Polynésie française French Polynesia
Overseas collectivity flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Tahiti Nui Mare'are'a" "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité"
Anthem: La Marseillaise
Capital		Papeete 17°34′S 149°36′W / -17.567, -149.6
Largest city		Faaa
Official languages		French, Tahitian
Demonym		French Polynesian
Government		Dependent territory
-	President of France	Nicolas Sarkozy
-	President of French Polynesia	Gaston Tong Sang
-	High Commissioner of the Republic	Anne Boquet
Overseas collectivity of France
-	protectorate	1842
-	Overseas territory	1946
-	overseas collectivity	2004
Area
-	Total	4,167 km² (173rd) 1,609 sq mi
-	Water (%)	12
Population
-	Aug. The flag of French Polynesia was adopted in 1984 The red and white colours have been adopted from historic Tahitian flags The Coat of arms of French Polynesia consists of an Outrigger depicted in a disc over a stylized Emblem of sun and sea this is very similar to other A motto (from the Italian word motto, meaning witticism sentence is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group Liberté égalité fraternité, French for " Liberty, equality, fraternity ( Brotherhood)" is the motto A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history traditions and struggles of its people recognized either by a nation's " La Marseillaise " (la maʁsɛˡjɛz in English The Song of Marseille) is the National anthem of France. Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory Population: 274 578 (July 2006 est Age structure 0-14 years 261% (male 36 541 female 34 999 15-64 years 679% (male 96 769 female An official language is a Language that is given a special legal status in a particular Country, State, or other territory French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people Tahitian, a Tahitic language, is one of the two official languages of French Polynesia (along with French) A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a People or the inhabitants of a place For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. A dependent territory dependent area or dependency is a territory that does not possess full political Independence or Sovereignty as a The President of the French Republic (Président de la République française colloquially referred to in English as the President of France, is France 's elected Nicolas Sarkozy (pronounced, List of Presidents of French Polynesia (1984-Present Presidents of the Government (1984-2004 Presidents (2004-Present Gaston Tong Sang (born August 7, 1949 in Bora-Bora) is the current President of French Polynesia. The High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia is the representative of the President of the French Republic in French Polynesia. Anne Bouquet also known as Anne Boquet (born March 19 1952 in Bellac Haute-Vienne, France) is the current High Commissioner The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions In International law, a protectorate is a autonomous territory that is "protected" by a stronger state or entity hense the protector which engages to protect Year 1842 ( MDCCCXLII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. To help compare Orders of magnitude of different geographical regions we list here areas between 1000 km2 and 10000 km2 This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by total area. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life. In Mathematics, a percentage is a way of expressing a number as a Fraction of 100 ( per cent meaning "per hundred" In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology  2007 census	259,596[1] (176th)
-	Density	62/km² (130th) 166/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2003 estimate
-	Total	$4. List of countries by population in 2005|List of countries by population in 1907This is a list of countries ordered according to Population. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume List of countries and dependencies by Population density in inhabitants/km² The purchasing power parity ( PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium Exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their Purchasing power. 58 billion (not ranked)
-	Per capita	$17,5001 (not ranked)
HDI (n/a)		n/a (n/a) (n/a)
Currency		CFP franc (XPF)
Time zone		(UTC-10)
Internet TLD		.pf
Calling code		+689
1	2003 estimate. There are three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by' This article includes three lists of Countries of the world sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP at Purchasing power parity (PPP Per capita The Human Development Index ( HDI) is an index combining normalized measures of Life expectancy, Literacy, Educational attainment, and GDP This is a list of countries by Human Development Index as included in the United Nations Development Program 's Human Development Report 2007 A currency is a unit of exchange, facilitating the transfer of Goods and/or services It is one form of Money, where money is The CFP franc (called the franc in everyday use is the Currency used in the French overseas possessions of French Polynesia, New Caledonia ISO 4217 is the International standard describing three-letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established A country This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E

This article is part of the series on Administrative divisions of France

Main article

Regions (incl. |||} Metropolitan France As of January 1, 2008, Metropolitan France is divided into 22 regions (including Corsica, although |||} Metropolitan France As of January 1, 2008, Metropolitan France is divided into 22 regions (including Corsica, although France is divided into 26 regions or régions (in French of which 21 are in continental Metropolitan France, one is the island of Corsica, overseas regions)

