French Polynesia, also known as Tahiti and her islands, is an assortment of beautiful volcanic islands and tiny atolls spread across the eastern South Pacific Ocean, a thousand miles from anywhere. French Polynesia has captured the world’s imagination since the 19th century explorers from Europe fist set foot on these sundrenched shores.
French Polynesia comprises several island groups, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, The Marquesas, Gambier Archipelago and the Austral Islands. All together, around 120 islands officially make up French Polynesia. The capital is Papeete on Tahiti and the president of France, represented by the High Commissioner of the Republic, is the head of state.
Click here to download a map of French Polynesia
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Tropical fruits including coconuts and coffee are grown on plantations, and there is pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. Cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, and shark meat are exported, while fuels, several food products, and equipment are imported.
The total population of French Polynesia is just over 250,000 and Fakarava counts for just 700 of them. Most islanders are indigenous Polynesians or of mixed Polynesian and European descent (known as Demis). There is a considerable Chinese and a smaller French minority. French and Tahitian are both official languages and the Tahitian welcome is always warm, friendly and genuine.
Click here for a map of Tahiti's location in the world
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