France, including its overseas territories, has the maximum number of time zones.
France holds the distinction of having the most time zones in the world due to its extensive network of overseas territories scattered across the globe. These territories, remnants of its colonial past, span vast longitudinal distances, necessitating multiple time zones to accurately reflect local solar time. While the mainland of France operates primarily on Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST), its overseas departments and territories observe a wide range of time zones.
Therefore, while a country like Russia spans many time zones consecutively on its mainland, France's scattered territories give it a greater total number of different time zones. This results in logistical complexities but also highlights the country's unique global presence.
Here's a breakdown:
- Mainland France: Primarily uses CET and CEST.
- Overseas Territories: These are the key to France's time zone count and include locations in the Americas, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.
- Total Number: France officially recognizes 12 time zones. Some sources count the Antarctic claim as a thirteenth.
Therefore, the correct answer remains France when considering its territories, which significantly contributes to its claim of having the most time zones.
