Discover France

France: A Land of Enchantment and Opportunity France, renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, offers far more than just iconic landmarks and exquisite cuisine. It's a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, blending a celebrated heritage with a forward-thinking spirit. For tourists, France is a dream destination. From the romantic streets of Paris and the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera to the majestic Alps and the charming villages of Provence, the country offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Explore world-class museums like the Louvre, indulge in haute cuisine and fine wines, and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural scene that has shaped the world. But beyond its allure for travelers, France presents compelling opportunities for entrepreneurs. A robust economy, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location in the heart of Europe make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes. The French government actively encourages innovation and investment, offering various programs and incentives to support startups and established companies alike. Whether you're interested in technology, sustainable development, fashion, gastronomy, or any other sector, France provides a fertile ground for growth and success. Whether you're drawn by the allure of its cultural treasures or the potential for business ventures, France offers a unique blend of charm and opportunity. Discover a country where history and innovation intertwine, creating an environment that is both inspiring and conducive to success.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Population (approximate): Around 8 million
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Over €280 billion
Departments: 12 (Ain, Allier, Ardèche, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône, Savoie, Haute-Savoie)
Prefecture (Capital): Lyon
Land Area: 69,711 km² (26,916 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, as the region is large): Roughly 45° N, 5° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS): The largest in the region.
- Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE)
- Grenoble-Isère Airport (GNB)
- Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon Airport (EBU)
- Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Airport (NCY)

Some key points about Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes:

Geographical Diversity: The region is geographically very diverse, with mountains (Alps and Massif Central), plains, and valleys. This diversity strongly influences its economy and tourism.
Economic Importance: It’s a very important economic region for France, with a strong presence in industry, tourism (ski resorts, nature tourism), agriculture, and research.
Important Cities: In addition to Lyon, other important cities include Saint-Étienne, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Annecy, and Chambéry.
Tourism: Tourism is a key sector, with very popular mountain destinations in winter (skiing) and summer (hiking, outdoor activities).

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Population (approximate): Around 2.8 million
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €75-80 billion
Departments: 8 (Côte-d’Or, Doubs, Jura, Nièvre, Haute-Saône, Saône-et-Loire, Yonne, Territoire de Belfort)
Prefecture (Capital): Dijon (This is the same as the old Bourgogne region before the merger)
Land Area: 47,784 km² (18, 450 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 47° N, 5° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Dole–Jura Airport (DLE): The most significant airport in the region, though smaller than major international hubs.
- There are also smaller airfields and access to nearby airports like Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/EAP), which serve parts of the region.

Key points about Bourgogne-Franche-Comté:

Formation: This region was created in 2016 by the merger of the former regions of Bourgogne (Burgundy) and Franche-Comté. This merger brought together two distinct cultural and historical areas.
Wine Region: Burgundy is world-famous for its wines, particularly those from the Côte-d’Or. This is a crucial part of the region’s economy and identity.
Industrial Heritage: Franche-Comté has a strong industrial past, particularly in manufacturing, watchmaking (especially around Besançon), and metallurgy.
Geographical Features: The region has a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, forests (especially in the Jura mountains), and river valleys.
Tourism: The region attracts tourists for its wine, historical sites (like the Hospices de Beaune), natural beauty (such as the Jura mountains), and cultural heritage.
Economic Strengths: Besides wine and tourism, the region has strengths in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and research (particularly in microtechnology and healthcare).

Bretagne ( Brittany)

Population: Approximately 3.3 million
Main Languages: French (official), Breton (regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
GDP Total: Approximately €100 billion
Departments: 4 (Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan)
Prefecture (Capital): Rennes
Land Area: 27,208 km² (10,505 sq mi)
Coordinates: Roughly 48° N, 3° W (Brittany is a peninsula, so a single point isn’t ideal)
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET)
Main Airports:
- Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS)
- Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
- Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) (While geographically in Pays de la Loire, it serves a portion of southern Brittany)

A few key points about Brittany:

Cultural Identity: Brittany has a strong cultural identity, with its own language (Breton) and traditions.
Coastal Region: Being a peninsula, Brittany has a very long and varied coastline, which is a defining feature of its geography and economy.
Economic Activity: Brittany’s economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, fishing, tourism, and increasingly in technology and research.

