989,917,879 visitors served.

French Polynesia

French Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, consisting of five archipelagos: Windward Islands, Leeward Islands (the two island groups comprising the Society Islands), Tuamotu Archipelago (including Gambier Islands), Tubuai Islands, and Marquesas Islands; total area 3,940 sq km/1,521 sq mi; population (2001 est) 235,000. The capital is Papeete on Tahiti, the main island. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy; other industries are cultivated pearls, copra, coconut oil, and vanilla, all of which provide significant exports.

History

The area was first visited by Europeans in 1595; it became a French protectorate in 1843 and was annexed to France 1880-82. It later became an overseas territory, changing its name from French Oceania in 1958, and became self-governing in 1977. Following demands for independence in New Caledonia in 1984-85, agitation for independence increased also in Polynesia.

The languages spoken are Tahitian (official) and French.

The French government is represented by a high commissioner (Michel Mathieu from 2001). It is administered by a Council of Ministers, with a president (Oscar Temaru from 2005) elected by the Territorial Assembly from its own members; two deputies are returned to the National Assembly in France and one senator to the Senate. In elections in May 2001, the Tahoeraa Huiraatira-Rassemblement pour la République (TH-RPR; People's Front-Rally for the Republic), led by Gaston Flosse, retained power.

Archipel de la Société Archipel des Tuamotu Austral Islands Gambier Islands Marquesas Islands

Marquises, Iles Society Islands Tuamotu Archipelago Tubuai Islands Vent, Iles du