French Polynesia

French overseas country in the southern Pacific Ocean

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.

French Polynesia
Flag of French Polynesia
Flag
Coat of arms of French Polynesia
Coat of arms
Motto: 
  • "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (French)
  • "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"
  • "Tahiti Nui Mare'a'rea" (Tahitian)
Anthem: La Marseillaise (French)
’Ia ora ’o Tahiti Nui (Tahitian)
Location of French Polynesia
StatusOverseas collectivity
CapitalPape'ete
17°34′S 149°36′W / 17.567°S 149.600°W / -17.567; -149.600
Largest cityFa'a'ā
Official languagesFrench
Ethnic groups
(2015[1])
Demonym(s)French Polynesian
GovernmentDependent territory
Emmanuel Macron
• President of French Polynesia
Édouard Fritch
• High Commissioner
René Bidal
LegislatureAssembly
Overseas collectivity of France
1842
• Overseas territory
1946
• Overseas collectivity
2003
Area
• Total
4,167 km2 (1,609 sq mi) (unranked)
• Water (%)
12
• Land area[2]
3,521.2 km2
1,359.5 sq mi
Population
• July 2021 estimate
304,032[3][4]
• August 2012 census
268,270[5] (177th)
• Density
76/km2 (196.8/sq mi) (130th)
GDP (nominal)2014 estimate
• Total
US$5.623 billion (not ranked)
• Per capita
US$20,098 (not ranked)
CurrencyCFP franc (XPF)
Time zoneUTC-10, −9:30, -9
Driving sideright
Calling code+689
ISO 3166 codePF
Internet TLD.pf

The country is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands. The most well-known is Tahiti, the most populous island, which is in the Society Islands group. The capital of the territory, Papeete, is also there.

Although it does not really belong in the territory, French Polynesia is in charge of affairs for Clipperton Island.

Other island groups include:

  • 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, some other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva `Oa, Huahine, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai, and Tupai.

References

Notes