DOMTOM is a colloquial term derived from the French phrase "Départements et territoires d'outre-mer," which translates to "Overseas Departments and Territories." It refers to the various overseas territories and departments that are under the sovereignty of France.
DOMTOM includes several regions and territories located around the world, notably in the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. These territories have different political statuses, including being overseas departments (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion), overseas collectivities (Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon), and one sui generis collectivity (New Caledonia). They are all part of France but have some degree of autonomy and local governance.
These territories benefit from French support in terms of economic development, education, and security. They use the Euro as their currency and have representation in the French parliament. However, they also face unique challenges, such as geographic isolation, cultural preservation, natural disasters, and economic disparities.
The term DOMTOM is commonly used in French-speaking contexts to refer collectively to these territories. It highlights their status as overseas extensions of France while acknowledging their distinct cultural and geographical identities. The concept of DOMTOM plays a crucial role in understanding the complex relationship between France and its overseas territories and their impact on regional politics, economy, and society.