Departments (incl. Overseas region (Région d'outre-mer is a recent designation given to the overseas departments which have similar powers to those of the regions of Metropolitan In the context of the political and geographic organization of France and many of its former colonies a department (département depaʁtǝmɑ̃ is an Administrative division overseas departments)

Arrondissements

Cantons

Intercommunality Urban communities Agglomeration communities Commune communities Syndicates of New Agglomeration

Communes Associated communes Municipal arrondissements

Others in Overseas France Overseas collectivities Sui generis collectivity Overseas country Overseas territory Clipperton Island

French Polynesia (French: Polynésie française, Tahitian: Pōrīnetia Farāni) is a French overseas collectivity in the southern Pacific Ocean. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people Tahitian, a Tahitic language, is one of the two official languages of French Polynesia (along with French) This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth 's Oceanic divisions 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). Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a Subregion of Oceania, comprising a large grouping of over An island (ˈaɪlənd or isle (/ˈaɪl/ is any piece of land that is completely surrounded by water in two dimensions above high tide and isolated from other significant Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the The Society Islands ( French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of Islands in the south Pacific Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island was administered from French Polynesia until 2007. Clipperton Island ( French: Île de Clipperton or Île de la Passion) is a nine-square-kilometre coral Atoll in the Eastern Pacific Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

Contents 1 History 2 Politics 3 Administration 3.1 Administrative divisions 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 6.1 Historical population 6.2 Languages 6.3 Religion 7 Transportation 8 Famous people of French Polynesia 9 Miscellaneous topics 10 Gallery 11 See also 12 References 13 Bibliography 14 External links

History

The French Polynesian island groups do not share a common history before the establishment of the French protectorate in 1889. The first French Polynesian islands to be settled by Polynesians were the Marquesas Islands in AD 300 and the Society Islands in AD 800. Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a Subregion of Oceania, comprising a large grouping of over The Society Islands ( French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of Islands in the south Pacific The Polynesians were organized in petty chieftainships. A traditional tribal chief is the leader of a Tribe, or the head of a tribal form of self-government ^[2]

European discovery began in 1521 when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sighted Pukapuka in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães fɨɾˈnɐ̃ũ dɨ mɐgɐˈʎɐ̃ĩʃ Fernando de Magallanes (Spring 1480 &ndash April 27 1521 Mactan Island, Cebu Pukapuka is a Coral Atoll in the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean, with three small islets threaded on a reef which encloses a beautifully The Tuamotus or the Tuamotu Archipelago ( French: Îles Tuamotu officially Archipel des Tuamotu) are a chain of atolls in French Polynesia Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen discovered Bora Bora in the Society Islands in 1722, and the British explorer Samuel Wallis visited Tahiti in 1767. Jacob Roggeveen (baptized 1 February 1659, Middelburg - 31 January, 1729, Middelburg was a Dutch explorer who was sent Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Samuel Wallis ( 23 April 1728 &ndash London 21 January 1795) was a Cornish Navigator who circumnavigated the Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the The French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville visited Tahiti in 1768, while the British explorer James Cook visited in 1769. Louis-Antoine comte de Bougainville ( November 12 1729 Paris - August 31 1811 Paris) was a French navigator and military Captain James Cook FRS RN ( – 14 February 1779) was an English Explorer, Navigator and Christian missions began with Spanish priests who stayed in Tahiti for a year from 1774; Protestants from the London Missionary Society settled permanently in Polynesia in 1797. See also Evangelism, Christianization A Christian mission has been widely defined since the Lausanne Congress of 1974 as that which Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. The London Missionary Society was a non-denominational Missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans and ^[2][3]

King Pomare II of Tahiti was forced to flee to Moorea in 1803; he and his subjects were converted to Protestantism in 1812. Pōmare II King of Tahiti ( 1782 - December 7 1821) fully Tu Tunuieaiteatua Pomare II or in modern orthography Tū Tū-nui-ēa-i-te-atua Pōmare Moorea Rolfe is a synonym of the orchid genus Neomoorea. Moorea is a High island in French Polynesia, part French Catholic missionaries arrived on Tahiti in 1834; their expulsion in 1836 caused France to send a gunboat in 1838. In 1842, Tahiti and Tahuata were declared a French protectorate, to allow Catholic missionaries to work undisturbed. Tahuata is the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. In International law, a protectorate is a autonomous territory that is "protected" by a stronger state or entity hense the protector which engages to protect The capital of Papeete was founded in 1843. Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory In 1880, France annexed Tahiti, changing the status from that of a protectorate to that of a colony. France was a dominant empire in the world from the 1600s to the late 1960s possessing many colonies in various locations around the world ^[4]

