Country Profile: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) comprise several remote islands and a portion of Antarctica, characterized by a lack of permanent inhabitants except for military personnel and researchers. These territories are primarily fishing-based and have limited domestic economic activities. Governed as an overseas territory of France since 1955, TAAF operates under French laws without first-order administrative divisions. The climate varies from tropical in the Éparses islands to cold and overcast in the Kerguelen archipelago.

Geography

TAAF is situated in the southern Indian Ocean, southeast and east of Africa, and includes several islands such as Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, and Iles Kerguelen, as well as the French-claimed Antarctic region known as "Adelie Land." The islands are characterized by diverse terrains, including volcanic landscapes and atolls. The region's environmental conditions range from tropical to oceanic, influenced by persistent westerly winds and high humidity.

Total area: Approximately 7,215 sq km for Iles Kerguelen.
Highest point: 867 m at Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam.
Coastline: Total of approximately 2,800 km for Iles Kerguelen.
Climate: Diverse, ranging from tropical in Éparses to cold and windy in Crozet and Kerguelen.

People and Society

There are no permanent inhabitants across the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. The islands primarily host researchers, scientists, and a small military presence. Fishing and scientific exploration are the primary activities, with the only consistent presence being those manning meteorological stations and research bases.

Permanent population: 0 individuals.
Research stations: Operational on Ile Amsterdam, Iles Crozet, and Iles Kerguelen.
Military personnel: Small garrisons on various islands for oversight.

Economy

TAAF has a very small economy, primarily based on fishing. The territories serve as bases for military activities and scientific research, which also contribute to the economy. Export and import activities are managed with partners primarily from France and the USA.

Main exports: Fish, accounting for 47% to France and 34% to the USA (2023).
Import partners: France (41%), Ireland (15%), and Germany (11%) (2023).
Limited domestic activities: Focused mainly on fishing and servicing military bases.

Government

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands function as an overseas territory of France, with no first-order administrative divisions. Governance follows French legal frameworks, and the region is represented by a prefect appointed by France.

Chief of State: President Emmanuel Macron (since 2017).
Administrative divisions: Five districts but no further subdivisions.
Legal system: Based on French laws.

Military and Security

The defense of TAAF is the responsibility of France, with military garrisons stationed primarily for oversight and protection. A Foreign Legion detachment operates from Mayotte to support military presence in the region.

Military presence: French military maintains operations on the Glorioso Islands.
Defense strategy: Focused on maintaining sovereignty in the Indian Ocean region.

Transportation

Transportation to and within the TAAF region is limited, with a small number of airports and merchant vessels.

Airports: 4 operational (2025).
Merchant marine: 2 vessels as of 2023.
Heliports: 3 available (2025).

Communications

The region utilizes the internet country code .tf for its digital communications.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	0	No permanent inhabitants
Area	7,215 sq km	Iles Kerguelen
Exports (main commodity)	Fish	Primary export
Imports (main commodity)	Scented mixtures	Top import commodities
Highest Point	867 m	Mont de la Dives
Military Personnel	Small garrison	Present on various islands
Airports	4	Operational (2025)
Merchant Marine	2	Total vessels (2023)
Heliports	3	Available (2025)
Climate	Diverse	Ranges from tropical to cold