French Polynesia
10737
225463101
2008-07-13T20:45:13Z
Jumbuck
116385
robot Adding: [[mi:Porinīhia Wīwī]]
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = {{lang|fr|''Polynésie française''}}
|conventional_long_name = French Polynesia
|common_name = French Polynesia
|demonym = French Polynesian
|image_flag = Flag of French Polynesia.svg
|flag_caption = Overseas collectivity flag
|image_coat = Coat_of_arms_of_French_Polynesia.svg
|image_map =
|national_motto = <span style="line-height:1.25em;">''"Tahiti Nui Mare'are'a"''<br/>''"[[Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité]]"''</span>
|national_anthem = ''[[La Marseillaise]]''
|official_languages = [[French language|French]], [[Tahitian language|Tahitian]]
|capital = [[Papeete]]
|latd= 17|latm= 34|latNS= S|longd= 149|longm= 36|longEW= W
|largest_city = [[Faaa]]
|government_type = [[Dependent territory]]
|leader_title1 = [[President of France]]
|leader_name1 = [[Nicolas Sarkozy]]
|leader_title2 = [[President of French Polynesia|President of French Polynesia]]
|leader_name2 = <br/>[[Gaston Tong Sang]]
|leader_title3 = [[High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia|High Commissioner of the Republic]]
|leader_name3 = [[Anne Boquet]]
|area_rank = 173rd
|area_magnitude = 1 E9
|area_km2 = 4,167
|area_sq_mi = 1,609 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = 12
|population_census = 259,596<ref name=census>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ispf.pf/(k1aciwf4z0fyap45ghzhgm55)/stat/demo/rp2007/pdfs/poplegales2007.pdf| title=Recensement de la population 2007| author=Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF)|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-12-02}}</ref>
|population_census_rank = 176th
|population_census_year = Aug. 2007
|population_density_km2 = 62
|population_density_sq_mi = 166 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 130th
|GDP_nominal = US$5.33 billion<ref name=GDP>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ispf.pf/(sxj1qdjmzcq1fzifmvr1fb55)/stat/cptseco/fr/tables/pib.xls| title=La Production Intérieure Brute et le Produit Intérieur Brut| author=Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF)|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref>
|GDP_nominal_rank = <small>not ranked</small>
|GDP_nominal_year = 2004
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = US$21,250<ref name=GDP />
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = <small>not ranked</small>
|sovereignty_type = [[Overseas collectivity|Overseas collectivity of France]]
|established_event1 = [[protectorate]]
|established_date1 = [[1842]]
|established_event2 = [[Overseas territory (France)|Overseas territory]]
|established_date2 = [[1946]]
|established_event3 = [[overseas collectivity]]
|established_date3 = [[2004]]
|HDI = n/a
|HDI_rank = n/a
|HDI_year = n/a
|HDI_category = n/a
|currency = [[CFP franc]]
|currency_code = XPF
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = -10
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.pf]]
|calling_code = 689
}}
{{Administrative divisions of France}}
[[Image:Floreal-Bora-Bora.jpg|thumb|right|270px|The French frigate ''Floréal'', stationed in [[Bora Bora]] lagoon.]]
'''French Polynesia''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Polynésie française'', [[Tahitian language|Tahitian]]: ''Pōrīnetia Farāni'') is a [[France|French]] [[overseas collectivity]] in the southern [[Pacific Ocean]]. It is made up of several groups of [[Polynesia]]n [[island]]s, 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]] was administered from French Polynesia until [[2007]].
== History ==
The French Polynesian island groups do not share a common history before the establishment of the French protectorate in 1889. The first French Polynesian islands to be settled by [[Polynesian]]s were the [[Marquesas Islands]] in AD 300 and the [[Society Islands]] in AD 800. The Polynesians were organized in petty [[chieftainship]]s.
