026 sq. km.), Rocher la Folle, Ile Verte and others. The climate of the islands of Guiana is no different from its continental part. It belongs to the subequatorial type; the air temperature throughout the year ranges from 25 to 28 degrees. The amount of precipitation is 2500-4000 mm per year.

Martinique (French: Martinique) - a region and at the same time an overseas department of France, located on one of the islands of the central part Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean. The area of ​​the Martinique region is 1,128 sq. km., with the vast majority of it located on the island of Martinique. The population of Martinique is 388.4 thousand inhabitants (2012). Moreover, in 2006, 397.5 thousand people lived on the island. However, recently, due to a decline in the birth rate and due to a negative balance of external immigration, the population of Martinique has been steadily declining since 2006. The average population density of Martinique is about 344 people/sq.km., which is not much more than the population density of Guadeloupe. Capital Martinique Islands - Fort-de-France with a population of 85.7 thousand people.

Relief Martinique - mountainous. The hilly plain divides Martinique into two parts: the southern low (up to 504 m) and the northern, occupied mainly by old volcanic massifs, among which the active and most high volcano Montagne-Pelée (“Bald Mountain”), 1397 m high. To the south of Montagne-Pelée there is a small mountain range called Piton du Carbet.

Martinique's coastline is more than 350 km long. The coast of the island is heavily indented, has many bays and bays, in which there are more than 50 small uninhabited islands, as well as many reefs and underwater rocks. Coastal Martinique islets have many common features. Almost all of them are of continental origin, uninhabited, have flat terrain and tropical forest cover, all the islands are small in size. Most Martinique's largest coastal island - Chancel Island , with an area of ​​0.7 sq. km. All Martinique islets They form unique groups based on territorial characteristics. Geographers identify the following groups of islands: islands of the Atlantic Ocean (Saint-Aubin, Sainte-Marie), islands of the Caribbean Sea (Ramière, Charlet, Sixten, etc.), Saint-Anne islands (a group of more than 10 islets - Baude, Cabrit, Chevalier etc.), islands de la Caravelle (Tartan, Galyon, Lapin, etc.), islands du Francois, islets Vauqueline, islands du Robert (Chancel, Madame and others). On many coastal islets of Martinique there are small hotels, campsites equipped with piers and wonderful beaches, and therefore many of them are quite often visited by foreign tourists, such as organized groups, and in independent travel.

Climate Martinique and offshore islets tropical, trade wind. Average monthly temperatures range from 24 to 27 degrees above zero. Average annual precipitation ranges from 1500 to 2000 mm per year. The rainy season lasts from July to November. In general, climatic conditions are favorable for the development of agriculture and tourism, with the exception of fairly frequent hurricanes characteristic of the Caribbean region. Tourism has an increasing impact on the economy Martinique . For example, in 2011, the island was visited by more than 1.347 million tourists. Thanks to the proceeds Money from the tourist flow - the infrastructure continues to develop, which makes Martinique quite an interesting place to travel.

Mayotte (French: Mayotte) - a region and at the same time an overseas department of France, located in the Mozambique Channel, in the western part Indian Ocean, between northern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. Consists of the main Islands of Grande Terre (or Maore) , smaller in size the island of Petit Terre (or Pamanzy), and several other tiny islets . Geographically it belongs to the Comoros Islands. The area of ​​the region is 376 sq. km. with a population of 212.65 thousand inhabitants (2012). Population density is 566 people per 1 sq. km. Largest settlements islands : the capital of Mayotte is Mamoudzou (57.3 thousand people), Kungu (26,488 inhabitants), Dzaoji (14,311 inhabitants).

Geographically, Mayotte is located on one island - Grande Terre , which is located between the coast of Africa (475 km) and the island of Madagascar (300 km). The area of ​​the island is 363 sq. km, which is 96% of the entire territory of the region. 188.21 thousand inhabitants live here. The length of the island is 39 km. from north to south and 22 km. from west to east. On the West Coast Grande Terre Islands The capital of Mayotte is located - the city of Mamoudzou. At a distance of 2.5 km. to the east of the island of Grande Terre is the second largest Mayotte island - Petit Terre , whose territory covers an area of ​​10.95 sq. km. with a population of 24.44 thousand inhabitants. On Petit Terre island Dzwudz-Pamanzy Airport is located. These islands have in common geological origin and similar hilly terrain.

In coastal waters The main islands of Mayotte are home to several dozen tiny islands with a total area of ​​2.05 sq. km. All islands are uninhabited and are geographically divided into several groups according to territorial characteristics: Chissiua Islands, Choisil Islands, Effatsi Islands, Haiangua Islands, and several single islands (Mtsanga, Vatu, Zin, etc.)

Mayotte has a maritime tropical climate. There are 2 seasons: wet and warm - from November to April, and dry, cool - in the remaining months. The average air temperature ranges from +24 to +27 degrees, and in the heat it reaches +36. Average annual precipitation ranges from 1100 mm in the center to 3000 mm on the mountain slopes and coastal plain. Relative air humidity - up to 85%. The region's economy is dominated by agriculture and fishing. Tourism industry on islands of Mayotte poorly developed due to a certain distance from the main tourist regions.

New Caledonia (French: Nouvelle-Caledonie) - an overseas special administrative-territorial entity of France located in the Pacific Ocean. Part of New Caledonia includes the large island of Grande Terre (New Caledonia) and a group of small islands in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, consisting of several medium-sized islands (Lifou, Marais, des Pins, Uvea), as well as more than a hundred small islands. New Caledonia It borders in the southwest with the economic zone of Australia, in the north with Vanuatu, and in the southeast with Fiji. The population of New Caledonia is 268.77 thousand inhabitants, and the area of ​​the islands is 18,575.5 sq. km. The population density on the islands is 14 people per 1 sq. km.

