French Polynesia

I

Introduction

French Polynesia (French, Polynésie Française), “overseas country” of France, consisting of 35 volcanic islands and more than 180 low-lying coral atolls scattered over a wide area of the eastern South Pacific Ocean. The territory has a total land area of 4,167 sq km (1,609 sq mi).

II

Land and Resources

French Polynesia is divided into five archipelagos: the Society Islands, composed of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands; the Tuamotu Archipelago; the Gambier Islands; the Tubuai Islands; and the Marquesas Islands. Clipperton Island, an uninhabited atoll south of the coast of Mexico, is also part of the territory. The Tuamotu Archipelago consists entirely of coral atolls and accounts for more than half of the territory’s islands. Mount Orohena on Tahiti is the highest peak in French Polynesia, with an elevation of 2,241 m (7,352 ft). The high volcanic islands have rich soils and support a variety of plant species. Coconut palms thrive throughout the territory. Wildlife on the islands is limited to birds, insects, and lizards; some residents maintain livestock, including pigs and chickens. Marine life is abundant in the surrounding waters and provides an important food source.

French Polynesia has a tropical but moderate climate, with an average temperature of 27º C (81º F). There are two distinct seasons: a warm rainy season from November to April and a cool dry season from May to October. The amount of rainfall varies greatly throughout the territory. The Marquesas Islands are the driest, and the Tubuai Islands are the wettest. Cyclones occur throughout the territory but with less frequency than elsewhere in the South Pacific.

III

Economy

The leading exports are copra, vanilla, mother-of-pearl, and cultured pearls (in the mid-1990s French Polynesia was producing more than 95 per cent of the world’s supply). Subsistence activities include fishing and the culture of tropical fruits. Tourism, a growing business, is very important to the economy. Nuclear testing developed in the 1960s. The unit of currency is the CFP franc which, since January 1, 2002, has been tied to the Euro; as at early 2005, 0.77 Euros equalled US$1.

IV

Population

The population of French Polynesia is 283,019 (2008 estimate), with an average population density of 77 people per sq km (200 per sq km). Tahiti is the principal island; its chief town, Papeete (population, 2007 estimate, 26,017), is the capital of the territory. The population is primarily Polynesian, with minorities of Chinese and Europeans. French is the official language, but various Polynesian languages are generally spoken.

Papeete is a cosmopolitan city with a strong Western influence; its residents enjoy French cuisine and eat mainly imported food. Most clothing and other goods are also imported, largely from France. By Pacific Island standards, the cost of living in Papeete and other urban areas on Tahiti is extremely high. On more remote islands, the lifestyle is much slower in pace with more subsistence activities. French national holidays are celebrated. Canoe racing and other water sports are popular. Tahitian music and dances have enthusiastic audiences.