In the 1880s, France claimed the Tuamotu Archipelago, which formerly belonged to the Pomare dynasty, without formally annexing it. The Tuamotus or the Tuamotu Archipelago ( French: Îles Tuamotu officially Archipel des Tuamotu) are a chain of atolls in French Polynesia Having declared a protectorate over Tahuatu in 1842, the French regarded the entire Marquesas Islands as French. In 1885, France appointed a governor and established a general council, thus giving it the proper administration for a colony. The islands of Rimatara and Rurutu unsuccessfully lobbied for British protection in 1888, so in 1889 they were annexed by France. Rimatara is the westernmost of the Austral Islands in French Polynesia. Rurutu is the northernmost island in the Austral archipelago of French Polynesia, and the name of a commune consisting solely of that island Postage stamps were first issued in the colony in 1892. The first official name for the colony was Etablissements De L'Oceanie (Settlements in Oceania); in 1903 the general council was changed to an advisory council and the colony's name was changed to Etablissements Francaises De L'Oceanie (French Settlements in Oceania). ^[5]

In 1940 the administration of French Polynesia recognised the Free French Forces and many Polynesians served in World War II. The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres FFL) were French fighters in World War II who decided to continue fighting against Axis forces World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Unknown at the time to French and Polynesians, the Konoe Cabinet in Imperial Japan on September 16, 1940 included French Polynesia among the many territories which were to become Japanese possessions in the post-war world ^[6] - though in the course of the war in the Pacific the Japanese were not able to launch an actual invasion of the French islands. Fumimaro Konoe 3rd Prince Konoe ( Kyūjitai: 近衞 文麿 Shinjitai: 近衛 文麿 Konoe Fumimaro) ( sometimes Konoye, October 12 The Empire of Japan ( {{unicode|Kyūjitai}}: ja 大日本帝國 Shinjitai: ja 大日本帝国 pronounced Dai Nippon Teikoku Events 1400 - Owain Glyndŵr is declared Prince of Wales by his followers Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

In 1946, Polynesians were granted French citizenship and the islands' status was changed to an overseas territory; the islands' name was changed in 1957 to Polynésie Française (French Polynesia). A dependent territory dependent area or dependency is a territory that does not possess full political Independence or Sovereignty as a In 1962, France's early nuclear testing ground of Algeria became independent and the Mururoa Atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago was selected as the new testing site; tests were conducted underground after 1974. Algeria ( ar [[Arabic]] الجزائر, Al Jaza'ir ælʤæˈzæːʔir Amazigh: ⴷⵥⴰⵢⴻⵔ Dzayer) officially the People's Mururoa (Mururura Moruroa also historically known as Aopuni, ( ^[7]In 1977, French Polynesia was granted partial internal autonomy; in 1984, the autonomy was extended. French Polynesia became a full overseas collectivity of France in 2004. The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions ^[3][8]

In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing at Fangataufa atoll after a three-year moratorium. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Fangataufa (Fangatafoa is a small low narrow Coral Atoll in the eastern side of the Tuamotu Archipelago. The last test was on January 27, 1996. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) On January 29, 1996, France announced it would accede to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and no longer test nuclear weapons. Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT bans all nuclear explosions in all environments for military or civilian purposes ^[9]

Politics

Main article: Politics of French Polynesia

Politics of French Polynesia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the President of French Polynesia is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Politics of French Polynesia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the A parliamentary system, also known as parliamentarianism (and parliamentarism in American English) is a System of government in which Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of the people's representatives The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions This article focuses on the cases where the Head of Government is a separate office from the Head of State A multi-party system is a system in which three or more political parties have the capacity to gain control of government separately or in coalition Executive power is exercised by the government. In Political science and Constitutional law, the executive is the branch of government responsible for the day-to-day management of the State. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Assembly of French Polynesia (the territorial assembly). A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation For the government of parliamentary systems see Executive (government. The Assembly of French Polynesia (Assemblée de la Polynésie française is the unicameral Legislature of French Polynesia, located at the Place Tarahoi

