French Southern and Antarctic Lands are overseas possessions of France. They include the Kerguelen and Crozet archipelagos (groups of islands) and Amsterdam and Saint Paul islands, all in the Indian Ocean. The islands cover about 3,000 square miles (7,770 square kilometers). The lands include Adélie Coast, an area in Antarctica. A High Administrator and Consultative Council, both appointed by the French government, govern the lands.
Kerguelen Island, the largest island of the lands, covers 2,577 square miles (6,674 square kilometers). It is about 2,100 miles (3,380 kilometers) southeast of Madagascar. The Crozet Archipelago lies about 850 miles (1,370 kilometers) west of the Kerguelen group. Both groups of islands are cold, damp, and windy. Penguins, whales, and elephant seals live in the region. Amsterdam and Saint Paul lie about 810 miles (1,300 kilometers) northeast of the Kerguelen group. These islands have a milder climate, and fishing crews catch lobster and cod in the surrounding waters.
Only scientists live in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. They study physical forces within and above the earth, including the weather and animal and plant life.
