French Southern and Antarctic Lands

views updated

French Southern and Antarctic Lands, overseas territory of France, including Adélie Land, which covers c.200,000 sq mi (520,000 sq km) in Antarctica, and a number of islands in the S Indian Ocean. The largest of these is Kerguelen (1,318 sq mi/3,414 sq km). One of 300 islands in the Kerguelen Archipelago, it is a base for research, seal hunting, and whaling. The Crozet Islands, to the west, and Saint Paul and Amsterdam islands, to the northeast, are also part of the territory.

About this article

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article