Centre-Val de Loire

Population (approximate): Around 2.6 million
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €70-75 billion
Departments: 6 (Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret)
Prefecture (Capital): Orléans
Land Area: 39,151 km² (15,116 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 47.5° N, 1.5° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF): The most significant airport in the region.
There are also smaller airfields and easy access to Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY)), which serve a significant portion of the region’s air travel needs.

Key points about Centre-Val de Loire:

Historical Significance: This region is known for its rich history, particularly its association with the Loire Valley and its magnificent châteaux (castles). It played a significant role in French history, especially during the Renaissance.
Loire Valley: The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the region and is famous for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and stunning châteaux.
Agriculture: Agriculture is an important part of the region’s economy, with a focus on viticulture (wine production), cereal crops, and livestock farming.
Tourism: Tourism is a major sector, driven by the Loire Valley’s historical and cultural attractions.
Proximity to Paris: Its proximity to Paris influences the region’s economy and demographics, with some areas serving as commuter zones for the capital.

Corsica

Population (approximate): Around 340,000
Main Languages: French (official), Corsican (Corsu – regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €8 billion
Departments: 2 (Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse)
Prefecture (Capital): Ajaccio
Land Area: 8,680 km² (3,351 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, as it’s an island): Roughly 42° N, 9° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- - Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA)
  - Bastia – Poretta Airport (BIA)
  - Figari–Sud Corse Airport (FSC)

Key points about Corsica:

Island Identity: Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, west of Italy. Its island identity and distinct culture are very important.
Corsican Language: Corsican (Corsu) is a Romance language closely related to Italian, and it is spoken by a significant portion of the population, although French is the official language.
Mountainous Terrain: Corsica is very mountainous, which has shaped its history, culture, and economy. It’s often called “the Island of Beauty” (l’Île de Beauté) due to its dramatic landscapes.
Tourism: Tourism is a major part of Corsica’s economy, with visitors drawn to its beaches, mountains, hiking trails, and unique culture.
Agriculture: Agriculture, particularly sheep and goat farming, and the production of local products like cheese, honey, and charcuterie, is also important.
History: Corsica has a rich and complex history, having been ruled by various powers over the centuries, including Genoa and France. This has contributed to its unique cultural identity.

Eastern France

Population (approximate): Around 5.6 million
Main Languages: French (official), Alsatian (regional language in Alsace), Lorraine Franconian (regional language in parts of Lorraine), Champenois (regional language in Champagne)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €160-170 billion
Departments: 10 (Ardennes, Aube, Marne, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Vosges)
Prefecture (Capital): Strasbourg
Land Area: 57,433 km² (22,175 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 49° N, 5° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- - Strasbourg Airport (SXB): The largest airport in the region.
  - Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ)
  - Châlons Vatry Airport (XCR)
  - Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/EAP): This is a binational airport serving parts of Grand Est (Alsace) as well as Switzerland and Germany.

Key points about Grand Est:

Formation: Grand Est was created in 2016 from the merger of the former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. These regions have distinct histories and cultural identities.
Historical Significance: This region has a long and complex history, having been at the crossroads of French and German influence for centuries. This history is reflected in its architecture, languages, and culture.
Wine Regions: Grand Est is home to two famous wine regions: Alsace, known for its white wines (Riesling, Gewürztraminer), and Champagne, the only region allowed to produce sparkling wine labeled as “Champagne.”
Industrial Heritage: The region has a strong industrial past, particularly in metallurgy, textiles, and manufacturing.
Geographical Features: Grand Est has a diverse landscape, including the Vosges mountains, the Ardennes forest, and the plains of Champagne. It also borders four countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland.
Tourism: The region attracts tourists for its historical sites (such as the cathedrals of Strasbourg and Reims), wine regions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.

Hauts-de-France

Population (approximate): Around 6 million
Main Languages: French (official), Picard (regional language), West Flemish (regional language in the northern part)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Around €160-170 billion
Departments: 5 (Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Somme)
Prefecture (Capital): Lille
Land Area: 31,813 km² (12,283 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 50° N, 3° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- - Lille Airport (LIL): The largest airport in the region.
  - Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA): Primarily used by low-cost airlines.

