French Polynesia

Polynésie française Pōrīnetia Farāni
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Tahiti Nui Mare'are'a"
Anthem: La Marseillaise
Capital	Papeete
Largest city	Papeete
Official language	French
Government	Dependency
- President	Jacques Chirac
- President of the local government	Gaston Tong Sang
overseas dependency
- Bastille Day	14 July (1789)
Area
- Total	4,167 km² (173rd) 1,609 sq mi
- Water (%)	12
Population
- July 2006 estimate	260,338 (181st)
- 2002 census	245,405
- Density	64/km² (130th) 166/sq mi
GDP (PPP)	2003 estimate
- Total	$4.58 billion (not ranked)
- Per capita	$17,500 (2003 est.) (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

French Polynesia (French: Polynésie française, Tahitian: Pōrīnetia Farāni) is a French territory (French: territoire d'outre-mer, or DOM-TOM) 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.

Politics

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.

Administration

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.

Administrative divisions

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

Map of French Polynesia, from the library of UTX.

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.

Economy

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.

Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits.

Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt.

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

Demographics

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).

Christianity is the main religion of the islands, with a majority (54%) belonging to various Protestant churches and a large minority (30%) being Roman Catholic.

French is the official language of French Polynesia. An organic law of April 12, 1996 states that "French is the official language, Tahitian and other polynesian languages can be used."

Transport

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.

There are 51 airports in French Polynesia, 39 are paved.^{[citation needed]}

Education

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 of around 2,000 students. Luise Peltzer, former minister of culture of French Polynesia has been elected president of the University for five years. There are about sixty researchers at the university, including physicists Pascal Ortega (lightning studies) and Alessio Guarino (nonlinear physics). In the Human Sciences department, sociologist Laura Schuft deserves mention for her study on the integration of mainland French workers in Tahiti.

Famous people of French Polynesia

• Marco Namouro, writer (1889-1968)

Miscellaneous topics

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.

See also

• 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

External links

Government

• Government of French Polynesia
• Presidency of French Polynesia
• subdivisions administratives of French Polynesia
• South Seas island guide

French overseas departments and territories

Departments1 Guadeloupe  ·  French Guiana  ·  Martinique  ·  Réunion Overseas communities2 Mayotte  (collectivité départementale)  ·  French Polynesia  (pays d'outre-mer)  ·  Saint-Pierre and Miquelon  (collectivité territoriale)  ·  Wallis and Futuna  (territoire) Special status New Caledonia Uninhabited lands French Southern Territories  (Amsterdam Island · Saint-Paul Island · Crozet Islands · Kerguelen Islands · Adélie Land)  ·  Clipperton  ·  Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean 1 These overseas departments are also overseas regions. Guadeloupe currently includes Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin which in 2003 voted to become separate collectivités d'outre-mer ; the change will be implemented in early 2007. 2 Each overseas community has its own status (indicated in brackets).

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