Political life in French Polynesia has been marked by great instability since the mid-2000s. On September 14, 2007, the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru, 63, was elected president of French Polynesia for the 3rd time in 3 years (with 27 of 44 votes cast in the territorial assembly). Oscar Manutahi Temaru (born November 1, 1944, at Faa'a on the island of Tahiti) is French Polynesian politician Votes are people of Votia in Ingria (part of modern day northwestern Russia, roughly (southwest of Saint Petersburg, near and east ^[10] He replaced former President Gaston Tong Sang, opposed to independence, who lost a no-confidence vote in the Assembly of French Polynesia on 31 August after the longtime former president of French Polynesia, Gaston Flosse, hitherto opposed to independence, sided with his long ennemy Oscar Temaru to topple the government of Gaston Tong Sang. Gaston Tong Sang (born August 7, 1949 in Bora-Bora) is the current President of French Polynesia. A motion of no confidence (also vote of no confidence, censure motion, no-confidence motion, or confidence motion) is a Parliamentary motion Gaston Flosse (born June 24, 1931 Rikitea, Mangareva, French Polynesia) is a French Polynesian politician who has been Oscar Temaru, however, had no stable majority in the Assembly of French Polynesia, and new territorial elections were held in February 2008 to solve the political crisis.

The party of Gaston Tong Sang won the territorial elections, but that did not solve the political crisis: the two minority parties of Oscar Temaru and Gaston Flosse, who together have one more member in the territorial assembly than the political party of Gaston Tong Sang, allied to prevent Gaston Tong Sang from becoming president of French Polynesia. Gaston Flosse was then elected president of French Polynesia by the territorial assembly on February 23, 2008 with the support of the pro-independence party led by Oscar Temaru, while Oscar Temaru was elected speaker of the territorial assembly with the support of the anti-independence party led by Gaston Flosse. Events 1455 - Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western Book printed from Movable 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Both formed a coallition cabinet. Many observers doubted that the alliance between the anti-independence Gaston Flosse and the pro-independence Oscar Temaru, designed to prevent Gaston Tong Sang from becoming president of French Polynesia, could last very long. ^[11]

At the French municipal elections held in March 2008, several prominent mayors who are member of the Flosse-Temaru coallition lost their offices in key municipalities of French Polynesia, which was interpreted as a disapproval of the way Gaston Tong Sang, whose party French Polynesian voters had placed first in the territorial elections the month before, had been prevented from becoming president of French Polynesia by the last minute alliance between Flosse and Temaru's parties. The French municipal elections of 2008 were held on 9 March in that year (with a second round of voting taking place where necessary one week later on 16 March Eventually, on April 15, 2008 the government of Gaston Flosse was toppled by a constructive vote of no confidence in the territorial assembly when two members of the Flosse-Temaru coallition left the coallition and sided with Tong Sang's party. Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The constructive vote of no confidence (in German: konstruktives Misstrauensvotum) is a specialty of the 1949 German Constitution, the Grundgesetz Gaston Tong Sang was elected president of French Polynesia as a result of this constructive vote of no confidence, but his majority in the territorial assembly is very narrow. He offered posts in his cabinet to Flosse and Temaru's parties which they both refused. Gaston Tong Sang has called all parties to help end the instability in local politics, a prerequisite to attract foreign investors needed to develop the local economy.

Despite a local assembly and government, French Polynesia is not in a free association with France, like the Cook Islands with New Zealand or Puerto Rico with the United States. An associated state is the minor partner in a formal free relationship between a political territory with a degree of statehood and a (usually larger nation for which no other specific The Cook Islands ( Cook Islands Māori: Kūki 'Āirani) are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island Puerto Rico (ˌpwertoˈriko officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico" {{lang-en|"Associated Free State of Puerto Rico"}} The United States of America —commonly referred to as the As a French overseas collectivity, the local government has no competence in justice, education, security and defense, directly provided and administered by the French State, the Gendarmerie and the French Military. See Gendarmerie for similar forces in other countries In France, the National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale is the national The Military of France encompasses an army, a navy, an air force and a military police force. The highest representant of the State in the territory is the High Commissioner of the Republic (French: Haut commissaire de la République). French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people

