ABSTRACT
4.1.A France is a unitary, decentralised State. Its decentralised structure has been enshrined in its Constitution (Article 1) since 2003. France is divided into territorial communities, some of which have an ordinary status with others having a special status. The communities with a special status are distinguished from the other communities by reason of their specific geographical and cultural characteristics. The existence of different legal regimes governing these communities is compatible with the principle of the indivisibility of the Republic enshrined in the Constitution (Article 1).