<ref name=KMLA1797>{{cite web|url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/frpolynpre1797.html|title=History of Polynesia, before 1797|first=Alexander|last=Ganse|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
European discovery began in 1521 when the Portuguese explorer [[Ferdinand Magellan]] sighted [[Pukapuka]] in the [[Tuamotu Archipelago]]. Dutchman [[Jakob Roggeveen]] discovered [[Bora Bora]] in the Society Islands in 1722, and the British explorer [[Samuel Wallis]] visited [[Tahiti]] in 1767. The French explorer [[Louis Antoine de Bougainville]] visited Tahiti in 1768, while the British explorer [[James Cook]] visited in 1769. [[Mission (Christian)|Christian missions]] began with Spanish priests who stayed in Tahiti for a year from 1774; [[Protestant]]s from the [[London Missionary Society]] settled permanently in Polynesia in 1797. <ref name=KMLA1797/><ref name="nationhistory">{{cite web|title=History of French Polynesia|publisher=History of Nations|url=http://www.historyofnations.net/oceania/frenchpolynesia.html|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
King [[Pomare II]] of Tahiti was forced to flee to [[Moorea]] in 1803; he and his subjects were converted to Protestantism in 1812. French Catholic missionaries arrived on Tahiti in 1834; their expulsion in 1836 caused France to send a gunboat in 1838. In 1842, Tahiti and [[Tahuata]] were declared a [[protectorate|French protectorate]], to allow Catholic missionaries to work undisturbed. The capital of [[Papeete]] was founded in 1843. In 1880, France annexed Tahiti, changing the status from that of a protectorate to that of a [[French colonial empires|colony]]. <ref name=KMLA1889>{{cite web|url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/frpolyn17971889.html|title=History of French Polynesia, 1797 to 1889|first=Alexander|last=Ganse|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
In the 1880s, France claimed the [[Tuamotu Archipelago]], which formerly belonged to the [[Pomare dynasty]], without formally annexing it. Having declared a protectorate over Tahuatu in 1842, the French regarded the entire [[Marquesas Islands]] as French. In 1885, France appointed a governor and established a general council, thus giving it the proper administration for a colony. The islands of [[Rimatara]] and [[Rurutu]] unsuccessfully lobbied for British protection in 1888, so in 1889 they were annexed by France. Postage stamps were first issued in the colony in 1892. The first official name for the colony was ''Établissements de l'Océanie'' (Settlements in [[Oceania]]); in 1903 the general council was changed to an advisory council and the colony's name was changed to ''Établissements Français de l'Océanie'' (French Settlements in Oceania).<ref name=KMLA1918>{{cite web|url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/frpolyn18891918.html|title=History of French Polynesia, 1889 to 1918|first=Alexander|last=Ganse|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
In 1940 the administration of French Polynesia recognised the [[Free French Forces]] and many Polynesians served in [[World War II]]. Unknown at the time to French and Polynesians, the [[Fumimaro Konoe|Konoe]] Cabinet in [[Imperial Japan]] on [[September 16]], [[1940]] included French Polynesia among the many territories which were to become Japanese possessions in the post-war world <ref>The Japanese claim to the French Pacific islands, along with many other vast territories, appears in the September 16, 1940, "Sphere of survival for the Establishment of a New Order in Greater East Asia by Imperial Japan", published in 1955 by Japan's Foreign Ministry as part of the two-volume "Chronology and major documents of Diplomacy of Japan 1840-1945" - here quoted from "Interview with Tetsuzo Fuwa: Japan's War: History of Expansionism", Japan Press Service, July 2007 </ref> - though in the course of the war in the Pacific the Japanese were not able to launch an actual invasion of the French islands.
In 1946, Polynesians were granted French citizenship and the islands' status was changed to an [[overseas territory]]; the islands' name was changed in 1957 to ''Polynésie Française'' (French Polynesia). In 1962, France's early nuclear testing ground of [[Algeria]] became independent and the [[Mururoa Atoll]] in the Tuamotu Archipelago was selected as the new testing site; tests were conducted underground after 1974.<ref name=KMLA1977>{{cite web|url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/frpolyn193977.html|title=History of Polynesia, 1939 to 1977|first=Alexander|last=Ganse|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>In 1977, French Polynesia was granted partial internal autonomy; in 1984, the autonomy was extended. French Polynesia became a full [[overseas collectivity]] of France in 2004. <ref name=nationhistory/><ref name=KMLAPresent>{{cite web|url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/frpolynsince1977.html|title=History of French Polynesia, 1977 to present|first=Alexander|last=Ganse|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
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 27]], [[1996]]. On [[January 29]], [[1996]], France announced it would accede to the [[Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty]], and no longer test nuclear weapons.<ref <name=NYT>{{cite news|publisher=New York Times|title=France Ending Nuclear Tests That Caused Broad Protests|first=Craig R|last=Whitney|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE4D71639F933A05752C0A960958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|date=[[30 January]] [[1996]]|accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref>
== Politics ==
{{main|Politics of French Polynesia}}
Politics of French Polynesia takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] French [[collectivité d'outre-mer|overseas collectivity]], whereby the President of French Polynesia is the [[head of government]], and of a [[multi-party system]]. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the government. [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the [[government]] and the [[Assembly of French Polynesia]] (the territorial assembly).