The largest island of New Caledonia is Grande Terre, which covers an area of ​​16,664 sq. km (90% of the islands' area) with a population of 225.5 thousand (84%) people. The largest settlement on the island is the city of Noumea with a population of 99.9 thousand (2014) people, which is located in the southwestern part of the island. Grande Terre Island has mostly mountainous terrain. The shores are heavily indented and have many bays and bays, but access to them is difficult due to the coral reefs located along the island. The island is composed mainly of ophiolitic deposits. The highest point of the island is Mount Panier, which is 1,628 meters above sea level. In the 19th century, New Caledonia served as a European settler colony. The island has many rivers, mostly mountainous, there are lakes, and fertile red soils predominate. Forests occupy about 15% of the territory. A number of valuable tree species grow, including different kinds coniferous agathis and araucaria. Animal world New Caledonia is relatively poor, but has endemic animal species, the most famous of which is the gecko.

In addition to the island of Grande Terre, the large islands of New Caledonia are: the island of Lifou, the island of Mare, the islands des Pins and Ouvea. Administratively, New Caledonia is divided into three large regions: Northern Province, Southern Province, Loyate Islands. Basic island of New Caledonia - The island of Grande Terre is divided into two parts in accordance with this division. In addition to it, these provinces include small coastal islands. To the Lajote Islands refers to a group of islands located 100-110 km away. to the east of the main island and runs parallel to its axis.

Lifu Island located 105 kilometers east of Grande-Terre Island and covers an area of ​​1,207.1 sq. km. with a population of 9,275 (2014) people. Belongs to the Loyate Island region and is its largest island . The largest settlement on the island is the village of We. Lifu Island has a flat topography with maximum heights of only 104 meters above sea level. 95% of the island's surface is occupied by wild equatorial forest. Only along the coast in some places on the island are formed sandy beaches. Most of the coast does not have beaches, but consists of forested areas that abruptly end into the ocean.

Mare Island - the third largest island of New Caledonia. Also applies to Loyate Islands . Its area is 641.7 square meters. km., population - 5,648 inhabitants. Mare Island is 45 km away. southeast of Lifou Islands . Up to the east coast main New Caledonia Islands Grande Terre - 110 km. The largest settlement is the commune of Tadin, located on the west coast of the island. The relief of the island, as well as on the island. Lifou is flat. The maximum height is 138 meters above sea level. Forests on the island occupy about 60% of the territory. There are roads connecting Tadin with another settlement - La Roche. The island has several small lakes with an area of ​​up to 100 square meters. m.

The fourth largest island in New Caledonia is the Ile des Pins. Its area is 152.3 square meters. km., population - 1,958 (2014) inhabitants. Isle des Pins is 50 km away. south of Grande Terre Island. They are separated by a small strait, in which there are numerous coral reefs and small islands of coral origin. The largest settlement is the village of Vao. In terms of geological structure, the Île des Pins is more similar to the island of Grande Terre than to the islands of Lifou and Marais. Here there are granite inclusions, which are separate blocks. The maximum height is 262 meters. Together with the coastal islands it is part of Southern Province.

Uvea Island is the fifth largest island of New Caledonia. Included in Loyate Islands . Its area is 132.1 square meters. km., population - 3,374 (2014) inhabitants. It is the most populous island in New Caledonia. Uvea Island is 45 km away. northwest of the northern border Lifou Islands at a distance of 105 km. from the eastern shore Grande Terre Islands . The largest settlement is the village of Feyahue. The island's topography is flat, with a maximum height of 42 m above sea level. This is a typical coral island, on which there are several small settlements, an airport and several hotels. The majority of the population is indigenous. The share of French residents is no more than 10%. About 50% of the island's area is occupied by humid equatorial forests, the rest is sandy beaches and meadows. There are no rivers or lakes on the island.

In addition to the described islands, New Caledonia includes more than a hundred small islands . Some of them are located along the coast of the main island of Grande Terre and are part of the Northern and Southern provinces, and some of the islands are located at some distance (100-150 km) from the main island and belong to the Loyate Islands. The islands near the main island are of similar origin and have a rocky surface in some places. But the Loyate Islands, on the contrary, are of coral alluvial origin, characterized by low altitudes and flat terrain.

Territory of New Caledonia is located in a tropical climate zone, which is moderated by oceanic influences and under the periodic influence of El Niño and La Niña air currents, with prevailing easterly and southeasterly winds (trade winds). Climate of the islands of New Caledonia characterized by relatively warm temperatures (average temperature for 12 months is 22-25 degrees above zero) and relatively high air humidity (73-81%). There is an average of 2500-2800 hours of clear daytime weather and sunshine. In this regard, New Caledonia has a high level of tourism potential. However, tourism currently does not have a significant impact on the region's economy, accounting for only 4% of New Caledonia's GDP. Tourist flows mainly come from Japan, Australia, New Zealand and France. It is worth noting that recently the region’s economy has become increasingly dependent on the tourism industry and is focused on foreign tourists. If in 2007 the region was visited by 225 thousand people (120 thousand within cruise holiday), then in 2011 these figures were 315 thousand and 160 thousand, respectively, and in 2013 these flows increased by almost 30%: 405 thousand tourists, of which 215 thousand tourists were on cruise programs.

French Polynesia (French: Polynesie francaise) - an overseas community of France, located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean. French polynesia entirely located on the islands. It is bordered in the west by the waters of the Cook Islands, in the northwest by Kiribati, in the north, east and south by neutral Pacific waters, and in the southeast by the waters of Pitcairn. French Polynesia includes archipelagos : the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Tubuai Islands, and the Gambier Islands, which are located near the Tuamotu, are actually a separate part of the Tuamotu. total area islands of French Polynesia - 4167 sq. km., population - 268,270 people (in 2012). The political and administrative center is the city of Papeete (25.8 thousand inhabitants), located on the island of Tahiti (the largest island of French Polynesia, 1,042 sq. km). The population density of the islands of French Polynesia is 64 inhabitants per 1 sq. km.