French Polynesia also sends two deputies to the French National Assembly, one representing the Leeward Islands administrative subdivision, the Austral Islands administrative subdivision, the commune (municipality) of Moorea-Maiao, and the westernmost part of Tahiti (including the capital Papeete), and the other representing the central and eastern part of Tahiti, the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative division, and the Marquesas Islands administrative division. A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a Parliament. The French National Assembly. The other is the Senate ( “Sénat”) The Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-vent Tahitian: Fenua Raro Mata’i, literally "Islands Under-the-Wind" are part of the Society Islands There are two levels of administrative divisions of French Polynesia, five administrative subdivisions (subdivisions administratives each of which is further divided into a The Austral Islands ( French: Îles Australes or Archipel des Australes) are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, an The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. Moorea-Maiao is a commune of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory The Îles Tuamotu-Gambier ( French: Îles Tuamotu-Gambier or Archipels des Tuamotu et des Gambier or Archipel des Tuamotu-Gambier or Tuamotu-Gambier French Polynesia also sends one senator to the French Senate. The Senate (Sénat is the Upper house of the Parliament of France, presided over by a president.

French Polynesians vote in the French presidential elections and at the 2007 French presidential election, in which the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru openly called to vote for the Socialist candidate Ségolène Royal while the parties opposed to independence generally supported the center-right candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, the turnout in French Polynesia was 69. The 2007 French presidential election, the ninth of the Fifth French Republic was held to elect the successor to Jacques Chirac as president of France Marie-Ségolène Royal (born 22 September 1953 in Dakar, Senegal, then a French colony known as, (seɡɔlɛn ʁwajal is a Nicolas Sarkozy (pronounced, Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a Ballot in an Election. 12% in the first round of the election and 74. 67% in the second round. French Polynesians voters placed Nicolas Sarkozy ahead of Ségolène Royal in both rounds of the election (2nd round: Nicolas Sarkozy 51. 9%; Ségolène Royal 48. 1%). ^[12]

Administration

Between 1946 and 2003, French Polynesia had the status of an overseas territory (French: territoire d'outre-mer, or TOM). Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people In 2003 it became an overseas collectivity (French: collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM). Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The French overseas collectivities ( collectivités d'outre-mer or COM) like the French regions, themselves are first-order Administrative divisions Its statutory law of 27 February 2004 gives it the particular designation of overseas province (French: province d'outre-mer, or POM), but without legal modification of its status. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of French Polynesia

French Polynesia has five administrative subdivisions (French: subdivisions administratives):

• Windward Islands (French: (les) Îles du Vent or officially la subdivision administrative des Îles du Vent) (the two subdivisions administratives Windward Islands and Leeward Islands are part of the Society Islands)
• Leeward Islands (French: (les) Îles Sous-le-Vent or officially la subdivision administrative des Îles Sous-le-Vent) (the two subdivisions administratives Windward Islands and Leeward Islands are part of the Society Islands)
• Marquesas Islands (French: (les) (Îles) Marquises or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Marquises)
• Austral Islands (French: (les) (Îles) Australes or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Australes) (including the Bass Islands)
• Tuamotu-Gambier (French: (les) (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier) (the Tuamotus and the Gambier Islands)

Geography

Main article: Geography of French Polynesia

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. There are two levels of administrative divisions of French Polynesia, five administrative subdivisions (subdivisions administratives each of which is further divided into a French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Windward Islands (Îles du Vent are the eastern group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, an Overseas collectivity of France in French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Windward Islands (Îles du Vent are the eastern group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, an Overseas collectivity of France in The Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-vent Tahitian: Fenua Raro Mata’i, literally "Islands Under-the-Wind" are part of the Society Islands The Society Islands ( French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of Islands in the south Pacific The Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-vent Tahitian: Fenua Raro Mata’i, literally "Islands Under-the-Wind" are part of the Society Islands French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Windward Islands (Îles du Vent are the eastern group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, an Overseas collectivity of France in The Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-vent Tahitian: Fenua Raro Mata’i, literally "Islands Under-the-Wind" are part of the Society Islands The Society Islands ( French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of Islands in the south Pacific French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Austral Islands ( French: Îles Australes or Archipel des Australes) are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, an French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Bass Islands ( French: Îles (de Bass or Îlots (de Bass) consist primarily of Rapa ( and Marotiri ( The Îles Tuamotu-Gambier ( French: Îles Tuamotu-Gambier or Archipels des Tuamotu et des Gambier or Archipel des Tuamotu-Gambier or Tuamotu-Gambier French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The Tuamotus or the Tuamotu Archipelago ( French: Îles Tuamotu officially Archipel des Tuamotu) are a chain of atolls in French Polynesia The Gambier Islands (Îles Gambier or fr ''Archipel des Gambier'' are a small group of islands in French Polynesia, located at the southeast terminus of the Tuamotu This article describes the Geography of French Polynesia.; Location Oceania, Archipelago in the South Pacific Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile.  mi) of ocean.