Political life in French Polynesia has been marked by great instability since the mid-2000s. On September 14, 2007, the pro-independence leader [[Oscar Temaru]], 63, was elected president of French Polynesia for the 3rd time in 3 years (with 27 of 44 [[votes]] cast in the territorial assembly).<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6994513.stm BBC NEWS, French Polynesia gets new leader]</ref> He replaced former President [[Gaston Tong Sang]], opposed to independence, who lost a [[no-confidence vote]] in the Assembly of French Polynesia on 31 August after the longtime former president of French Polynesia, [[Gaston Flosse]], hitherto opposed to independence, sided with his long enemy Oscar Temaru to topple the government of Gaston Tong Sang. Oscar Temaru, however, had no stable majority in the Assembly of French Polynesia, and new territorial elections were held in February 2008 to solve the political crisis.
The party of Gaston Tong Sang won the territorial elections, but that did not solve the political crisis: the two minority parties of Oscar Temaru and Gaston Flosse, who together have one more member in the territorial assembly than the political party of Gaston Tong Sang, allied to prevent Gaston Tong Sang from becoming president of French Polynesia. Gaston Flosse was then elected president of French Polynesia by the territorial assembly on [[February 23]], [[2008]] with the support of the pro-independence party led by Oscar Temaru, while Oscar Temaru was elected speaker of the territorial assembly with the support of the anti-independence party led by Gaston Flosse. Both formed a coalition cabinet. Many observers doubted that the alliance between the anti-independence Gaston Flosse and the pro-independence Oscar Temaru, designed to prevent Gaston Tong Sang from becoming president of French Polynesia, could last very long.<ref>[http://www.rfo.fr/article1437.html Polynésie : Gaston Flosse présente un gouvernement d’union]</ref>
At the [[French municipal elections, 2008|French municipal elections held in March 2008]], several prominent mayors who are member of the Flosse-Temaru coalition lost their offices in key municipalities of French Polynesia, which was interpreted as a disapproval of the way Gaston Tong Sang, whose party French Polynesian voters had placed first in the territorial elections the month before, had been prevented from becoming president of French Polynesia by the last minute alliance between Flosse and Temaru's parties. Eventually, on [[April 15]], [[2008]] the government of Gaston Flosse was toppled by a [[constructive vote of no confidence]] in the territorial assembly when two members of the Flosse-Temaru coalition left the coalition and sided with Tong Sang's party. Gaston Tong Sang was elected president of French Polynesia as a result of this constructive vote of no confidence, but his majority in the territorial assembly is very narrow. He offered posts in his cabinet to Flosse and Temaru's parties which they both refused. Gaston Tong Sang has called all parties to help end the instability in local politics, a prerequisite to attract foreign investors needed to develop the local economy.
Despite a local assembly and government, French Polynesia is not in a [[Associated state|free association]] with France, like the [[Cook Islands]] with [[New Zealand]] or [[Puerto Rico]] with the [[United States]]. As a French overseas collectivity, the local government has no competence in justice, education, security and defense, directly provided and administered by the French State, the [[National Gendarmerie (France)|Gendarmerie]] and the [[French Military]]. The highest representative of the State in the territory is the High Commissioner of the Republic ([[French language|French]]: ''Haut commissaire de la République'').
French Polynesia also sends two [[Member of Parliament|deputies]] to the [[National Assembly of France|French National Assembly]], one representing the [[Leeward Islands (Society Islands)|Leeward Islands]] [[Administrative divisions of French Polynesia|administrative subdivision]], the [[Austral Islands]] administrative subdivision, the [[Communes of France|commune]] (municipality) of [[Moorea-Maiao]], and the westernmost part of [[Tahiti]] (including the capital [[Papeete]]), and the other representing the central and eastern part of Tahiti, the [[Îles Tuamotu-Gambier|Tuamotu-Gambier]] administrative division, and the [[Marquesas Islands]] administrative division. French Polynesia also sends one senator to the [[Senate of France|French Senate]].
