⭐ Core Definition: Single territorial collectivity
A single territorial collectivity (French: collectivité territoriale unique, French pronunciation:[kɔlɛktiviteteʁitɔʁjalynik]) is a chartered subdivision of France that exercises the powers of both a region and a department. This subdivision was introduced in Mayotte in 2011, in French Guiana and Martinique in 2015, and in Corsica in 2018.
The nature of a French single territorial collectivity is set forth in Articles 72 and 73 of the French Constitution of 1958 (as amended since), which provides for local autonomy within limits prescribed by law.
Mayotte is located in the northern part of the Mozambique Channel in the western Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeastern Africa, between the northwestern part of the island of Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique on the continent. Mayotte consists of a main island, Grande-Terre (or Maore), a smaller island, Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi), as well as several islets around these two. Mayotte's land area is 374 square kilometres (144 sq mi) and, with its 320,901 people according to January 2024 official estimates, is very densely populated at 858 inhabitants per km (2,228 per sq mi). The biggest city and prefecture is Mamoudzou on the larger Grande-Terre. The Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport is located on the neighbouring smaller island of Petite-Terre. The territory is also known as Maore, the native name of its main island.
Single territorial collectivity in the context of Corse-du-Sud
Corse-du-Sud (French pronunciation:[kɔʁsdysyd]; Corsican: Corsica suttana[ˈkorsigazutˈtana], Pumonte[puˈmɔntɛ] or Pumonti[puˈmɔnti]; English: Southern Corsica) is (as of 2019) an administrative department of France, consisting of the southern part of the island of Corsica. The corresponding departmental territorial collectivity merged with that of Haute-Corse on 1 January 2018, forming the single territorial collectivity of Corsica, with territorial elections coinciding with the dissolution of the separate council. Although its administrative powers were ceded to the new territorial collectivity, it remains an administrative department in its own right. In 2019, it had a population of 158,507.
Single territorial collectivity in the context of Haute-Corse
Haute-Corse (French:[otkɔʁs]; Corsican: Corsica suprana[ˈkorsiɡazuˈprana], Cismonte[tʃiˈzmɔnte] or Alta Corsica; English: Upper Corsica) is a department of France, consisting of the northern part of the island of Corsica. The corresponding departmental territorial collectivity merged with that of Corse-du-Sud on 1 January 2018, forming the single territorial collectivity of Corsica, with territorial elections coinciding with the dissolution of the separate councils. However, even though its administrative powers were ceded to the new territorial collectivity, it continues to remain an administrative department in its own right. In 2019, it had a population of 181,933.
Single territorial collectivity in the context of 2013 Alsace single territorial collectivity referendum
The Alsace single territorial collectivity referendum (French: référendum sur la Collectivité territoriale d'Alsace) was a referendum held on Sunday, 7 April 2013 in Alsace, France, which aimed at the creation of the single territorial collectivity of Alsace through the merging of the regional council of Alsace and the departmental councils of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. Even though there was a 57.65% majority of "Yes" votes, the project was not approved, as two other requirements (a majority in favour in both departments and a voter quorum) were not met.