It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the

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, some other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva `Oa, Huahine, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai, and Tupai. The Austral Islands ( French: Îles Australes or Archipel des Australes) are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, an The Bass Islands ( French: Îles (de Bass or Îlots (de Bass) consist primarily of Rapa ( and Marotiri ( The Gambier Islands (Îles Gambier or fr ''Archipel des Gambier'' are a small group of islands in French Polynesia, located at the southeast terminus of the Tuamotu The Society Islands ( French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of Islands in the south Pacific The Tuamotus or the Tuamotu Archipelago ( French: Îles Tuamotu officially Archipel des Tuamotu) are a chain of atolls in French Polynesia Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the An atoll (pronounced /ˈætʌl/ is an island of Coral that encircles a Lagoon partially or completely Ahe, Ahemaru or Omaru, is an almost entirely-enclosed Coral Atoll, located in the northern Tuamotu Archipelago, just 14 km to the Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean For the town in Thailand see Hua Hin. Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas Maiao is an 88 km² (34 sq mi island formation located 78 km (48 Maupiti is a small coral atoll with a volcanic island in its midst Mehetia or Meetia is a volcanic island in the Windward Islands, in the east of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Moorea Rolfe is a synonym of the orchid genus Neomoorea. Moorea is a High island in French Polynesia, part Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. Somewhat smaller than Tahiti, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Tahaa (see footnote for variant spellings is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France Tetiaroa, one of the Society Islands, is an Atoll located 59 km (36 Tubuai is the name of a group of Islands and also the name of its main island being part of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean Tupai is a low-lying Atoll in Society Islands, French Polynesia.

Economy

Main article: Economy of French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on imported goods, tourism, and the financial assistance of mainland France. Economy - overview Since 1962 when France stationed Military personnel in the region French Polynesia has changed from a Subsistence economy Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands. Also, as the noni fruit from these islands is discovered for its medicinal uses, people have been able to find jobs related to this agricultural industry. Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as great morinda, Indian mulberry, beach mulberry, Tahitian noni, cheese fruit

The legal tender of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc. The CFP franc (called the franc in everyday use is the Currency used in the French overseas possessions of French Polynesia, New Caledonia

Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits. The Coconut Palm ( Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family Vanilla is a Flavoring derived from Orchids of the genus Vanilla native to Mexico. The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however The term fruit has different meanings dependent on context and the term is not synonymous in Food preparation and Biology.

Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt. Lumber or timber is Wood in any of its stages from felling through readiness for use as structural Material for Construction, or Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two Cobalt (ˈkoʊbɒlt is a hard lustrous silver-grey Metal, a Chemical element with symbol Co.

The major export of French Polynesia is their famous black Tahitian pearls.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of French Polynesia

Total population at the August 2007 census was 259,596 inhabitants. Population: 274 578 (July 2006 est Age structure 0-14 years 261% (male 36 541 female 34 999 15-64 years 679% (male 96 769 female ^[1] At the 2007 census, 68. 6% of the population of French Polynesia lived on the island of Tahiti alone. Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the ^[1] The urban area of Papeete, the capital city, has 131,695 inhabitants (2007 census). Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory

