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French Polynesia tourist information

French Polynesia is a French "overseas collectivity" with the particular designation of "overseas country" in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island, and the seat of the capital of the territory (Papeete). Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island is administered from French Polynesia.

Places to go in French Polynesia ...

Arue Avatoru Bora Bora Faaa Maharepa Manihi Moorea Motu Tau Tau Papeete Punaauia Raiatea

The islands of French Polynesia have a total land area of 4,167 square kilometres (1,622 sq. mi) scattered over 2,500,000 square kilometres (965,255 sq. mi) of ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti.

The island groups are:

Austral Islands
Bass Islands often considered part of the Austral Islands
Gambier Islands often considered part of the Tuamotu Archipelago
Marquesas Islands
Society Islands (including Tahiti)
Tuamotu Archipelago

Aside from Tahiti, important atolls and islands, and island groups in French Polynesia include Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva `Oa, Huahine, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai, and Tupai.

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Transportation

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Terrain Mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs.

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History The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.

Languages French (official), Tahitian (official)

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Ethnic Groups Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%

Religion Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%