Tubuai Islands (French - Iles Australes) - a group of islands located in the southwest of the region of French Polynesia. Second name - Austral Islands . A small group of Bass Islands (Rapa Iti and Maria Islands) stands out separately. Politically, it is a southwest Pacific overseas division called Austral Islands of France within French Polynesia . The total area of ​​the Tubuai islands is 148 sq. km, population is 6.85 thousand people. The administrative center of the islands is the city of Matora, located on the island of Tubuai. Tubuai Island is the largest island in the archipelago . Its area is 45 sq. km. In addition to him, the composition The Tubuai islands include six islands: Rurutu (32.75 sq. km., 2.3 thousand inhabitants), Rimatara (9 sq. km., 880 inhabitants), Raivavae (16 sq. km., 940 inhabitants), Rapa Iti (40 sq. km., 520 inhabitants), Marotiri (0.04 sq. km.), Maria Islands (1.3 sq. km.). Last Islands- uninhabited coral attols. In addition to these islands, the Tubai Islands include many small atoll islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean in the south of French Polynesia.

The Marquesas Islands (French - Iles Marquises) are located in the northeast of French Polynesia. It is the largest island group in French Polynesia by area. At the same time, it is considered one of the most inaccessible archipelagos in the world. The Marquesas Islands are 4,800 km away from the nearest mainland coast (Mexico). The central island of French Polynesia - the island of Tahiti - is 1370 km away. The main part of the archipelago is of volcanic origin. The islands originated in the Marquesas volcanic region, which lies under the Pacific Plate. The archipelago includes 15 islands, divided into two groups: Northern group of Marquesas Islands and Southern group of Marquesas Islands. The total area of ​​the Marquesas Islands is 997 sq. km. with a population of 9.3 thousand people. In the 16th century, at the time of their discovery by Europeans, about 100 thousand natives lived on the Marquesas Islands. But when meeting Europeans, due to weak immunity to disease, the population of the islands began to decline sharply. The main cause of death for the local population is smallpox. By the beginning of the 20th century, no more than 2 thousand remained to live here. local residents. Since then, the population has grown somewhat, but is still far from reaching its previous level. The Northern Group of the Marquesas Islands includes the following islands: Nuku Hiva (central island of the group, area 387 sq. km, population - 2,966 (2012)), Ua-Pu (105 sq. km, 2,173 inhabitants), Ua-Huka (83.4 sq. km ., 621 inhabitants), Eiao (43.8 sq. km.), Hatutu (6.6 sq. km.), Motu-One (1.1 sq. km.), Motu-Oa (0.3 sq. km.) km.), Motu-Iti (0.2 sq. km.). The last five islands of the group are uninhabited. Part The southern group of the Marquesas Islands includes: Hiva Oa (central island of the group, 316 sq. km., 2190 inhabitants), Fatu Hiva (84 sq. km., 611 inhabitants), Tahuata (61 sq. km., 705 inhabitants), Moho Thani (16 sq. km.), Fatu Huku (1 sq. km.), Terihi (0.15 sq. km.), Motu Nao (0.01 sq. km.).

Islands of Society (French - Iles de la Societe) the most populous region of French Polynesia, located in its western part north of the islands Tubuai. Society Islands - a tropical archipelago of volcanic origin. The area of ​​the archipelago is 1,593 sq. km, the population is 227.8 thousand inhabitants. Society Islands are divided into two groups - Windward and Leeward. Windward Islands are located south of the Leeward Islands group and consist of five main islands: Tahiti (the largest island of the archipelago and all of French Polynesia, area - 1,042 sq. km., population - 183,645 inhabitants (2012)), Moorea (134 sq. km., 16.2 thousand inhabitants), Maiao (9 sq. km. .km., 300 inhabitants), Tetiaroa (6 sq.km.), Mekhetia (2.3 sq.km.), and several other small islands (Orotera, Rimatou, Onetahi, etc.). TO The leeward islands include large and populated islands: Raiatea (238 sq. km., 12.1 thousand inhabitants), Tahaa (88 sq. km., 5.2 thousand inhabitants), Huahine (74 sq. km., 6.3 thousand inhabitants). inhabitants), Bora Bora (38 sq. km., 9.8 thousand inhabitants), Maupiti (13.5 sq. km., 1.25 thousand inhabitants), Manuae (3.5 sq. km., 50 inhabitants ), and uninhabited islands: Tupai (11 sq. km.), Motu One (3 sq. km.), Maupihaa (2.6 sq. km.) and several small islands adjacent to them.

Tuamotu Islands (French - archipel des Tuamotu) - the largest island group in French Polynesia. The archipelago includes 78 islands of several island groups with a total area of ​​850 sq. km. with a population of 15,510 inhabitants (2007). Population density is 18.3 people per 1 sq. km. Tuamotu Islands are located in the central part of French Polynesia, stretching diagonally from northwest to southeast at a distance of 1.5 thousand km. The Tuamotu archipelago includes the following island groups: Actaeon Islands (10.6 sq. km., 4 islands, uninhabited), Dieu Group Islands (2 islands, 21.7 sq. km., 99 inhabitants (2007)), Desappouentman Islands (3 islands, 14 sq. km. km., 472 inhabitants (2007)), Duke of Gloucester Islands (4 islands, 18.8 sq. km., 58 inhabitants (2007)), Palizer Islands (10 islands, 233 sq. km., 5 995 inhabitants (2007)), Raevsky Island (19 islands, 254.4 sq. km., 2.8 thousand inhabitants), King George Island (5 islands, 64 sq. km., 2.96 thousand inhabitants ), the Hao island group (8 islands, 79.9 sq. km., 1.29 thousand inhabitants), the Hikkueru island group (3 islands, 10.2 sq. km., 169 inhabitants), as well as other atolls and their groups located within the axis of the archipelago. The largest island of the Tuamotu archipelago is Rangiroa Island, part of the Palizer Islands. Its area is 79 sq. km., and 2.57 thousand inhabitants live on its territory, and it itself is a classic attol, consisting of many small coral islets with a vast lagoon (1,446 sq. km.). Tiputa is home to the local government of Rangiroa District. Largest settlements- Avatoru and Tiputa. There is an airstrip on Avatoru Attol. The settlements are connected to each other by a paved road.

