The UFSS is essentially a remnant of the French Empire. For this reason, a large amount of the states within the Union are African. Most African states are able to exercise reasonable amounts of independence and some, like ex-British colonies, are effectively independent in all but foreign affairs and currency. The European states consist of France proper, Wallonia and South England. Wallonia is considered part of France proper but is allowed a special degree of control after riots caused a crisis in 1968 and 1969. South England was reclaimed in 2002 after the British Civil War. It is considered in a state of emergency and thus is ruled straight from Paris.