French Polynesia
French Polynesia (
French:
Polynésie française,
Tahitian:
Porinetia Farani) is a
French "overseas collectivity" (
French:
collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM) with the particular designation of "overseas country" (
French:
pays d'outre-mer, or
POM) 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.
Between
1946 and
2003, French Polynesia had the status of an overseas territory (
French:
territoire d'outre-mer, or
TOM). In
2003 it became an overseas collectivity (
French:
collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM). Its statutory law of
27 February 2004 gives it the particular designation of "overseas country" to underline the large autonomy of the territory.
France annexed various Polynesian island groups during the nineteenth century.
French Polynesia is located in an area of high seismic activity. In September
1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing at
Fangataufa atoll after a three-year
moratorium. The last test was on January 27th, 1996. On January 29th, 1996, France announced it would accede to the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and no longer test nuclear weapons.
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 pluriform multi-party system.
Executive power is exercised by the government.
Legislative power is vested in both the
government and the
Assembly of French Polynesia. Between
1946 and
2003, French Polynesia had the status of an overseas territory.(
French:
territoire d'outre-mer, or
TOM). In
2003 it became an overseas collectivity (
French:
collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM). Its statutory law of
27 February 2004 gives it the particular designation of "overseas country" to underline the large autonomy of the territory.
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)
 |
Map of French Polynesia, from the library of UTX |
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. 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 ArchipelagoAside 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.
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. 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.
The legal tender of French Polynesia is the
CFP franc; merchants have been reported to accept other currencies very readily, but many tourists have been disappointed and inconvenienced through assuming they can use
U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies.
Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits.
Natural Resources: timber, fish, cobalt.
The major export of French Polynesia is their famous black Tahitian pearls.
Main article: Demographics of French Polynesia
Total population at the 2002 census was 245,405 inhabitants, 83% of whom are
Polynesian, 12%
white, and 5%
East Asian (mainly
Chinese). In 2002, 69% of the population of French Polynesia lived in the island of
Tahiti alone. The urban area of
Papeete, the capital city, has 127,635 inhabitants (2002 census).
Main article: Transportation in French Polynesia
While most major roads are paved and well-maintained, many secondary roads are not. 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.
Education is also provided by France. French Polynesia has a University, the
Université de la Polynésie Française (UPF, "University of French Polynesia"), located in
Faa'a, Tahiti.It is a small university counting around 2,000 students. Luise Peltzer, former minister of culture of French Polynesia has been elected president of the University for 5 years. There are about 60 researchers at the university, including physicists Pascal Ortega (lightning studies) and Alessio Guarino (
nonlinear physics). In the Human Sciences department, sociologist
Laura Schuft deserves to be mentioned for her study on the integration of
mainland French workers in Tahiti.
French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. 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 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. 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.
*
Communications in French Polynesia*
Universite de la Polynesie Francaise, 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*
Finding French Polynesia*
Jane's Tahiti Home Page: tourist information on French Polynesia*
French Polynesia Photos*
Map of French Polynesia*
Government of French Polynesia*
Presidency of French Polynesia*
University of French Polynesia*
subdivisions administratives of French Polynesia
