Country name:
conventional long form: Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
conventional short form:
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
local long form:
Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
local short form:
Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises
abbreviation:
TAAF
Dependency status:
overseas territory of France since 1955
Administrative divisions:
none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US
Legal system:
the laws of France, where applicable, apply
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Francois HOLLANDE (since 15 May 2012), represented by Senior Administrator Pascal BOLOT (since 29 February 2012)
International organization participation:
UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of France)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of France)
Flag description:
the flag of France is used
National symbol(s):
sea lion
National anthem:
note:
as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)