France
The Scout movement in France consists of about 80 different associations and federations with about 180,000 Scouts and Girl Guides. Next to Germany, France is the country with the most fragmented Scout movement.
According to French law all youth organizations working on national level must be recognized by the Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports (Minister of Youth and Sports). Only nine of the above mentioned 80 organizations have this status. The vast majority of organizations is recognized by regional or local authorities, but there are also some non-recognized associations: their operation is illegal under French law.
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