At the November 2002 census, 87. 2% of people were born in French Polynesia, 9. 5% were born in metropolitan France, 1. Metropolitan France (France métropolitaine or la Métropole, or colloquially l'Hexagone) is the part of France located in Europe, including 4% were born in overseas France outside of French Polynesia, and 1. The French Overseas Departments and Territories ( French: départements d'outre-mer and territoires d'outre-mer or DOM-TOM) consist broadly of 9% were born in foreign countries. ^[13] At the 1988 census, the last census which asked questions regarding ethnicity, 66. 5% of people were ethnically unmixed Polynesians, 7. Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a Subregion of Oceania, comprising a large grouping of over 1 % were Polynesians with light European or East Asian mixing, 11. 9% were Europeans, 9. The European peoples are the various Nations and Ethnic groups of Europe. 3% were people of mixed European and Polynesian descent, the so-called Demis (literally meaning "Half"), and 4. 7% were East Asians (mainly Chinese). ^[14] The Europeans, the Demis and the East Asians are essentially concentrated on the island of Tahiti, particularly in the urban area of Papeete, where their share of the population is thus much more important than in French Polynesia overall. Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory ^[14] Race mixing has been going on for more than a century already in French Polynesia, resulting in a rather mixed society. Miscegenation (Latin miscere "to mix" + genus "kind" is the mixing of different racial groups, that is marrying, cohabiting For example Gaston Flosse, the long-time leader of French Polynesia, is a Demi (European father from Lorraine and Polynesian mother). Gaston Flosse (born June 24, 1931 Rikitea, Mangareva, French Polynesia) is a French Polynesian politician who has been Lorraine (Lothringen is one of the 26 régions of France. It is the only administrative region with two cities of equal importance Metz and Nancy ^[15] His main opponent Gaston Tong Sang is a member of the East Asian (in his case Chinese) community. Gaston Tong Sang (born August 7, 1949 in Bora-Bora) is the current President of French Polynesia. ^[16] Oscar Temaru, the pro-independence leader, is ethnically Polynesian (father from Tahiti, mother from the Cook Islands),^[17] but he has admitted to also have Chinese ancestry. Oscar Manutahi Temaru (born November 1, 1944, at Faa'a on the island of Tahiti) is French Polynesian politician Tahiti is the largest Island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the Archipelago of Society Islands in the The Cook Islands ( Cook Islands Māori: Kūki 'Āirani) are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. ^[18]

Despite a long tradition of race mixing, racial tensions have been growing in recent years, with politicians using a xenophobic discourse and fanning the flame of racial tensions. Xenophobia is an intense and/or irrational dislike and sometimes fear of people from other countries ^[19][18] The pro-independence politicians have long pointed the finger at the European community (Oscar Temaru, pro-independence leader and former president of French Polynesia, was for example found guilty of "racial discrimination" by the criminal court of Papeete in 2007 for having referred to the Europeans living in French Polynesia as "trash", "waste"). ^[20] More recently, the Chinese community which controls many businesses in French Polynesia has been targeted in verbal attacks by the newly allied Gaston Flosse and Oscar Temaru in their political fight against Gaston Tong Sang, whose Chinese origins they emphasize in contrast with their Polynesian origins, despite the fact that they both have mixed origins (European and Polynesian for Flosse; Polynesian and Chinese for Temaru). ^[21] In April 2008, after the government of Gaston Flosse was toppled in the Assembly of French Polynesia and Gaston Tong Sang became the new president of French Polynesia, two French Polynesian labor union leaders made anti-Chinese remarks ("I'm not hiding from the fact that I wouldn't like our country to be ruled by someone who's not a Polynesian"; "a Chinese only thinks of the business leaders, because he is a businessman"). International holidays and other major events April 1 - April Fools' Day April 4 - Qingming Festival (Mainland ^[22] These anti-Chinese remarks caused a political furor and were widely condemned in French Polynesia. ^[23]

Historical population

1907	1911	1921	1926	1931	1936	1941	1946	1951
30,600	31,900	31,600	35,900	40,400	44,000	51,200	58,200	63,300
1956	1962	1971	1977	1983	1988	1996	2002	2007
76,323	84,551	119,168	137,382	166,753	188,814	219,521	245,516	259,596
Official figures from past censuses. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Year 1911 ( MCMXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Year 1926 ( MCMXXVI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1931 ( MCMXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1936 ( MCMXXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. [1] [24] [25] [26]

Languages

French is the official language of French Polynesia. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people An organic law of April 12, 1996 states that "French is the official language, Tahitian and other Polynesian languages can be used. An organic law or Fundamental law is a Law or system of laws which forms the foundation of a Government, Corporation or other organization's Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) " At the 2002 census, among the population whose age was 14 and older, 65. 0% of people reported that the language they speak the most at home is French, 33. 4% reported that the language they speak the most at home is any of the Polynesian languages, 1. The Polynesian languages are a Language family spoken in the region known as Polynesia. 2% reported an East Asian language, and 0. East Asian languages describe two notional groupings of languages in East and Southeast Asia: Languages which have been greatly influenced by 4% another language. ^[27] At the same census, 92. 9% of people whose age was 14 or older reported that they could speak, read and write French, whereas only 4. 8% reported that they had no knowledge of French. ^[28]

Religion

Christianity is the main religion of the islands, a majority (54%) belonging to various Protestant churches and a large minority (30%) being Roman Catholic. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in French Polynesia

While most major roads are paved and well-maintained, many secondary roads are not. Railways 0 km Highways total 2590 km paved 1735 km unpaved 855 km (1999 Ports and Harbours Traffic is brisk and all types of vehicles and pedestrians jockey for space on narrow streets. Crosswalks are marked and the law requires that motor vehicles stop for pedestrians; however, this is not always done. Tourists should exercise caution when driving, particularly at night.

