Regions of France

France_proposal_regions_(2009)_map

France_proposal_regions_(2014)_map

France_proposal_regions_(2014)_map2

France_proposal_regions_(2014)_map3

France_assembly_vote

Error creating thumbnail:

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes_in_France_2016

Error creating thumbnail:

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté_in_France_2016

== Regions of France ==

The Regions of France are the highest-level administrative divisions in the country. As of 2016, France is divided into 18 regions: 13 in metropolitan France and 5 overseas regions. Each region is further subdivided into departments.

History

The current regional structure was established by the territorial reform of 2014, which reduced the number of regions in metropolitan France from 22 to 13. This reform aimed to create regions with greater economic and administrative capabilities.

Metropolitan Regions

The 13 metropolitan regions of France are:

• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Brittany
• Centre-Val de Loire
• Corsica
• Grand Est
• Hauts-de-France
• Île-de-France
• Normandy
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Occitanie
• Pays de la Loire
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Overseas Regions

The 5 overseas regions are:

• Guadeloupe
• Martinique
• French Guiana
• Réunion
• Mayotte

Governance

Each region is governed by a Regional Council, which is elected by the residents of the region. The council is responsible for economic development, transportation, education, and regional planning. The president of the regional council is the executive head of the region.

Economy

The regions of France play a crucial role in the country's economy. They are responsible for managing European Union funds, supporting local businesses, and developing infrastructure projects. The economic performance of regions varies significantly, with Île-de-France being the most economically powerful region due to the presence of the capital city, Paris.

Culture

Each region of France has its own unique cultural identity, influenced by its history, geography, and local traditions. For example, Brittany is known for its Celtic heritage, while Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is famous for its Mediterranean culture.

Related Pages

• Departments of France
• Communes of France
• Administrative divisions of France
• Territorial reform of French regions (2014)
• Regional Council (France)