A category of French territorial authorities

An overseas collectivity falls under Article 74 of the Constitution. Its status takes account of its own interests within the Republic. French Polynesia and Saint Pierre and Miquelon are examples of COMs.

Different statuses

The powers, local institutions and arrangements for applying laws are defined by each collectivity’s status. It should therefore not be assumed that all COMs operate in the same way or have the same powers.

COMs, DROMs and maritime areas

DROMs fall under Article 73, not Article 74. Overseas territories contribute to France’s presence in several oceans and to its maritime areas, particularly its EEZs. The COM category alone does not cover all French territories located overseas.