Departments of France

Introduction

The Departments of France are the country's sub-national administrative divisions. As of 2021, there are 101 departments, including those located overseas. Each department is managed by an elected body known as the Departmental Council (Conseil départemental).

History

The departments were created on March 4, 1790, by the National Constituent Assembly to replace the provinces with a more rational structure. They were designed to deliberately break up France's historical regions in an attempt to erase cultural differences and build a more homogeneous nation.

Geography

Each department belongs to a single region. There are 13 regions in metropolitan France, i.e., on the European continent, and five overseas regions. Each department is assigned a two-digit number, the "official geographical code", by the Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE).

Administration

The head of the department is the prefect (préfet), appointed by the President of the Republic. The prefect is an agent of the state, responsible for the enforcement of law and order, the implementation of government policies, and the administration of the department's public services.

Economy

The economic disparity among departments is significant. Some departments, such as Hauts-de-Seine or Paris, are very wealthy, while others, like Creuse or Ardennes, are much poorer.

Culture

Each department has its unique cultural identity, shaped by its history, geography, and the ethnic composition of its population. This diversity is reflected in the departments' regional languages, gastronomy, music, and festivals.