Madagascar
Madagascar
This Island became a protectorate of the French in 1885. In 1894-95, a Colonial administration was put into place. In 1908, the Comoro Islands were attached to the territory with other islands to follow in later years. During World War II, the British occupied Madagascar, though it maintained ties with Vichy France. Madagascar became an independent member of the French Community in 1960 and has continued to have France as a major trading partner.
The Seychelle Islands
Comoros
In 1886, the French government gained rule of the Comoros islands. For 89 years, France had maintained control over the islands with the Christian majority slowly becoming a minority. In 1975, The mainly islamic islands joined together toward independence from France whereas Mayotte, with a Christian majority, broke away from the islands to continue its relations with France. Though the country is an Islamic republic, France is still one of their major trading partners and is still able to exert military control when needed.
Mauritius
In 1715, the French immigrants named the island Isle de France and established the first roads and harbor infrastructure and the sugar industry. In 1810, the British captured the island it was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. However, the century long domination of Mauritius by France has secured the existance of a French speaking population on the island.
Mayotte
Mayotte began its history as a part of the Comoros Islands, which were settled by France in 1886. In 1974 and 1976, Mayotte voted to become independent and segregate itself from the predominantly Moslem islands of Comoro. However, it continues to keep its ties with France as a French speaking island.
Reunion
Reunion was discovered by the Portuguese navigators in the 16th century. In 1642, the French claimed the islands as a possession. In 1958, Reunion approved the Constitution of the Fifth French Republic and remained an Overseas Department of the French Republic.
Seychelles
This island was founded by Portuguese mariners in 1505. In the mid-18th century, thte French settled the island. In 1794, the British invaded and made it a British colony of Mauritius in 1810. It was then ceded to Britain in 1814 in the Treaty of Paris. In 1976, Seychelles gained independence and maintained relations with both the United Kingdom and France.