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French Polynesia

General Information about French Polynesia

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and is located in the South Pacific about halfway between South America and Australia. French Polynesia consists of groups of small Polynesian islands such as the Society Islands which is where French Polynesia's most famous island Tahiti is located. French Polynesia has a population of over 278,000 people. The official languages spoken in French Polynesia are French and Polynesian.

Some Asian languages are also spoken. The two major religions followed in French Polynesia are Protestant and Roman Catholic. French Polynesia's capital city is Papeete which is situated on the island of Tahiti and is home to just over 26,000 people. French Polynesia's largest city, Faaa is also situated on Tahiti and is home to over 29,000 people.

Mangareva, the central island in the Gambier Islands group of French Polynesia is home to the Cathédrale Saint-Michel. This cathedral was built between 1839 and 1848 under the French missionary Father Honoré Laval and can hold up to 1200 people. The Musée de Tahiti et des Îsles on the island of Tahiti is one of the best museums in the South Pacific and has great exhibits showing French Polynesia's culture, history and art. In Tahiti's Tuamotu Archipelago lies the world second largest atoll, Rangiroa. This is one of the most popular dive sites in the world as the lagoon is home to many different species of marine life and has a top spot for Pearl farming and Mother-of-Pearl production.

Economy

Learn About The Economy In French Polynesia

The tourism industry in French Polynesia is the main source of income and accounts for almost one fourth of the national GDP. Most of the work force is French Polynesia were employed in the military sector but lowered significantly with the halt of French nuclear testing. Pearl farming and deep sea commercial fishing are second most important support to the economy with many black pearls being exported to Japan, Europe, and the Us. The island of Tahiti produce large quantities of vanilla, fruits, flowers, fish, coprah oil and noni which are widely exported. Over 68 percent of the population were recorded as being involved in the service industry with a result of over 78 percent coming into the country's economy. The unemployment rate was recorded at 12 percent in 1994. The main exports of French Polynesia are cultured pearls, coconut products, mother of pearl, vanilla and shark meat.. The official currency of French Polynesia is the Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs which is known as XPF for short and is pegged to the Euro.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate In French Polynesia

French Polynesia enjoy's a warm tropical climate although it can be humid, this is mainly because of its location to the Southern Hemisphere. Because French Polynesia is located to the south of the equator the seasons are the opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere. The summer months are long beginning in November ending in April. Along with summer is the wet season which begins to dry up in May. May is the beginning of the cool season ending in October. The weather in French Polynesia is warm all through out the year with averages of 26 to 29 degrees with the sun shining for over eight hours a day.

Geography

Geographical Information On French Polynesia

French Polynesia which is an archipelago group in the South Pacific Ocean has approximately 118 islands and atolls. French Polynesia covers a total of 4,167 square kilometres which includes all of the islands and atolls as well as 507 square kilometres of water. The coastline of French Polynesia extends for over 2,525 kilometres. Much of the terrain in French Polynesia is rugged high islands and low islands with many beautiful reefs.

There are many groups to French Polynesia which include the Polynesian Islands, The Society Islands, Austral Islands, Bass Islands, Gambier Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Clipperton Island which is a nine square kilometre atoll in the North Pacific Ocean south west of Mexico. The Society Islands are split into two groups of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, many people believe that the Society Islands were named by Captain James Cook in honour of the Royal Society. Tahiti which is a part of the Society Islands is the most well known island but there are many more just as important islands. These islands are Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva`Oa, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai and Tupai. The highest point in French Polynesia can be found on the archipelago of the Society Islands and rises to over 2,241 metres. Mount Orohena can be found in cental Tahiti.

Guesthouses in French Polynesia

Hostels in French Polynesia

Hotels in French Polynesia

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