French Polynesians vote in the French presidential elections and at the [[French presidential election, 2007|2007 French presidential election]], in which the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru openly called to vote for the Socialist candidate [[Ségolène Royal]] while the parties opposed to independence generally supported the center-right candidate [[Nicolas Sarkozy]], the [[Voter turnout|turnout]] in French Polynesia was 69.12% in the first round of the election and 74.67% in the second round. French Polynesians voters placed Nicolas Sarkozy ahead of Ségolène Royal in both rounds of the election (2nd round: Nicolas Sarkozy 51.9%; Ségolène Royal 48.1%).<ref>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_votre_service/resultats-elections/PR2007/000/987/987.html| title=POLYNESIE FRANCAISE (987) (résultats officiels) | first=[[Government of France]]| last=[[Minister of the Interior (France)|Minister of the Interior]]|accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref>
== Administration ==
Between [[1946]] and 2003, French Polynesia had the status of an overseas territory ([[French language|French]]: ''[[territoire d'outre-mer]]'', or ''TOM''). In [[2003]] it became an overseas collectivity ([[French language|French]]: ''[[collectivité d'outre-mer]]'', or COM). Its statutory law of [[27 February]] [[2004]] gives it the particular designation of ''[[Overseas country of France|overseas country inside the Republic]]'' ([[French language|French]]: ''pays d'outre-mer au sein de la République'', or POM), but without legal modification of its status.
===Administrative divisions===
{{main|Administrative divisions of French Polynesia}}
French Polynesia has five administrative subdivisions ([[French language|French]]: ''subdivisions administratives''):
* [[Windward Islands (Society Islands)|Windward Islands]] ([[French language|French]]: ''(les) Îles du Vent'' or officially ''la subdivision administrative des Îles du Vent'') (the two ''subdivisions administratives'' [[Windward Islands (Society Islands)|Windward Islands]] and [[Leeward Islands (Society Islands)|Leeward Islands]] are part of the [[Society Islands]])
* [[Leeward Islands (Society Islands)|Leeward Islands]] ([[French language|French]]: ''(les) Îles Sous-le-Vent'' or officially ''la subdivision administrative des Îles Sous-le-Vent'') (the two ''subdivisions administratives'' [[Windward Islands (Society Islands)|Windward Islands]] and [[Leeward Islands (Society Islands)|Leeward Islands]] are part of the [[Society Islands]])
* [[Marquesas Islands]] ([[French language|French]]: ''(les) (Îles) Marquises'' or officially ''la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Marquises'')
* [[Austral Islands]] ([[French language|French]]: ''(les) (Îles) Australes'' or officially ''la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Australes'') (including the [[Bass Islands (French Polynesia)|Bass Islands]])
* [[Îles Tuamotu-Gambier|Tuamotu-Gambier]] ([[French language|French]]: ''(les) (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier'' or officially ''la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier'') (the [[Tuamotus]] and the [[Gambier Islands]])
== Geography ==
[[Image:French Polynesia map.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Map of French Polynesia]]
{{main|Geography of French Polynesia}}
The islands of French Polynesia have a total land area of 4,167 [[square kilometre]]s <!--Formated per WP:MOSNUM-->(1,622 [[square mile|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 (French Polynesia)|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|Tuamotu Archipelago]]
Aside from [[Tahiti]], some other important [[atoll]]s, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: [[Ahe]], [[Bora Bora]], [[Hiva Oa|Hiva `Oa]], [[Huahine]], [[Maiao]], [[Maupiti]], [[Mehetia]], [[Moorea]], [[Nuku Hiva]], [[Raiatea]], [[Tahaa]], [[Tetiaroa]], [[Tubuai (Austral Islands)|Tubuai]], and [[Tupai]].
