The France has 101 departments. There are 96 in metropolitan France and 5 Overseas Departments (DOM). Each department has a number and is linked to an administrative region. You can see the list of French departments with their numbers, prefectures, and sub-prefectures. You can also read about the population, area, and density of these places.
Introduction to French departments
A department is a designated area with a specific role. It has government services and a local council. These areas were created in 1790 in France. They have changed a bit over time, such as when new places were added. For example, the overseas departments.
The departments help to better organize the country. Each area has its capital, where a lot of work is done. Little by little, these areas have gained more freedom and power. This has helped France adapt to changes.
Complete list of departments with prefecture
Here is the complete list of the 101 French departments. It includes the name, number, prefecture, and sub-prefectures. It includes the 96 metropolitan departments and the 5 overseas departments. Number 20, for Corsica, is divided into 2A for South Corsica and 2B for Upper Corsica.
| Department | Number | Prefecture | Sub-prefectures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ain | 01 | Bourg-en-Bresse | Nantua, Belley |
| Aisne | 02 | Laon | Château-Thierry, Saint-Quentin, Soissons |
| Allier | 03 | Moulins | Montluçon, Vichy |
| Alpes-de-Haute-Provence | 04 | Digne-les-Bains | Barcelonnette, Castellane, Forcalquier |
| Hautes-Alpes | 05 | Gap | Briançon |
| Alpes-Maritimes | 06 | Nice | Grasse, Menton |
| Ardèche | 07 | Privas | Largentière, Tournon-sur-Rhône |
| Ardennes | 08 | Charleville-Mézières | Sedan, Rethel |
| Ariège | 09 | Foix | Pamiers, Saint-Girons |
| Aube | 10 | Troyes | Nogent-sur-Seine, Bar-sur-Aube |
This detailed list of French departments shows their numbers, prefectures, and sub-prefectures. It provides a real insight into how the country is organized. One can better understand the geographical distribution and structure of the territorial communities in France.
Departments with prefecture: Key data
In France, the departments each have their own population and area. The North is the most populated while Guyana is the largest.
Thanks to the map of the departments, one can see their location in France. Infographics help to understand the departments and their characteristics.
This information shows how the French departments are different. We learn a lot about their population, area, and density.