Key points about Hauts-de-France:

Formation: Hauts-de-France was created in 2016 by the merger of the former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy.
Proximity to Belgium and the UK: The region shares borders with Belgium and is close to the United Kingdom, which influences its economy and trade.
Industrial Heritage: The region has a rich industrial past, particularly in mining, textiles, and metallurgy. This heritage is still visible today.
Agriculture: Agriculture is an important sector of the regional economy, with diversified production.
Coastline: The region has a significant coastline on the English Channel and the North Sea, with important ports like Dunkirk and Calais.
Tourism: Tourism is developing, with attractions such as the beaches of the Opal Coast, the historic cities of Lille and Amiens, and the World War I memorial sites.

Île-de-France

Population (approximate): Around 12.3 million (the most populated region in France).
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Over €700 billion (the largest regional economy in France).
Departments: 8 (Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise)
Prefecture (Capital): Paris (also the capital of France)
Land Area: 12,012 km² (4,638 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, for the center of Paris): Roughly 48.86° N, 2.35° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): The largest airport in France.
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) (While technically outside Île-de-France, it serves a portion of the region, especially for budget airlines.)

Key points about Île-de-France:

Centrality: Île-de-France is the political, economic, and cultural center of France.
Paris: The city of Paris is located within this region and is a global city of immense importance.
High Population Density: It is one of the most densely populated regions in Europe.
Economic Hub: It’s a major center for finance, business, tourism, and research.
Cultural Significance: The region is home to numerous world-renowned museums, monuments, and historical sites.
Transportation Network: It has an extensive and well-developed transportation network, including airports, railways, and public transportation systems.

Normandy

Population (approximate): Around 3.3 million
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €90-100 billion
Departments: 5 (Calvados, Eure, Manche, Orne, Seine-Maritime)
Prefecture (Capital): Rouen
Land Area: 30,627 km² (11,825 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 49° N, 0° E (straddling the prime meridian)
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Caen – Carpiquet Airport (CFR)
- Deauville – Saint-Gatien Airport (DOL)
- Rouen Airport (URO)

Key points about Normandy:

Historical Significance: Normandy has a rich history, most notably the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the D-Day landings during World War II.
Coastal Region: Normandy has a long coastline along the English Channel, with important ports like Le Havre and Cherbourg.
Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant part of the region’s economy, particularly dairy farming (producing famous cheeses like Camembert and Livarot), apple orchards (producing cider and Calvados), and livestock.
Tourism: Tourism is a major sector, with attractions like the D-Day landing beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the charming towns and countryside.
Industrial Activity: Normandy also has some industrial activity, particularly in shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and petrochemicals.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Population (approximate): Around 6 million
Main Languages: French (official), Occitan (regional language), Basque (regional language in the southwest)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €170-180 billion
Departments: 12 (Charente, Charente-Maritime, Corrèze, Creuse, Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, Haute-Vienne)
Prefecture (Capital): Bordeaux
Land Area: 84,036 km² (32,446 sq mi) – This makes it the largest region of metropolitan France by area.
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s size and shape): Roughly 45° N, 0° W (straddling the prime meridian)
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD): The largest airport in the region.
- Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS): While primarily serving Occitanie, it’s also easily accessible for parts of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
- Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
- Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF)
- Limoges – Bellegarde Airport (LIG)

Key points about Nouvelle-Aquitaine:

Formation: Nouvelle-Aquitaine was created in 2016 from the merger of the former regions of Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes.
Geographical Diversity: It’s a very geographically diverse region, with coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees mountains in the south, rolling hills, forests, and vineyards.
Wine Regions: It’s home to world-renowned wine regions, most notably Bordeaux, but also including Cognac, Bergerac, and others.
Tourism: Tourism is a major sector, with attractions like the beaches of the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees mountains, historical cities like Bordeaux and Bayonne, and prehistoric cave paintings in the Dordogne Valley.
Agriculture and Forestry: Agriculture and forestry are important economic activities, with a focus on wine production, livestock farming, and timber.

