French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF)
The territories consist of a thin slice of Antarctic mainland and a few small islands located in the Southern Indian Ocean. A French territory since 1955, the TAAF consists of the islands of St Paul, Amsterdam, the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands and Terre Adélie; the total area is 439,822 sq km (161,815 sq miles). All are rugged volcanic islands. Indeed, Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes. Much research of worldwide importance is being carried out there on the atmosphere, meteorology, pollution, the environment, the Earth’s interior and surface, biology and oceanography. One particular staffed research station of note is at Base Dumont d'Urville. There are no indigenous inhabitants except those who operate the research stations, usually from Summer (July) to Winter (January), and who usually top the 150-mark in numbers. The economy of the islands is based on fishing (seaweed, krill and salmon). The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Réunion.


Wallis and Futuna Islands
Although discovered by the Dutch and the British in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842 and, in 1959, the inhabitants of the Islands voted to become a French overseas territory. If preparing to travel to this slice of Polynesian paradise, it is worth noting that such French heritage is deeply rooted in Wallis & Futuna; so much so that, along with the enjoyably surreal experience of drinking bubbly and munching on croissants in the Pacific, is the harsh reality of a population that speak little or no English. Any visitor should grasp at least the fundamentals of the French language prior to travel. But Wallis & Futuna is certainly worth such efforts. The islands teem with sensational crater lakes, such as Lake Lalolalo, and lagoons. Gloriously colourful churches often spring out of verdant background. And many of the Islands are surrounded by a barrier reef, full of coral treasures. Whether you view undeveloped touristic infrastructure as a negative or a positive, you are bound to be delighted by the profusion of cultures and traditions, and the sheer friendliness of the Polynesian people.

General Infomation
Location: Southwest Pacific between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Time: GMT + 12. Area: 274 sq km (170 sq miles). Population: 16,025 (2005 estimate). Population density: 58.5 per sq km. Capital: Mata-Utu (Wallis Island). Population: 1,191 (2003). Government: There are three kingdoms, one on Wallis and two on Small Futuna island. The kings still have a seat in the Territory Assembly, which is unique in Republican France. The assembly consists of 20 members, and a deputy and senator to the French national parliament. The three traditional Polynesian kings help to decide internal policy matters. Religion: Roman Catholic.

Communications
Telephone: Main lines exist. Mobile telephone: Currently, no roaming agreements with international mobile phone companies are in operation. Internet: There are no Internet hosts but Internet is available, with limitations. Media: TV: There are two broadcast stations. Radio: There are three broadcast stations: on AM, FM and shortwave.

Passport & Visa
The passport and visa requirements for persons visiting the Wallis and Futuna Islands are the same as for New Caledonia. For further details, see the New Caledonia section.

Health
Vaccinations against typhoid and tetanus are advised. Precautions should also be taken against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria and measles. There are two hospitals, one on Wallis and one on Futuna, and three dispensaries. Mains water is suitable for drinking on Wallis but not on Futuna. Note: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide any health cover in the Wallis and Fatuna Islands.

Getting There
Air: Main airports: Hihifo (WLS) on Wallis Island, 5km (3 miles) from Mata-Utu. Approximate flight time from London is 25 hours. There is also an airport in Alo in the southeastern part of Futuna Island. Air Calédonie is the main airline serving the Islands under AirCalin (website: www.aircalin.nc). There are also plans currently underway to upgrade the small domestic airport on Futuna and turn it into a major international point of entry, as well as introduce the islands' first international airline, Air Wallis. Sea: Boat services no longer operate from New Caledonia; however, a fast ferry service is being planned between Wallis and Futuna. Road: There are 120km (75 miles) of road on the islands; minibus services operate on Futuna and car hire is available. However, only 16km (10 miles) of the roads are surfaced and these are on Wallis Island.

Accommodation
Hotels: There are a small number of hotels on the islands; for details of booking accommodation and other information, contact the French Government Tourist Office.

Business
Main exports: Copra, chemicals and construction materials. Main imports: Chemicals, machinery, passenger ships and consumer goods. Main trade partners: Italy, Croatia, the USA, Denmark, France, Australia and New Zealand. Economy: There has been steady emigration from Wallis & Futuna to New Caledonia in recent years. The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, livestock and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. The French government provides subsidies, and fishing rights are also licensed to Japan and Korea (Rep), providing revenue.


Mayotte
Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence. It is a land that gently undulates, riven with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks. It is also territory that is host to one of the biggest (and most spectacular) lagoons on the planet, with a surface nearly 1,000km (621 miles) long, and a barrier reef that is over 150km (93 miles) long. If you reach the top of Mont Chungi, the highest spot on Mayotte, you will be rewarded with lavish views of unspoiled ocean waters and fine, golden sand. Dolphins have been known to frolic in such waters, and giant turtles are a welcome feature of the land. Meanwhile, territorial disputes remain: the Comoros have claimed Mayotte as their own territory. On 2 July 2000, the population voted again for a closer integration with France and the process of becoming an overseas department will be completed in 2010.

