French Southern Territories is located in Southern Africa, and its capital is Port-aux-Francais. Its official currency is the Euro (EUR).
What stands out
Practical reference
Euro (EUR)
French Southern Territories uses Euro (EUR), calling code +262, internet domain .tf.
About French Southern Territories
The French Southern Territories, officially known as the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, TAAF), are a remote collection of islands and a claim in Antarctica, administered by France, offering a unique glimpse into pristine nature and scientific exploration.
Spanning the southern Indian Ocean, the territory includes the archipelagos of Kerguelen, Crozet, Saint Paul, and Amsterdam, as well as the French claim on the Antarctic continent, Adélie Land. The islands are volcanic, rugged, and wind‑blasted, featuring towering cliffs, ice‑capped peaks, and abundant wildlife such as penguins, albatrosses, and seals.
While uninhabited by a permanent civilian population, the TAAF hosts a small, rotating community of researchers, meteorologists, and support staff who bring French scientific tradition to the far south. Their daily life revolves around research stations, with occasional cultural exchanges and celebrations of French national holidays, fostering a unique blend of isolation and camaraderie.
Claimed by France in the 18th century, the territories gained strategic importance during the age of exploration and whaling. In 1955 the islands were formally organized as a separate overseas territory, and in 1959 the Antarctic claim was added, making TAAF a key hub for French scientific missions in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Key facts
The Kerguelen Islands are nicknamed the "Desolation Islands" due to their remote, harsh environment.
The combined land area of the French Southern Territories is about 439,737 km², most of which is the Antarctic claim, while the inhabited population never exceeds 150 people, all temporary staff.
TAAF is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding biodiversity, protecting thousands of breeding seabirds and marine mammals.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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French Southern Territories: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of French Southern Territories?
The capital of French Southern Territories is Port-aux-Francais.
What currency is used in French Southern Territories?
French Southern Territories uses the Euro (EUR), with the symbol €.
Where is French Southern Territories located?
French Southern Territories is located in Southern Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of French Southern Territories?
The native name of French Southern Territories is Territoire des Terres australes et antarctiques fr.
What are people from French Southern Territories called?
People from French Southern Territories are referred to as French Southern Territories.
What is the phone calling code for French Southern Territories?
The international dialing code for French Southern Territories is +262.
What is the internet domain for French Southern Territories?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for French Southern Territories is .tf.
What time zone is French Southern Territories in?
French Southern Territories uses the Indian/Kerguelen time zone.
What is French Southern Territories known for?
The French Southern Territories, officially known as the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, TAAF), are a remote collection of islands and a claim in Antarctica, administered by France, offering a unique glimpse into pristine nature and scientific exploration.
Southern Africa