Occitanie

Population (approximate): Around 6 million
Main Languages: French (official), Occitan (regional language), Catalan (regional language in the southeast)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €160-170 billion
Departments: 13 (Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Hérault, Lot, Lozère, Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Orientales, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne)
Prefecture (Capital): Toulouse
Land Area: 72,724 km² (28,079 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s size and shape): Roughly 43.5° N, 2° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS): The largest airport in the region.
- Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport (MPL)
- Carcassonne Airport (CCF)
- Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF)

Key points about Occitanie:

Formation: Occitanie was created in 2016 from the merger of the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Geographical Diversity: Occitanie has a diverse landscape, ranging from the Pyrenees mountains in the south to the Mediterranean coast, with plains, hills, and valleys in between.
Cultural and Linguistic Heritage: The region has a strong cultural and linguistic heritage, with Occitan and Catalan being recognized regional languages.
Tourism: Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with attractions including the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, the Pyrenees mountains (for skiing and hiking), historical cities like Toulouse, Carcassonne (famous for its medieval citadel), and numerous natural parks and sites.
Agriculture: Agriculture is also important, with a focus on wine production (Languedoc-Roussillon is one of France’s largest wine-producing regions), fruit and vegetable growing, and livestock farming.
Aerospace Industry: Toulouse is a major center for the aerospace industry, home to Airbus headquarters.

Pays de la Loire

Population (approximate): Around 3.8 million
Main Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €110-120 billion
Departments: 5 (Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe, Vendée)
Prefecture (Capital): Nantes
Land Area: 32,082 km² (12,387 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 47.5° N, 0.5° W
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE): The largest airport in the region.

Key points about Pays de la Loire:

Western Location: Pays de la Loire is located in western France, bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Loire River: The Loire River, France’s longest river, flows through the region, contributing to its fertile landscapes and historical significance.
Agriculture and Food Processing: Agriculture and food processing are important economic sectors, with a focus on livestock farming, dairy production, and fruit and vegetable growing.
Tourism: Tourism is a significant sector, with attractions including the beaches of the Atlantic coast (especially in Vendée), the Loire Valley châteaux (shared with Centre-Val de Loire), and historical cities like Nantes and Angers.
Shipbuilding and Maritime Activities: The region has a maritime tradition, with shipbuilding and related activities playing a role in its economy.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Population (approximate): Around 5 million
Main Languages: French (official), Occitan (Provençal dialect is prominent), some Italian dialects near the Italian border.
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €150-160 billion
Departments: 6 (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Vaucluse)
Prefecture (Capital): Marseille
Land Area: 31,400 km² (12,124 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, due to the region’s shape): Roughly 44° N, 6° E
Time Zones: UTC+01:00 (CET) in winter and UTC+02:00 (CEST) in summer.
Main Airports:
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): The largest airport in the region.
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
- Toulon–Hyères Airport (TLN)

Key points about Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur:

Mediterranean Coastline: The region has a long and famous coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, known as the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur).
Mountains: The Alps mountain range extends into the eastern part of the region, offering opportunities for skiing and other mountain activities.
Tourism: Tourism is a major industry, with attractions including the beaches of the French Riviera, historical cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, the Verdon Gorge, and numerous cultural events.
Cultural Heritage: The region has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Mediterranean location and history.
Economic Activities: Besides tourism, the region’s economy includes shipping and port activities (Marseille is a major port), agriculture (especially wine and fruit production), and technology.

Guadeloupe

Population (approximate): Around 400,000
Main Languages: French (official), Guadeloupean Creole (regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €9-10 billion
Departments: 1 (Guadeloupe is a single-department region)
Prefecture (Capital): Basse-Terre
Land Area: 1,628 km² (629 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate, for the main islands): Roughly 16.25° N, 61.5° W
Time Zones: UTC-4 (AST – Atlantic Standard Time) – Note that this is different from mainland France.
Main Airport: Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP)

Key points about Guadeloupe:

Overseas Region: Guadeloupe is an archipelago and an overseas region and department of France located in the Caribbean.
Main Islands: The two largest islands, Basse-Terre (volcanic) and Grande-Terre (limestone), form a butterfly shape.
Tourism: Tourism is a major part of the economy, with visitors attracted to its beaches, natural beauty, and Creole culture.
Agriculture: Agriculture is also important, with a focus on banana and sugarcane production.
Biodiversity: Guadeloupe has rich biodiversity, including rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves.
French and Creole Culture: The culture is a blend of French and Caribbean influences, with a distinct Creole identity.

