Communauté française French Community ← 1958–1960 → Flag Coat of arms Motto Liberté, égalité, fraternité (French: Liberty, equality, brotherhood) Anthem La Marseillaise Capital Paris Language(s) French Political structure Confederation Historical era Cold War  - Fifth Republic October 5, 1958  - Decolonization 1960 Currency French franc CFA franc CFP franc

The French Community (French: Communauté française) was the political entity that replaced the French Union, in 1958. The French Union was the descendant of the French colonial empire following the Second World War. It is included in the 1958 Constitution. Member territories, former French colonies, possessed substantial autonomy, with France controlling only the currency, defense, foreign affairs and national security strategy.

When the Community was established, French leader Charles de Gaulle specified that any country within it would eventually have the option of moving to complete independence. Apart from Guinea, which chose by referendum in 1958 not to join, all French-ruled territories in sub-Saharan Africa joined the new Community. They all obtained independence in 1960.

[edit] See also

• Francophonie
• Colonialism and decolonization
• French Union

[edit] External links

• (French) Communauté française

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