French Polynesia
Official Country Name
French Polynesia
French Polynesia Overview
The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.
French Polynesia Economy
Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.
French Polynesia Location
French Polynesia is located in Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean about one-half of the way from South America to Australia
Region
French Polynesia is located in Oceania
French Polynesia Population
French Polynesia has population of 274,578 (July 2006 est.)
French Polynesia Climate
French Polynesia has tropical, but moderate
French Polynesia Terrain
mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs
French Polynesia Natural Resources
timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower
Ethnic Groups in French Polynesia
French Polynesia has the following ethnic groups - Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
French Polynesia Religions
Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%
French Polynesia Languages
French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002 census)
French Polynesia Capital
French Polynesia capital is Papeete
French Polynesia Currency
French Polynesia currency is Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc
Map of French Polynesia