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of French Polynesia}}
The [[GDP]] of French Polynesia in [[2004]] was 5.3 billion US dollars at market exchange rates, the fifth-largest economy in [[Oceania]] after [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Hawaii]], and [[New Caledonia]].<ref name=GDP /> The GDP per capita was 21,250 US dollars in [[2004]] (at market exchange rates, not at [[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]), lower than in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, but higher than in all the independent insular states of Oceania.<ref name=GDP />
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: [[coconut]]s, [[vanilla]], [[vegetable]]s, [[fruit]]s.
Natural resources: [[timber]], [[fish]], [[cobalt]].
In [[2007]] French Polynesia's imports amounted to 1.9 billion US dollars and exports amounted to 197 million US dollars.<ref name=FT>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ieom.fr/upload/RA2007_POLYNESIE.pdf| title=La Polynésie française en 2007| author=[[Institut d'émission d'Outre-Mer]] (IEOM)|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The major export of French Polynesia is their famous [[black pearl|black Tahitian pearl]]s which accounted for 64% of exports (in value) in 2007.<ref name=FT />
== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of French Polynesia}}
Total population at the August 2007 census was 259,596 inhabitants.<ref name=census /> At the 2007 census, 68.6% of the population of French Polynesia lived on the island of [[Tahiti]] alone.<ref name=census /> The urban area of [[Papeete]], the capital city, has 131,695 inhabitants (2007 census).
At the November 2002 census, 87.2% of people were born in French Polynesia, 9.5% were born in [[metropolitan France]], 1.4% were born in [[overseas France]] outside of French Polynesia, and 1.9% were born in foreign countries.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ispf.pf/(gncyyl55zqlbvrrunb311gf4)/stat/demo/rp2002/individu/tables/pop4a.xls| title=POP4a - Population totale par lieu de naissance selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal| author=Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF)|format=XLS|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> At the 1988 census, the last census which asked questions regarding ethnicity, 66.5% of people were ethnically unmixed [[Polynesia#Cultures of Polynesia|Polynesians]], 7.1 % were Polynesians with light European or East Asian mixing, 11.9% were [[European ethnic groups|European]]s, 9.3% were people of mixed European and Polynesian descent, the so-called [[Demis]] (literally meaning "Half"), and 4.7% were [[East Asia]]ns (mainly [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]]).<ref name=ethnicities>[http://documents.irevues.inist.fr/bitstream/2042/14394/1/HERMES_2002_32-33_367.pdf Frontières ethniques et redéfinition du cadre politique à Tahiti]</ref> The Europeans, the Demis and the East Asians are essentially concentrated on the island of [[Tahiti]], particularly in the urban area of [[Papeete]], where their share of the population is thus much more important than in French Polynesia overall.<ref name=ethnicities /> [[Miscegenation|Race mixing]] has been going on for more than a century already in French Polynesia, resulting in a rather mixed society. For example [[Gaston Flosse]], the long-time leader of French Polynesia, is a Demi (European father from [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine]] and Polynesian mother).<ref>[http://www.minorites.org/article.php?IDA=2364 Flosse s'efface après 20 ans de règne sur la Polynésie]</ref> His main opponent [[Gaston Tong Sang]] is a member of the East Asian (in his case Chinese) community.<ref>[http://polynesie.rfo.fr/article340.html Victoire de Gaston Tong Sang]</ref> [[Oscar Temaru]], the pro-independence leader, is ethnically Polynesian (father from [[Tahiti]], mother from the [[Cook Islands]]),<ref>[http://www.teaomaohi.pf/spip/spip.php?article43 Portrait du Président Oscar Manutahi TEMARU]</ref> but he has admitted to also have Chinese ancestry.<ref name=logiques>[http://www.conflits.org/index1709.html Logiques « autonomiste » et « indépendantiste » en Polynésie française]</ref>