Gambier Archipelago is located on the same axis with the Tuamotu islands in its southern part and is, in fact, their continuation. The Gambier Islands are often considered a separate group of islands from the Tuamotu due to cultural and linguistic proximity to the Marquesas Islands, as well as geological structure(islands in this group have volcanic origin, while Tuamotu is a group of atolls). Due to its proximity, Temoe Atoll is often classified as one of the Gambier Islands. The Gambier archipelago includes 14 relatively large islands with a total area of ​​31 sq. km. with a population of 1,421 people (2012). This includes the islands: Akamaru (2.1 sq. km., 11 inhabitants (2001)), Kouaku (Kouaku), Makaroa (0.2 sq. km.), Mangareva (15.4 sq. km., 880 inhabitants (2012), Manui, 0.1 sq. km., Mekiro, Totegegie, Taravai, 5.7 sq. km., 6 inhabitants, Tekava , Tepapuri, as well as many small islands, which according to their territorial characteristics belong to these islands. The largest settlement is the city of Rikitea, located on east coast Mangareva Islands. The economy of this region of French Polynesia, unlike its main part, is not oriented towards tourism. This region is the least visited of all the main archipelagos of French Polynesia. At the same time, there are a large number of pearl farms located here, which leads to an increase in the prosperity of the region and the population.

Due to the large scattering of islands French Polynesia between 8 and 27 degrees south latitude, they cannot be classified as one climatic zone. For example, the northern Marquesas Islands are characterized by dry tropical weather, while the southern islands (Gambier Archipelago) are characterized by a mid-latitude climate. It is customary to distinguish between two main seasons: from November to April - the “hot” season or southern summer with a high degree of humidity; from May to October the so-called “fresh” season with decreased humidity (Australian winter) predominates. Cyclones are common here, especially during the hot season. However, in general, the climatic conditions of French Polynesia are quite favorable, which contributes to the development of tourism, including cruise tourism.

Reunion (French - Reunion) - an island in the Indian Ocean located east of Madagascar, from which Reunion is separated by 900 km. water space. The nearest large island is Mauritius, located 180 km away. towards the northeast. Square Reunion Islands - 2512 sq. km., coastline length - 207 km. Reunion Island - belongs to the group of Mascarene Islands, which also includes the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Wherein Reunion is the westernmost and at the same time the largest island in the group. Reunion Island has a volcanic origin, and, accordingly, mountainous terrain. The highest point is the extinct volcano Piton des Neiges (3069 m). According to geological studies it last eruption happened 12-20 thousand years ago. There is also an active volcano on the island - Piton de la Fournaise (2631 m), located in the southwest of Piton des Neiges. At the same time, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world (about 150 eruptions were recorded in the 17th century). Lava fields occupy about 20% of the territory of Reunion Island.

Off the south coast Reunion Islands , at a distance of 1.2 km. There is a satellite island - Petite Ile, with an area of ​​0.02 sq. km., which has a common volcanic origin with the main island and has a common geological foundation. Petite Ile Island is uninhabited.

On Reunion Island 843.6 thousand inhabitants live (2015). Population density is 336 people per 1 sq. km. The administrative center of Reunion Island is the city of Saint-Denis with a population of 144.2 thousand people (2011). There are others big cities: Saint-Paul (103 thousand inhabitants), Saint-Pierre (76.3 thousand inhabitants), Le Tampon (72 thousand inhabitants), Saint-André (52.9 thousand inhabitants). In addition to these cities, there are 12 cities on the island with a population of over 10 thousand inhabitants. The largest settlements on the island Reunion located on the coast and connected by paved roads. Inland, the population density decreases noticeably. The largest settlements here are small towns with a population of up to 5 thousand people.

Climate of Reunion Island refers to a type of tropical humid climate that is strongly influenced by the trade winds flowing from east to west. The presence of high mountains causes serious differences in the microclimate of the island. The east coast, influenced by the same trade winds, is characterized by high humidity, while the west coast of the island has a drier continental climate. In the coastal zone, the average monthly temperature usually ranges from + 21 degrees (August) to 26.5 ° C (January). The average minimum temperature for the coldest month in Saint-Denis is 17 °C, while the average maximum for the hottest month is 30 °C. However, the island does not experience much heat. The temperature never exceeds +35 degrees. The level of precipitation varies greatly across the island. For example, in the city of Port the average annual precipitation is 636 mm, and in the city of St. Benedict, humid coastal city this figure reaches 3464 (!!!) mm per year. IN mountain towns Like Silao, the average temperature ranges between 12 °C and 22 °C. Frosts sometimes occur in the highest areas of the island. Sometimes there are strong winds. Trade winds, gaining strength in the Indian Ocean, reach speeds of more than 200 km/h and bring heavy rains.

Economy Reunion Islands Recently it has been developing at a sufficient pace, reaching 6-7% of GDP growth. Agriculture in the region cultivates about 44 thousand hectares of agricultural land. Since the 19th century, bourbon and vanilla have been produced here, and coffee has been grown. Fishing plays an important role in ensuring food security for the population of the region. Tourism income is a major economic resource Reunion Islands , which receives about 450-460 thousand tourists annually. In addition to the landscape and native villages, an important resource for attracting tourists to Reunion Island is the sea coastal waters that are of great interest to divers. Despite some economic dynamism, the island is unable to reduce its high unemployment rate, which is explained by its very high population growth rate. Many islanders are forced to emigrate to France to study or find work.

Saint-Barthelemy (French - Saint-Barthelemy) - an overseas community of France, occupying the island of the same name and a number of adjacent small islands as part of the Caribbean islands. Saint Barthélemy was established as a separate overseas community on February 22, 2007. Previously, this territory was part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe. The area of ​​the island group of Saint Barthélemy is 24 sq. km, the population is 9.1 thousand inhabitants, with a population density of 372 people per 1 sq. km. Saint Barthélemy Islands are located 230 km northwest of Guadeloupe and 25 km southeast of the Saint Martin Islands. The administrative center of Saint Barthélemy is the city of Gustavia with a population of 2.3 thousand inhabitants, located on south coast Saint Barthélemy Islands. There are no other large settlements in the region.

