What On Earth Is French Polynesia?

Summary

French Polynesia, a stunning collection of islands in the South Pacific, is a French overseas territory with a rich history spanning Portuguese, British, and French exploration. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, including Bora Bora and Tahiti, it remains a remote and luxurious tourist destination. Despite a population of 276,000, its economy is driven by tourism, which accounts for 85% of the GDP. With a unique culture, French and Tahitian languages, and a thriving pearl industry, French Polynesia offers a glimpse into a paradise marred by historical nuclear tests and ongoing challenges like population decline.

Takeaways

• 😀 French Polynesia is located 4,000 kilometers northeast of New Zealand, in the South Pacific Ocean, and is an overseas territory of France.
• 🌍 The islands have a rich history, starting with Portuguese explorers in 1521, followed by British and French influence, eventually becoming a French colony in 1880.
• 📊 French Polynesia has a population of around 276,000, with the majority speaking French, followed by Tahitian and a variety of other languages.
• 💬 Tahitian, the native language, contains only 13 letters, with 5 vowels and 8 consonants, making it a unique linguistic feature.
• ⛪ Around 85% of the population practices Christianity, and the life expectancy in French Polynesia is 78.4 years.
• 🌴 The archipelago consists of 121 islands, with the Society Islands being the most populated. Tahiti is the capital island, home to the largest city, Papeete.
• ✈️ Traveling to French Polynesia from distant countries like Paris requires long flights, costing upwards of $2,600 USD for economy class.
• 🌊 Bora Bora, known for its incredible natural beauty, is one of the most famous islands in French Polynesia, where the name translates to 'firstborn' in Tahitian.
• 💥 In 1971, France conducted nuclear tests in French Polynesia, with the testing site still being heavily contaminated.
• 💵 The local currency is the CFP Franc, and French Polynesia's economy heavily relies on tourism, with a GDP of $6 billion USD and a GDP per capita of $20,000 USD.
• 🚧 The infrastructure in French Polynesia is well-developed, with reliable electricity, water supply, and transportation, despite the islands' remote location.

Q & A

Why is French Polynesia considered a French territory?

French Polynesia became a French colony in 1880 and was reclassified as an overseas territory after World War II, granting it greater autonomy. However, its bid for independence was rejected by the French government in 2013.

What is the official language of French Polynesia?

The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. French is spoken by about three-quarters of the population, while 20% speak Tahitian.

What is a unique feature of the Tahitian language?

The Tahitian language consists of only 13 letters, with five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and eight consonants (f, h, m, n, p, r, t, v).

How did French Polynesia's population change recently?

Since 2020, French Polynesia's population has been gradually decreasing. 2021 saw the highest number of deaths in the territory, largely due to the pandemic.

What makes French Polynesia geographically significant?

French Polynesia comprises 121 islands spread over 4,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most geographically isolated regions in the world, located about 4,000 km northeast of New Zealand and 2,500 km south of Hawaii.

How long and expensive is it to travel to French Polynesia?

Traveling to French Polynesia from Paris takes over 34 hours and costs around 2,600 USD for an economy ticket. However, travel is easier from neighboring regions like Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is Bora Bora famous for?

Bora Bora is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth, famous for its clear lagoons, volcanic landscapes, and luxurious resorts. Interestingly, in the Tahitian language, Bora Bora is pronounced 'Porapora,' meaning 'firstborn.'

What controversial event occurred in French Polynesia in 1971?

In 1971, the French government conducted nuclear testing in the region, detonating a bomb with a yield of 440 kilotons, 30 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The test site remains heavily contaminated.

What is the currency of French Polynesia?

The official currency of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (Central Pacific Franc). While the euro and US dollar are also used, imported goods can be extremely expensive due to the region's isolation.

How does tourism contribute to the economy of French Polynesia?

Tourism is the primary driver of French Polynesia's economy, contributing to around 85% of the GDP. The country relies on a thriving service sector, with a significant portion of the population employed in tourism-related industries.