🇵🇫

French Polynesia

✨ The pearls of the Pacific

French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of about 118 islands and atolls spread across a vast area of ocean. The territory is divided into five archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands and Marquesas Islands. Tahiti, the largest and most populated island, belongs to the Society Islands.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital and the main political and administrative centre. The total land area is about 3,500 square kilometres, even though the territory extends across millions of square kilometres of ocean. The scattered islands make links between them important. French Polynesia therefore has a strong maritime character, with many communities separated by large stretches of open water.

The islands have different geological origins. Many larger islands, including Tahiti, were formed by volcanic activity and have steep mountains, while the Tuamotu Islands are mainly low coral atolls around lagoons. Coral reefs and coastal habitats support diverse marine life, and the tropical climate is moderated by the surrounding ocean.

Rainfall varies between islands and between exposed and sheltered coasts. French is the official language, while Tahitian and other Polynesian languages are also spoken. The economy includes tourism, fishing, agriculture and the cultivation of black pearls. French Polynesia is part of the French Republic and has broad autonomy in many areas.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that Bora Bora is nicknamed 'the pearl of the Pacific'? It is a volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon of incredible colors, ranging from deep blue to transparent turquoise. In the middle of the island stands Mount Otemanu, an ancient extinct volcano with dizzying walls. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world!

French Polynesia is famous for its beautiful black pearls! They are called 'Tahiti pearls.' They aren't truly black, but have green, blue, purple, or even silver reflections. They are grown in black-lipped oysters inside the quiet lagoons of atolls like those in the Tuamotus.

Did you know that Polynesia is considered the birthplace of surfing? Ancient Polynesians were already practicing 'horue' hundreds of years ago! High-ranking chiefs and commoners alike rode the waves on wooden boards. Today, Tahiti is home to one of the most famous and impressive waves in the world at Teahupo'o.