The main island of the region is Saint Barthelemy Island . It is a mountainous island of volcanic origin with an area of ​​about 21 sq. km., the length of the coastline is 32 km. The islets adjacent to the main island cover about 3 sq. km. The most high point Saint Barthélemy Island - Vite Hill, has a height of 286 m above sea level. The island is surrounded by many islets including Chevreau, Coco, Fourchu, Frigate, Pele, Boulanger, La Tortue islands and others. All of them are uninhabited and are very small in size. The largest of them are Forchu and Chevreau Islands . Somewhat smaller is the island of La Tortue. The remaining islands have an area of ​​only a few hundred square meters. All islands have a common volcanic origin.

Climate of Saint Barthélemy very favorable. The maximum and minimum average temperatures fluctuate throughout the year by only 5 degrees. The coldest month is December (average temperature +25 degrees), the hottest is July (+ 28 degrees). Climate of Saint Barthélemy It is distinguished by a moderate amount of precipitation - throughout the year it falls relatively evenly (a little more in summer), not exceeding 950 mm. in year. The economy of the islands is mainly focused on tourism. Almost all consumer goods are delivered here by air or water transport. Because of this, trade margins of 25% are established on all goods without exception. Many food products increase in value by even 400%. For tourists, the island is interesting primarily as a beach holiday destination. No architectural monuments or traces of ancient man were found on the islands.

Saint Martin (Saint Martin Island, French - Saint-Martin) - an island in the Caribbean Sea in the northern part of the Eastern Caribbean islands. Saint Martin Island is the world's smallest inhabited island, governed simultaneously by two independent governments. The northern part of the island is the French overseas community of Saint-Martin, and the southern part is a self-governing state with significant autonomy (status aparte) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten. The area of ​​the island is 93 sq. km. with a population of about 75 thousand people. The population density is quite high - more than 800 people per 1 sq. km. France covers 53.2 sq. km. island space inhabited by 35.7 thousand people. The administrative center of the French part of Saint-Martin is the city of Marigot (5.7 thousand inhabitants (2007)), located in the northwestern part of the island. Highest point Saint Martin Islands - Peak Paradise mountain (424 m above sea level), located in the French part of the island. The island's topography is hilly, and the highlands are covered with greenery and forests.

Except, actually Saint Martin Islands , the region has several offshore islands. Some of them located along the northern coast of the island belong to France, and the southern coastal islands belong to the Netherlands. Coastal areas are influenced by France islands of Tintamar, Grand Ile, Rocher Creole, Ile de Pinel, Petit Cle and several other smaller islands located within a 2-3 kilometer zone from the island of Saint Martin. All islands are uninhabited. The largest of these islands is Tintamar Island , having an area of ​​1.2 sq. km., located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the northeastern border of the island of Saint Martin. Between them there is also a fairly large island, Ile de Pinel, with an area of ​​0.45 sq. km. The remaining islands are smaller.

Climate of Saint Martin characterized by seasonal convergence, dividing into the so-called “dry” season (from December to May) and the “wet” season (June-November) with possible heavy rains, which are periodically brought by cyclones. The absolute air temperature can range from 17°C to 35°C. Average annual temperature is + 27 ° C. The sea surface temperature is quite constant in the range from 25 ° C to 28 ° C, which serves as a good resource for attracting tourists, including foreign ones, due to which the main industry Economy of the Saint Martin Islands is tourism. French part Saint Martin has many beaches, some of them face east to the stormy waters of the Atlantic, others are washed by the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, nudist beaches are common. There are many shops on the island of Saint Martin, including those selling luxury goods (clothing, jewelry, cameras, cigars, alcoholic drinks, furniture, etc.). There are many restaurants serving French and Caribbean cuisine, as well as offering international cuisine. At all, Saint Martin island called the "culinary capital of the Caribbean". There is a municipal theater here, but unlike the Dutch side, the French side does not have a casino.

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (French - Saint-Pierre et Miquelon) - an overseas community of France, located on small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 20 km south of the Canadian island of Newfoundland in Cabot Strait. The coast of mainland Canada (Nova Scotia) is 290 km. Saint Pierre and Miquelon - the only territory left to France from former colony New France. The community includes several islands that belong to the island group Saint Pierre and Miquelon . The total area of ​​the islands is 242 sq. km, the population is 6.1 thousand people (2012). The population density is quite high for the neighboring lands of Canada - 25 people per 1 sq. km. The administrative center is the city of Saint-Pierre with a population of 5.4 thousand inhabitants, located on the island of the same name.

Islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon composed of ancient rocks, in addition, there are deposits of the Ice Age. The banks are heavily indented, steep and difficult to access. The interior of the islands is hilly. The highest point - 240 m - is on the island of Miquelon. The islands have a large number of small rivers and lakes, especially on the Langlade Peninsula. The largest island of the archipelago - Miquelon Island , having an area of ​​216 sq. km. However, only 15% of the community's total residents live on the island. The bulk of them live on the southern island of the archipelago - Saint Pierre island , whose area is 25 sq. km. The remaining 85% of the community's population lives here, and the population density is more than 210 people per 1 sq. km. Part islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon also includes Grande Colombier (0.4 sq. km.), Ile aux Marines, Ile de Vert, as well as the islands of Pigeon and Vonquer.