Despite a long tradition of race mixing, racial tensions have been growing in recent years, with politicians using a [[xenophobia|xenophobic]] discourse and fanning the flame of racial tensions.<ref>[http://www.rue89.com/2008/03/01/temaru-flosse-le-rebond-du-nationalisme-tahitien Temaru-Flosse: le rebond du nationalisme tahitien]</ref><ref name=logiques /> The pro-independence politicians have long pointed the finger at the European community (Oscar Temaru, pro-independence leader and former president of French Polynesia, was for example found guilty of "racial discrimination" by the criminal court of Papeete in 2007 for having referred to the Europeans living in French Polynesia as "trash", "waste").<ref>[http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/07/12/temaru-found-guilty-of-racial-discrimination Temaru Found Guilty Of "Racial Discrimination"]</ref> More recently, the Chinese community which controls many businesses in French Polynesia has been targeted in verbal attacks by the newly allied Gaston Flosse and Oscar Temaru in their political fight against Gaston Tong Sang, whose Chinese origins they emphasize in contrast with their Polynesian origins, despite the fact that they both have mixed origins (European and Polynesian for Flosse; Polynesian and Chinese for Temaru).<ref>[http://polynesie.rfo.fr/article349.html Politique : Toujours pas de gouvernement]</ref> In [[April 2008]], after the government of Gaston Flosse was toppled in the Assembly of French Polynesia and Gaston Tong Sang became the new president of French Polynesia, two French Polynesian labor union leaders made anti-Chinese remarks ("I'm not hiding from the fact that I wouldn't like our country to be ruled by someone who's not a Polynesian"; "a Chinese only thinks of the business leaders, because he is a businessman").<ref>[http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/04/18/anti-chinese-remarks-cause-a-political-furor Anti-Chinese Remarks Cause A Political Furor]</ref> These anti-Chinese remarks caused a political furor and were widely condemned in French Polynesia.<ref>[http://www.tahitipresse.pf/index.cfm?snav=see&presse=23774 Propos "anti-chinois": les réactions se multiplient]</ref>
===Historical population===
{| align="center" rules="all" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" style="border: 1px solid #999; border-right: 2px solid #999; border-bottom:2px solid #999; background: #f3fff3"
! [[1907]] !! [[1911]] !! [[1921]] !! [[1926]] !! [[1931]] !! [[1936]] !! [[1941]] !! [[1946]] !! [[1951]]
|-
| align=center| 30,600 || align=center| 31,900 || align=center| 31,600 || align=center| 35,900 || align=center| 40,400 || align=center| 44,000 || align=center| 51,200 || align=center| 58,200 || align=center| 63,300
|-
! [[1956]] !! [[1962]] !![[1971]] !! [[1977]] !! [[1983]] !! [[1988]] !! [[1996]] !! [[2002]] !! [[2007]]
|-
| align=center| 76,323 || align=center| 84,551 || align=center| 119,168 || align=center| 137,382 || align=center| 166,753 || align=center| 188,814 || align=center| 219,521 || align=center| 245,516 || align=center| 259,596
|-
| colspan=13 align=center| <small>Official figures from past censuses.<ref name=census /> <ref>[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jopdf/common/jo_pdf.jsp?numJO=0&dateJO=20030805&numTexte=27&pageDebut=13481&pageFin=13484 2002 census]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ispf.pf/(qbjrtn454t2i14453i3q5pi4)/stat/demo/rp2002/retro/tables/retro1.xls 1971, 1977, 1983, 1988, and 1996 censuses]</ref> <ref>[http://www.persee.fr/showPage.do?zoom=0&urn=pop_0032-4663_1972_num_27_4_15221&pageId=pop_0032-4663_1972_num_27_4_T1_0704_0000 Censuses from 1907 to 1962 in Population, 1972, #4-5, pp. 705-706, published by INED]</ref>
|}
===Languages===
[[French language|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." At the 2002 census, among the population whose age was 14 and older, 65.0% of people reported that the language they speak the most at home is French, 33.4% reported that the language they speak the most at home is any of the [[Polynesian languages]], 1.2% reported an [[East Asian languages|East Asian language]], and 0.4% another language.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ispf.pf/(gncyyl55zqlbvrrunb311gf4)/stat/demo/rp2002/langue/tables/lan1a.xls| title=LAN1a - Population de 14 ans et plus par langue la plus utilisée en famille selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal| author=Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF)|format=XLS|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> At the same census, 92.9% of people whose age was 14 or older reported that they could speak, read and write French, whereas only 4.8% reported that they had no knowledge of French.<ref>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.ispf.pf/(gncyyl55zqlbvrrunb311gf4)/stat/demo/rp2002/langue/tables/lan3a.xls| title=LAN3a : Population de 14 ans et plus par connaissance des langues selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal| author=Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF)|format=XLS|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref>
===Religion===
[[Christianity]] is the main religion of the islands, a majority (54%) belonging to various [[Protestant]] churches and a large minority (30%) being [[Roman Catholic]].