French Guiana

Population (approximate): Around 300,000
Main Language: French (official), Guyanese Creole (regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €5-6 billion
Departments: 1 (French Guiana is a single-department region)
Prefecture (Capital): Cayenne
Land Area: 83,846 km² (32,373 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate): Roughly 4° N, 53° W
Time Zones: UTC-3 (GFT – French Guiana Time)
Main Airport: Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport (CAY)

Key points about French Guiana:

Overseas Region: French Guiana is an overseas region and department of France located in South America, bordering Brazil to the east and Suriname to the west.
Amazon Rainforest: A large portion of French Guiana is covered by dense Amazon rainforest, making it a region of significant biodiversity.
Space Center: The Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais), a European spaceport, is located near Kourou and plays a major role in the region’s economy.
Mining: Gold mining is also a significant economic activity.
Limited Infrastructure: Due to the dense rainforest, infrastructure is limited in some areas.

Martinique

Population (approximate): Around 375,000
Main Languages: French (official), Martinican Creole (regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €9-10 billion
Departments: 1 (Martinique is a single-department region)
Prefecture (Capital): Fort-de-France
Land Area: 1,128 km² (436 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate): Roughly 14.64° N, 61.00° W
Time Zones: UTC-4 (AST – Atlantic Standard Time)
Main Airport: Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF)

Key points about Martinique:

Overseas Region: Martinique is an overseas region and department of France located in the Caribbean Sea.
Volcanic Island: It’s a volcanic island with lush vegetation and beautiful beaches.
Tourism: Tourism is a major part of the economy, with visitors drawn to its beaches, natural beauty, and Creole culture.
Agriculture: Agriculture is also important, with a focus on banana and sugarcane production, as well as rum production.
French and Creole Culture: The culture is a vibrant blend of French and Caribbean influences, with a distinct Creole identity.

Mayotte

Population (approximate): Around 300,000
Main Languages: French (official), Shimaore (a Bantu language), Kibushi (a Malagasy language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €2-3 billion
Department: 1 (Mayotte is a single-department region)
Prefecture (Capital): Mamoudzou
Land Area: 374 km² (144 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate): Roughly 12.83° S, 45.17° E
Time Zones: UTC+3 (EAT – East Africa Time)
Main Airport: Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport (DZA)

Key points about Mayotte:

Overseas Region: Mayotte is an overseas region and department of France located in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and Mozambique.
Volcanic Origin: It’s a volcanic archipelago, consisting of two main islands (Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre) and several smaller islets.
Coral Reefs: Mayotte is surrounded by a large coral reef, creating a rich marine ecosystem.
Economy: The economy is largely based on fishing, agriculture (vanilla, ylang-ylang), and some tourism.
Cultural Influences: The culture of Mayotte is influenced by African, Arab, and Malagasy traditions.

Reunion Island

Population (approximate): Around 860,000 inhabitants.
Main Languages: French (official), Reunion Creole (regional language)
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Total GDP (approximate): Roughly €10-11 billion
Departments: 1 (Reunion Island is a single-department region)
Prefecture (Capital): Saint-Denis
Land Area: 2,512 km² (970 sq mi)
Coordinates (approximate): Roughly 21.1° S, 55.5° E
Time Zones: UTC+4 (RET – Reunion Time)
Main Airport: Roland Garros Airport (RUN)

Key points about Reunion Island:

Overseas Region: Reunion Island is an overseas region and department of France located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.
Volcanic Island: It’s a volcanic island known for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanic peaks, rainforests, and beaches.
Piton de la Fournaise: This is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and a major tourist attraction.
Tourism: Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty, hiking trails, and beaches.
Agriculture: Sugarcane cultivation has historically been important, but tourism is now the dominant sector.
Biodiversity: The island has unique biodiversity, with many endemic plant and animal species.