Climate of the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon chill. Winter, due to the influence of the ocean, is quite mild (the average temperature of the coldest month, February, is -2.7 °C), but snowy. Over 1400 mm of precipitation falls annually. Cloudy weather with precipitation and strong winds is typical for most of the year. There is fog about 120 days a year. This is due to the influence of the ocean and high air humidity. In the capital of the community, Saint-Pierre, there is an ice-free port, thanks to which the community has year-round connections with the mainland not only by air, but also through waterways. The community's economy is focused on fishing and processing. Agriculture is not developed due to low soil fertility, high air humidity, and lack of solar heat and light. Vegetables are grown in small quantities for own consumption, and chickens, sheep and pigs are also raised on a small scale. A significant part of food, as well as industrial goods and fuel, are imported. Tourism, due to unfavorable climatic conditions, is not developed, although several accommodation locations can be found in the capital.

Wallis and Futuna (Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, French - Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna) - islands located in the South Pacific Ocean at a distance of 3,300 km. from the east coast of Australia, 500 km. northeast of Fiji. Moreover, the islands do not form a single archipelago, but consist of two island groups: Horn Islands and Wallis Islands . These groups are separated by 230 km. waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the north they border with the territorial waters of Tuvalu, in the east with the territorial waters of Samoa, in the southeast - with Tonga, in the west and south - with Fiji. The territory includes three large islands (Uvea, Futuna, Alofi) and 22 small ones. Only Uvea and Futuna are inhabited. The total area of ​​the islands is 211 sq. km. The population of the Wallis and Futuna Islands is 13.5 thousand people. Population density - 64 people/1 sq. km. The administrative center of the Territory is the city of Mata-Utu (1,200 inhabitants, 2008), located on the island of Uvea, belonging to the Wallis Islands.

Wallis Islands As part of the Territory, the Wallis and Futuna Islands are located in the northeast of the Futuna Islands. The archipelago includes 12 islands and several small islets. The territory of the archipelago is 96 sq. km, the population is 9.7 thousand inhabitants. The largest island of the archipelago - Uvea Island , on east coast which is the administrative center of the Wallis and Futuna Islands Territory. The area of ​​Uvea Island is 77.9 sq. km. Uvea is of volcanic origin , the highest point of the island is Lulu Fakahega (151 m above sea level). The island's internal waters are a network of small streams, as well as 7 fresh lakes located in the craters of extinct volcanoes. In addition to the city of Mata-Utu, there are several other settlements on the island (Vemalo, Kolopopo, A'atofo, Liku), which are connected by a network of asphalt roads. The Wallis Islands also include the islands of Fao, Fenuafua, Fugalei, Luaniwa, Nukuati, Nukufotu, Nukuhifala, Nukuloa, Nukunion, Nukutapu, Nukutiti. They are all small and uninhabited.

Horn Islands include two large islands: Futuna (46.28 sq. km., 4.08 thousand inhabitants) and Alofi (17.78 sq. km.) located in close proximity (1.7 km) to each other in the southwestern part Territories of Wallis and Futuna Islands . Futuna Island is a relatively high volcanic island. The highest point is Mount Puke with a height of 524 m. The landforms are dominated by plateaus. There are several drying up streams on the island. The population of the island is concentrated in small villages located on the coast of the island: Tamana, Tuatafa, Kolya, Vel, Nuku, Tolok. Alofi Island is the third largest island in the Wallis and Futuna Islands Territory. Just like the nearby island of Futuna, Alofi is of volcanic origin and has a hilly topography. The island of Alofe is home to 2 people, although it is known that previously up to 2 thousand inhabitants lived here at the same time.

Climate of Wallis and Futuna Islands maritime tropical with two main seasons: from May to September it is quite cool, and from October to April there is a warm and humid climate with cyclones that periodically hit the islands. The greatest amount of precipitation falls between November and April (average annual amount - 4000 mm, with a humidity of 80%). On average there are about 24 rainy days a year. Temperatures throughout the year range from 24°C to 30°C. From an economic point of view Territory of Wallis and Futuna Islands quite poor region due to shortage natural resources, including fresh water. Local population engaged in fishing, shellfish farming and pearl farming. Tourism on the territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands is poorly developed. There are only 4 accommodation establishments here, which offer 3 bungalows and 44 rooms for guests of the islands. IN administrative center Mata Utu is home to several restaurants and a supermarket. There are no other elements of tourist infrastructure on the islands.

Clipperton (French - Ile de Clipperton) - another French possession in the Pacific Ocean. Clipperton is a coral atoll located at 10 degrees north latitude at a distance of 1.3 thousand km. off the coast of Mexico. The closest part of the earth's surface is separated from the atoll by 945 kilometers of water (Socorro Island, Mexico). It is believed that Clipperton is the most distant atoll from the coast. The island has the shape of a circle with a diameter of 2.4 to 3.9 km. The length of the outer coastline is 12 kilometers. Square land plot 1.7 km2. The maximum height does not exceed 4 m, but the highlight of Clipperton is a rock of volcanic origin, 29 meters above sea level (Clipperton Rock), which rises from the lagoon to the southeast of the atoll. The atoll completely surrounds the lagoon with no connection to the ocean. The area of ​​the lagoon is about 7.1 sq. km., and includes several islands, the area of ​​which will not exceed 5 thousand sq. m. The base of the atoll is made of gravel and coral sand, held together by guano excrement. The atoll is uninhabited.

Frequent tsunamis and high waves in this region make it impossible for the full development of the flora on the island, because... not only washes away green spaces, but also prevents, most importantly, the formation of a fertile layer. There are extensive marine biological resources, shelf deposits of nickel, cobalt, gold and manganese. Last time Clipperton It was used several times as a location for meteorological stations, as well as aircraft tracking stations. For society, Clipperton is of interest, first of all, as a self-sufficient, albeit poor, ecosystem with an independent development path. In addition, France is considering the possibility of building a spaceport on the island.

French Southern and Antarctic Territories (FYAT) (French - Terres australes et antarctiques francaises, TAAF) - French overseas territory created by law of August 6, 1955. This area currently consists of five very different districts: Crozet Archipelago, Kerguelen Archipelago, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Islands, Eparce Islands, Adélie Land . Under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, in which France lays claim to the territory of Adelie Land and the exercise of exclusive sovereignty, this part of the territory has never had a permanent population until 2041, with the exception of a few brief attempts at colonization by France, which, however, constantly maintains a human presence , organizing all kinds of research and expeditions (logistics, scientific or military) on a regular basis. total area French Southern and Antarctic Territories (FYAT) is 439,672 sq. km.