Tourist Information
Comité du Tourisme de Mayotte
BP 1169, Rue de la Pompe, Mamoudzou, 97600 Mayotte
Tel: 610 909.
Website: www.mayotte-tourisme.com

General Information
Location: Part of the Comoro archipelago off the northwest corner of Madagascar. Time: GMT + 3. Area: 374 sq km (144 sq miles). Population: 160,265 (2002). Population density: 428.5 per sq km. Capital: Dzaoudzi. Population: 12,308 (2002).

Communications
Country dialling code: 269.

Passport & Visa
French nationals require an identity card or passport that has been issued in the last 10 years; nationals of other EU countries require current valid passport; nationals of all other countries require a visa which is valid for three months.

Duty Free
200 cigarettes, 100 cigars; 2l of wine, one bottle of liquor and two bottles of whisky.

Health
Vaccinations against tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rubella, measles and hepatitis B are compulsory before entering Mayotte. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid and precautions against malaria are advised. Although mains water is chlorinated, bottled water should be drunk for the first few weeks of the stay. Medical services are available free of charge. The island is divided into six sections, each of which has a medical professional. Full medical insurance is advised. Note: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide any health cover in Mayotte.

Getting There
Air: The easiest way to get to Mayotte is to fly to Réunion and catch a connecting flight to Mayotte. Air Austral (www.air-austral.com) operates flights from Réunion to Mayotte daily (journey time - 2 hours). Air Madagascar (www.airmadagascar.mg) also offers flights on a weekly basis from Majunga to Mayotte. Main airports: Pamandzi on the island of Petite Terre; services are available from Paris (via Réunion), the Comoros, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Kenya. Sea: There is a regular boat service to Grande Terre. Road: There are approximately 90km (55 miles) of roads on the island. Car hire is available.

Accommodation
Hotels: There is a small number of hotels on the islands; contact the French Government Tourist Office for details of booking accommodation.

Climate
The island has an annual average temperature of 25°C (77°F). The year is divided into two seasons: a dry temperate season from May to October and a hot season from November to April with monsoons from the northwest from December to March.


St-Pierre et Miquelon
Previously enjoying Departmental status, the islands have, since 1955, been a part of the collectivités territoriales, partly as a result of a dispute with Canada over fishing and mineral rights in the area. This conflict in status pinpoints the enticing convergence of French and North American influence in St-Pierre et Miquelon. In between is much pristine wilderness, great food and wine, wildlife, and hundreds of years of history. Indeed, St-Pierre et Miquelon is one last remaining vestige of France's once-large possessions on this continent. Today, both St-Pierre and Miquelon combine the best of both modern and quaint. The territory retains its reputation for fishing, its clear waters containing an abundance of catch. The skies are filled with birds, drawing bird watchers year after year. There are plenty of other beautiful, untouched ecosystems to explore. In short, St-Pierre et Miquelon is the ideal destination for quietly unwinding amidst nature.

Tourist Information
Service Loisirs Accueil (Tourist Office St-Pierre)
BP 4274, place du Général de Gaulle, 97500 St-Pierre
Tel: 410 200.
Website: www.st-pierre-et-miquelon.info

Service Loisirs Accueil Miquelon (Tourist Office Miquelon)
3 rue Antoine Soucy, 97500 St-Pierre
Tel: 416 187.

General Information
Location: This small group of small islands lies off the southern coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Time: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). Area: 242 sq km (93.4 sq miles). Population: 6,125 (2006). Population density: 26.1 per sq km. Capital: St-Pierre. Population: 5,509 (2006); almost all of the population live in the capital or elsewhere on the small island of the same name.

Communications
Telephone: Country dialling code: 508. Mobile telephone: Roaming agreements exist with one international mobile phone company. Media: TV: There are no broadcast stations but there are, however, two stations that rebroadcast programmes/repeats from France, Canada and the USA. Radio: There are two stations, one on AM and one on FM.

Passport & Visa
Nationals of the EU require a valid passport (also necessary for transit into Canada); nationals of other countries require a valid passport and may need a visa (depending on nationality). Requirements are the same as for French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. For further details, see any of these separate sections.

Health
No special precautions are required. There are no reciprocal agreements with the UK or USA but visitors have the right to be treated and charges are made. Medical insurance is recommended. Note: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide any health cover in St Pierre et Miquelon.

Travel
Air: Main airport: St-Pierre, which has international flights from Paris via Montréal, Halifax or St John's; and from London via Paris and St John's (stopovers are generally not permitted). Domestic services operate between St-Pierre and Miquelon. St-Pierre is served by Air Saint Pierre (PJ). Sea: Boat services operate between St-Pierre, Miquelon and Langlade and there is an international ferry service from Fortune in Newfoundland (journey time – 1 hour). Buses, taxis and hire cars are available.

Accommodation
Hotels/guest houses: Available on the island. For more information, contact Hotels and Restaurants Association, BP 4207, 97500, St-Pierre.

Climate
The dry season is from May to October, and the hot season is from November to April. Monsoons may occur from December to March.