== Transportation ==
{{main|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.
There are 51 airports in French Polynesia, 39 are paved. [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fp.html#Trans]
==Famous people of French Polynesia==
* [[Henri Hiro]] (1944-1991), Film director & script writer, poet, ecologist, activist
* [[Marco Namouro]], writer (1889-1968)
* [[Célestine Hitiura Vaite]], writer (born 1966)
* [[Ella Koon]], model (born 1979)
* [[Pascal Vahirua]], former French international footballer (born 1966)
* [[Marama Vahirua]], footballer, cousin of Pascal Vahirua (born 1980)
== 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/sparsely 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 [[Military of France|French Forces]] (Army, Navy, Air Force) and [[French Gendarmerie|Gendarmerie]].
[[Charles Darwin]] visited French Polynesia on his five year trip around the world. [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/teachstuds/pdf/darwins_excerpts.pdf PDF file of his journal]
==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:Moorea baie cook.JPG|Baie de Cook in [[Moorea]]
Image:Bora-Bora.png|Mont Otemanu in [[Bora-Bora]]
Image:Îles Gambier image satellite.jpg|Satellite view of the [[Gambier Islands|Iles Gambier]]
Image:Plage.sable.noir.Tahiti.JPG|Black sand beach in [[Tahiti]]
Image:Mooreamotu766.jpg|[[Motu]] Tiahura, [[Moorea]]
Image:Fakarava-ponton-rotoava.jpg|[[Fakarava]] lagoon
Image:HivaOa BaieDesTraitres 20061110.jpg|Baie des traîtres, [[Hiva Oa|Hiva `Oa]]
Image:Présidence.Papeete.JPG|Presidence of the Government ([[Papeete]])
Image:Mangareva.jpg|[[Mangareva]]
Image:Hotelhibiscus1.jpg|Bungalows of Hôtel Hibiscus, Hauru Point, [[Moorea]]
Image:Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.jpg|Plage de Marita, [[Bora Bora]]
Image:Bora-bora_from_air.jpg|Bora Bora from the air
Image:Haut commissariat Papeete.JPG|High Commissionership of the Republic ([[Papeete]])
Image:Polynesia Tahiti Tautira.JPG|[[Tahiti]]
Image:Paul Gauguin 056.jpg|Tahitian women on the beach, by [[Paul Gauguin]] (1891)
Image:Boraboraluft gerade.jpg|[[Bora Bora]]
Image:PolinesiamooreaY7 bordercropped.jpg|Sunrise over [[Moorea]]
Image:Borabora Tahaa Raiatea.jpg|[[Bora Bora]], [[Tahaa]] and [[Raiatea]] from space
Image:Polynesia Tahiti iti beach.jpg|Black sand beach, [[Tahiti]]
</gallery></center>
== See also ==
* [[Communications in French Polynesia]]
* [[Université de la Polynésie Française]], University of French Polynesia
* [[French overseas departments and territories]]
* [[Administrative divisions of France]]
* [[Islands administered by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans]]
* [[Music of French Polynesia]]
* [[Conseil du Scoutisme polynésien]]
* [[Nuclear-free zone]]
* [[Moruroa]]
== References ==
{{clear}}
{{reflist|2}}
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book | author=[[Danielsson, Bengt]] | title=Work and Life on Raroia: An Acculturation Study from the Tuamotu Group, French Oceania | publisher=G. Allen & Unwin| location=London | year=1965}}
*{{cite book | author=Danielsson, Bengt; Marie-Thérèse Danielsson | title=Poisoned Reign: French Nuclear Colonialism in the Pacific | publisher=[[Penguin Books]] | location=New York | year=1986 |id=ISBN 0-140-08130-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Hough |first=Richard |title=Captain James Cook |authorlink=Richard Hough |coauthors= |year=1995 |publisher=W W Norton |location= |isbn=0393036804 |pages= }}