Crozet Archipelago has an area of ​​352 km2, consists of five large islands of volcanic origin and several dozen small islands. The islands have a mountainous terrain, in some places reaching heights of up to 1050 m above sea level. The climate on the islands is typical subantarctic, characterized by windy and rainy weather (winds with speeds exceeding 100 km/h blow here on average one hundred days a year). The average annual temperature on the islands is + 5 ° C. Islands of the Crozet Archipelago located between 45° 95" and 46° 50" south latitude and 50° 33" and 52° 58" east longitude, in the southern Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Antarctica (Enderby Land). The archipelago consists of two located at a distance of 110 km. groups. The western group includes the island of Cochon, the Apostle Islands and Penguin Island. Eastern group Crozet Archipelago includes the island de l'Est and the island de la Possession. The largest islands of the archipelago are Island de la Possession (Island of Possession) , with an area of ​​150 sq. km. And Isle de l'Est (East Island) , with an area of ​​130 sq. km., included in the islands Eastern group of the Crozet archipelago . On East Island The highest point of the Crozet archipelago is located - Mount Marion-Dufrens, 1050 meters above sea level. Among Western group islands the largest island is the island of Cochon, with an area of ​​67 sq. km. The remaining islands of this group are much smaller in size: Penguin Island - 3 sq. km., Apostle Islands - 2,011 sq. km. The latter includes 19 islands, the largest of which are the Grand Ile islands with an area of ​​1.5 sq. km., Petite Ile - 0.3 sq. km., Rocher Nord - 0.06 sq. km. The remaining islands of the group have an area of ​​no more than 0.04 sq. km. Crozet Archipelago is a habitat for four species of penguins: golden-haired penguins (4 million individuals), king penguins(subspecies patagonicus). Also on display are Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins. Other seabirds found in the Crozet Archipelago include petrels (giant petrels, white petrels, little petrels), albatrosses (wandering albatross, gray albatross, black-browed albatross, yellow-billed albatross, clouded albatross), skuas, kelp gulls and marine mammals: sea lions, elephant seals, killer whales. The archipelago is also home to the Eaton ducks.

Kerguelen Archipelago is located in the southern Indian Ocean and is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (FSUAT). This is an archipelago quite remote from other land areas, located 2000 km from the coast of Antarctica. Reunion Island is located 3,400 km to the north, and the closest coast of Africa is 3,800 km to the northwest. Australia is located 4,100 km northeast of the Kerguelen Islands. total area islands in the Kerguelen archipelago - 7,215 sq. km. Main Island archipelago - Grande Terre island , with an area of ​​6,675 sq. km., which in its territory is the third largest French island, almost as big as Corsica. It is also the largest of all the subantarctic islands in the Eastern Hemisphere. The western region of the island is covered by the Cook Ice Cap, which covers 400 km2. The landscapes of the islands are almost similar to Iceland. The coastline, indented by deep fjords, is 2,800 kilometers long. The main island of the Grande Terre archipelago, as well as several of the most large islands (Ile Foch, Long) dotted with numerous lakes and ponds. Islands of the Kerguelen Archipelago of volcanic origin. The highest point is the Mont Ross volcano (1850 meters above sea level), located in the southwestern part of the island of Grande Terre. Kerguelen Archipelago was discovered on February 12, 1772 by navigator Kerguelen. The captain of the French ship, Yves-Joseph Tremarec, named these islands in his honor. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, many of the wild animal populations living here were killed by the “efforts” of whalers who often visited the archipelago. These populations have now been largely restored, with extensive colonies of breeding birds (albatrosses, penguins, petrels, etc.) and marine mammals (elephants and sea lions). Humpback whales and Commerson's dolphins often appear in coastal waters. Islands of the Kerguelen Archipelago including a significant part of territorial waters, are nature reserve and have the status of a protected zone. The climate on the archipelago is quite warm, despite their classification in the subantarctic climate zone. The average annual air temperature on the archipelago is 4.9 ° C with a small amplitude across the islands up to 6 ° C. The hottest months: January and February on average from +7.8 to +8.2 °C, the coldest is August (+ 2.1 °C) The absolute maximum is +23.1 °C in April, the heaviest frost is in islands was recorded on August 11, 2014 and amounted to -9.5 °C. Precipitation on the islands of the Kerguelen Archipelago is frequent and can occur in the form of rain or snow throughout the year. The average annual precipitation varies depending on the coast: on the east coast this value varies between 700-750 mm, but on the west coast the annual precipitation reaches 2100-2300 mm. Islands of the Kerguelen Archipelago uninhabited. Members of various (scientific, military, industrial) expeditions temporarily live here.

Adélie Land is a narrow strip in Antarctica located between 67°S latitude to a point South Pole and between 136° and 142° East longitude. Adélie Land covers an area of ​​about 432,000 sq. km. and approved by France as one of the five areas of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories, although this designation remains unrecognized by several states. Here is the French scientific base Dumont d'Urville on Petrel Island (Petrel Island) , located in the UTC + 10 time zone. In the coastal Antarctic waters of Adelie Land there are several dozen small islands, which, as usual, belong to the mainland. The largest of these islands is Burevestnikov Island (Petrel Island) , with an area of ​​0.65 sq. km., surrounded on all sides by glacial masses and smaller islands: Touro Island (0.11 sq. km.), Claude Bernard, Curie, Damier, Navigators etc. Most of these islands are covered with permanent snow cover. But the islands of Petrel, Turo and several other of the largest islands of the group have areas of land free from snow masses. The climate is very low temperatures and strong winds and snowstorms. Temperatures at Dumont D'Urville station, at sea level, average from -1 to +7 ° C in summer (January-February), and during the winter in the southern hemisphere (July-August) average temperatures range from -15 to - 20°C. Adélie Islands uninhabited. Researchers of Antarctic nature temporarily live at the Dumont d'Urville station.

