The European Union is a vast political body that spans across 28 member states an area of around 1,669,808 square miles, and an estimated population of over 510 million citizens.

The main players include Germany, France, and Britain (until Brexit finally takes place), with more recent additions including Croatia, Romania, and other states in eastern Europe.

However, hidden away on the fringes of the EU are islands and overseas territories that the majority of people have probably never heard of, despite belonging to the EU.

Scroll down to discover the most obscure places on the EU map

Guadeloupe — A French island group in the southern Caribbean Sea which is famous for resembling a butterfly. It has a tiny population of just over 405,000.

Guadeloupe’s beaches are gloriously crowd-free (AFP/Getty)

Martinique — South from Guadeloupe is the Caribbean island of Martinique, another overseas region of France. It has an even smaller population of around 386,000.

French Guiana — Located on the northeast coast of South America this is another obscure EU territory. The French territory is home to around 250,000 and miles of tropical rainforest.

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Azores — The Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal in the Atlantic ocean, made up of 9 beautiful islands. It has been part of the EU's jurisdiction ever since Portugal joined the Union 30 years ago.

Sao Miguel island (Getty)

Madeira — Madeira is a scenic island group close to the coast of north Africa. Like the Azores, it is a Portuguese region with a tiny population and dramatic natural features.

The Canary Islands — Perhaps the best known EU territory on this list to Brits will be the Canary islands. The island group is a popular destination for tourists, particularly the islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria.

Anaga Mountains, Taganana (Westend61/Getty Images)

Mayotte — Far away from mainland Europe is Mayotte, a French territory off the coast of Mozambique. The island group officially became the most outer reach region of the EU in 2014 after a referendum was held five years previously.

Réunion — Finally we have Réunion. Located south of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, the French territory outermost territory of the European Union.

La Réunion

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