There are 51 airports in French Polynesia, 39 are paved. [1]

Famous people of French Polynesia

• Henri Hiro (1944-1991), Film director & script writer, poet, ecologist, activist
• Marco Namouro, writer (1889-1968)
• Célestine Hitiura Vaite, writer (born 1966)
• Ella Koon, model (born 1979)
• Pascal Vahirua, former French international footballer (born 1966)
• Marama Vahirua, footballer, cousin of Pascal Vahirua (born 1980)

Miscellaneous topics

French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. Célestine Hitiura Vaite (born 1966) is a Tahitian writer The daughter of a Tahitian mother and French father Vaite grew up in the commune of Faaa (Faa'a Ella Koon is Hong Kong based ethnic Chinese Cantopop Singer, actress and model. Pascal Vahirua (born 9 March, 1966 in Papeete, French Polynesia) is a former professional French footballer. Marama Vahirua (born May 12, 1980 in Papeete) is a French football forward, currently playing for French team However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in areas that are more remote or less/sparsely populated. Patients with emergencies or with serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals as well as several private clinics provide 24-hour medical service. Papeete ("water from a basket" see footnote for variant spelling (papeʔete is the Capital of French Polynesia, an overseas territory Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

As an overseas territory of France, defence and law-enforcement are provided by the French Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Gendarmerie. The Military of France encompasses an army, a navy, an air force and a military police force. See Gendarmerie for similar forces in other countries In France, the National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale is the national

Charles Darwin visited French Polynesia on his five year trip around the world. Charles Robert Darwin (February 12 1809 &ndash April 19 1882 was an English naturalist, who realised and demonstrated that all Species of life PDF file of his journal

Gallery

Baie de Cook in Moorea	Mont Otemanu in Bora-Bora	Satellite view of the Iles Gambier	Black sand beach in Tahiti
Motu Tiahura, Moorea	Fakarava lagoon	Baie des traîtres, Hiva `Oa	Presidence of the Government (Papeete)
Mangareva	Bungalows of Hôtel Hibiscus, Hauru Point, Moorea	Plage de Marita, Bora Bora	Bora Bora from the air
High Commissionership of the Republic (Papeete)	Tahiti	Tahitian women on the beach, by Paul Gauguin (1891)	Bora Bora
Sunrise over Moorea	Bora Bora, Tahaa and Raiatea from space	Black sand beach, Tahiti

See also

• Communications in French Polynesia
• Université de la Polynésie Française, University of French Polynesia
• French overseas departments and territories
• Administrative divisions of France
• Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans
• Music of French Polynesia
• Conseil du Scoutisme polynésien
• Nuclear-free zone
• Moruroa

References

Bibliography

• Danielsson, Bengt (1965). Bengt Emmerik Danielsson (6 July 1921&ndash4 July 1997 was an anthropologist and a crew member on the Kon-Tiki raft expedition from South America to Work and Life on Raroia: An Acculturation Study from the Tuamotu Group, French Oceania. London: G. Allen & Unwin.  
• Danielsson, Bengt; Marie-Thérèse Danielsson (1986). Poisoned Reign: French Nuclear Colonialism in the Pacific. New York: Penguin Books. Penguin Books is a British Publisher founded in 1935 by Allen Lane. ISBN 0-140-08130-5.  
• Hough, Richard (1995). Richard Hough is a British Author and Historian specializing in maritime history Captain James Cook. W W Norton. ISBN 0393036804.  
• Pollock, Nancy J. ; Ron Crocombe, eds. (1988). French Polynesia: A Book of Selected Readings. Suva, Fiji: Institute of Pacific Studies of the University of the South Pacific. ISBN 9820200326.  
• Thompson, Virginia; Richard Adloff (1971). The French Pacific Islands: French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Berkeley: University of California Press.  

External links

Tourism

• Official Tourism Website
• Travel Guide

Government

• Government of French Polynesia
• Presidency of French Polynesia
• Administrative Subdivisions of French Polynesia
• South Seas island guide

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