Scattered Islands Group (Eparse Islands) is located in the waters of the Indian Ocean and belongs as one of the five areas to the French Southern and Antarctic territories. Part Scattered Islands includes several coral islands: Banc du Geyser, Bassas da India with 10 adjacent unnamed islets, Ile Europa with 8 adjacent unnamed islets, Grande Glorieuse with adjacent Ile islands de Lis, Urek rock, Sut rock, Vert rock and 3 more islands, Ile Juan de Nova and Ile Tromelin island. The latter is disputed by Mauritius, and all the others are claimed by Madagascar. total area Scattered Islands is 44 sq. km. At the same time, on the largest island - Europa Island (28 km2) accounts for more than 50% of the entire landmass of the archipelago. Other relatively large islands include: islands of Grand Glorieuse (7 sq. km.), Juan de Nova (4.4 sq. km.), Tromelin (1 sq. km.) The islands are uninhabited, but at the same time, France ensures its presence on them continuously in the form of 45 military or police officers who keep watch in shifts. In addition, on Tromelin Island French meteorologists are working. Located between 11° and 26° south latitude in the strait between the island of Madagascar and the coast of Africa, Scattered Islands exposed to a tropical climate with corresponding warm temperatures. However, hurricanes from the northeast are common on the islands.

Islands of Saint-Paul and Amsterdam are located in the waters of the central Indian Ocean and belong to the French Southern and Antarctic territories. Interesting fact This archipelago is that it is located approximately at the same distance from the coasts of Africa, Antarctica and Australia. Amsterdam Island (also known as New Amsterdam) is located at a distance of 85 km. from Saint Paul Islands , which is located further south. Amsterdam Island is of volcanic origin. The area of ​​the island is 58 km2. It reaches up to 10 km in length (from north to south) and 7 km in width (from east to west). The western part is covered high cliffs, from 400 to 700 meters, and in the eastern part of the island it is flatter. The highest point of the island is Mount de la Dive, 881 m above sea level. On Amsterdam Island scientific personnel and military personnel reside temporarily. IN winter time their number reaches 30 people, and during the southern summer - up to 60. Saint-Paul Island - this is the surface part of an extinct underwater volcano. The island has an area of ​​8 sq. km. and its greatest length reaches 5 km. Highest point Saint Paul Islands - Navara peak, 268 meters above sea level. The island is uninhabited. The climate is tropical oceanic. The average annual temperature on the islands reaches +14.1 °C. The coldest month is August (average temperature is +11.5 °C), the warmest month is February (+ 17.5 °C). Due to the influence of the ocean on islands of Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Quite a lot of precipitation falls. Their average annual value reaches 1,100 mm. The wettest period is from April to July, when the average monthly precipitation exceeds 100 mm.

Except islands , located in the waters of the world's oceans, in France there are several hundred islands on rivers and lakes. Many of these islands are quite large and have their own names. The largest number Large French rivers such as the Charente, Loire, Seine, Marne, and Rhone can boast of such islands. In addition to the rivers of the continental part of France, rivers in its overseas departments also have their own islands: in Reunion - the Marsuin River, in Guiana - the Maroni River.

The most famous of these islands is Ile de la Cité island , located on the Seine in historical center Paris. Its area is 0.225 sq. km., and its population is 1,168 people (2007). It is one of the most densely populated islands in France with a population density of approximately 5,190 inhabitants/km2. It is worth noting that in the 19th century, about 15 thousand people lived on the island, but recently many services and government institutions have been moved to the island. At all, Ile de la Cité island is a real monument to the history of Paris and France. The famous Notre-Dame de Paris, Pont Neuf bridge, Place Dauphine, and the Palace of Justice are located here. The island itself is connected to the shores by 10 bridges. In addition to Ile de la Cité, there are more than 50 islands on the Seine. The largest of them is Lacroix Island , which has an area of ​​2.43 sq. km. and is located within the city of Rouen. The island's population is about 13 thousand people, and its density is 5,350 inhabitants/km2.

The largest river islands in France located in the waters of the Rhone. Among them we can highlight Miribel Jonage Island - the largest river island in France , located in the Rhône-Alpes region, just above Lyon. Its area is 28.49 sq. km. There are others on the Rhone large Islands: de la Bartelaz (7 km2), du Beur (1.5 sq. km.), Ile de la Platte (6.02 sq. km.), Ile de la Pape (2.96 sq. km.), Printegard Island (4.6 sq. km.) . Large river islands of France are also located on the Laure, which is not surprising, given the deepness of the Loire and its flat nature. Among these islands are: island d'Arru (1.15 sq. km.), Batelleuse island (1.15 sq. km.), Chenet island (0.99 sq. km.), Coton island (0.62 sq. km.), Dorel Island (0.71 sq. km.), Heron Island (0.69 sq. km.), Nantes Island (3.37 sq. km.), Neuve Macrière Island (0.89 sq. km.). It should be noted that all these islands are located in the French Loire-Atlantic region, where the Loire flows into the Atlantic Ocean. By the way, the island of Nantes is the most populated river island in France . The number of residents on the island reaches 15,350 inhabitants. Despite this, the population density Nantes island noticeably inferior to the islands of Ile de la Cité and Lacroix, located on the Seine.

From others river islands of France you can note Saint Aubin Island , located on the Sarta River. Its area is about 6 sq. km. This island is the only large island located on a small river in France. Besides, Saint Aubin Island is one of the least populated large river islands in France. Only 16 people live on its territory, and agricultural land is located almost throughout the island. Only in the northwestern part of the island is there a small forest plantation.

Also found on lakes in France islands . However, given the small size of French lakes, these islands are rare and quite small, up to several tens of square meters. Among these islands we can note: Signe Island on Lake Annecy, Northern and South Islands on Lake Minime, Princess Island on Lake d'Engien and other small islands.