*{{cite book |last=Pollock |first=Nancy J. |title=French Polynesia: A Book of Selected Readings |authorlink= |coauthors=Ron Crocombe, eds. |year=1988 |publisher=Institute of Pacific Studies of the University of the South Pacific |location=Suva, Fiji |isbn=9820200326 |pages= }}
*{{cite book |last=Thompson |first=Virginia |title=The French Pacific Islands: French Polynesia and New Caledonia |authorlink= |coauthors=Richard Adloff |year=1971 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley |isbn= |pages= }}
== External links ==
{{sisterlinks}}
'''Tourism'''
* [http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com Official Tourism Website]
* [http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_tahiti.html Travel Guide]
'''Government'''
* [http://www.polynesie-francaise.gouv.fr/ Government of French Polynesia]
* [http://www.presidence.pf/ Presidency of French Polynesia]
* [http://www.polynesie-francaise.gouv.fr/hc/inter/inter-subdiv.asp ''Administrative Subdivisions'' of French Polynesia]
* [http://www.southseas.co.uk South Seas island guide]
{{Template group
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{Polynesia}}
{{Countries and territories of Oceania}}
}}
{{Austronesian-speaking}}
{{French overseas departments and territories}}
{{coor title dm|17|32|S|149|34|W}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:French Polynesia| ]]
[[Category:Island countries]]
[[Category:Special territories of the European Union]]
<!--Other languages-->
[[ar:بولينسيا الفرنسية]]
[[an:Polinesia Franzesa]]
[[frp:Polinèsie francêsa]]
[[zh-min-nan:Hoat-kok Polynésie]]
[[be-x-old:Француская Палінэзія]]
[[bs:Francuska Polinezija]]
[[bg:Френска Полинезия]]
[[ca:Polinèsia Francesa]]
[[cs:Francouzská Polynésie]]
[[da:Fransk Polynesien]]
[[de:Französisch-Polynesien]]
[[dv:ފަރަންސޭސި ޕޮލިނޭޝިއާ]]
[[et:Prantsuse Polüneesia]]
[[el:Γαλλική Πολυνησία]]
[[es:Polinesia Francesa]]
[[eo:Franca Polinezio]]
[[eu:Frantziar Polinesia]]
[[fa:پلینزی فرانسه]]
[[fr:Polynésie française]]
[[gd:French Polynesia]]
[[gl:Polinesia Francesa - Polynésie française]]
[[ko:프랑스령 폴리네시아]]
[[hr:Francuska Polinezija]]
[[io:Franca Polinezia]]
[[bpy:ফ্যাঞ্চ পলিনেসিয়া]]
[[id:Polinesia Perancis]]
[[os:Францы Полинези]]
[[is:Franska Pólýnesía]]
[[it:Polinesia francese]]
[[he:פולינזיה הצרפתית]]
[[jv:Polinesia Perancis]]
[[pam:French Polynesia]]
[[kk:Франсия Полинезиясы]]
[[kw:Polynesi Frynkek]]
[[sw:Polynesia ya Kifaransa]]
[[la:Polynesia Francogallica]]
[[lv:Franču Polinēzija]]
[[lt:Prancūzijos Polinezija]]
[[lij:Polinesia Françeise]]
[[hu:Francia Polinézia]]
[[mi:Porinīhia Wīwī]]
[[ms:Polinesia Perancis]]
[[nl:Frans-Polynesië]]
[[ja:フランス領ポリネシア]]
[[no:Fransk Polynesia]]
[[nn:Fransk Polynesia]]
[[oc:Polinesia Francesa]]
[[pl:Polinezja Francuska]]
[[pt:Polinésia Francesa]]
[[ty:Pōrīnetia farāni]]
[[ro:Polinezia franceză]]
[[qu:Phransis Pulinisya]]
[[ru:Французская Полинезия]]
[[se:Frankriikka Polynesia]]
[[simple:French Polynesia]]
[[sk:Francúzska Polynézia]]
[[sl:Francoska Polinezija]]
[[sr:Француска Полинезија]]
[[sh:Francuska Polinezija]]
[[fi:Ranskan Polynesia]]
[[sv:Franska Polynesien]]
[[ta:பிரெஞ்சு பொலினீசியா]]
[[th:เฟรนช์โปลินีเซีย]]
[[vi:Polynésie thuộc Pháp]]
[[tr:Fransız Polinezyası]]
[[uk:Французька Полінезія]]
[[wo:Polineesi gu Faraas]]
[[bat-smg:Prancūzėjės Polinezėjė]]
[[zh:法屬玻里尼西亞]]