French Polynesia

French Polynesia spans five archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral Islands, and Gambier. Tahiti in the Society Islands hosts Papeete, the capital, with black-sand beaches, markets, and a bustling port. Volcanic peaks draped in rainforests rise above fringing reefs that shelter calm lagoons, while the Tuamotu atolls form long coral rings dotted with pearl farms. Bora Bora's iconic Mount Otemanu and turquoise lagoon attract visitors worldwide.

Polynesians settled the islands at least 1,000 years ago, building marae temples and navigating vast distances by star lines. European explorers such as Samuel Wallis, James Cook, and Louis Bougainville arrived in the 1700s, followed by missionaries and traders. France established a protectorate over Tahiti in 1842 and gradually incorporated neighboring archipelagos. Nuclear tests at Moruroa and Fangataufa from 1966 to 1996 caused controversy and fueled autonomy movements. Today French Polynesia remains within the French Republic but holds a status of broad autonomy with its own assembly and president.

The collectivity's institutions include the Assembly of French Polynesia, elected by proportional representation, and the President of French Polynesia, who leads the government from Papeete. France retains authority over defense, justice, and currency, while local ministries manage education, environment, tourism, and culture. Traditional leaders maintain marae sites and community councils, and the government supports the Polynesian Language Academy to promote Reo Tahiti.

The economy centers on tourism, pearl cultivation, agriculture, and public services. Luxurious overwater bungalows, surf breaks like Teahupo'o, and cruise ships bring visitors to the Society Islands. Pearl farms in the Tuamotus harvest black Tahitian pearls, while farmers grow vanilla, pineapple, and breadfruit. Fisheries produce tuna and deep-sea species, and researchers investigate ocean thermal energy conversion. Renewable-energy projects deploy floating solar platforms, and coral restoration teams transplant heat-tolerant species.

Culture blends Maohi heritage with French influences. Dancers perform ʻoteʻa drum routines, aparima storytelling dances, and the Heiva festival celebrates canoe races and tattoo artistry. Artisans carve tiki statues, weave pandanus hats, and paint pareo cloth with bold motifs. Cuisine features poisson cru (marinated fish), uru (breadfruit), and tropical fruit pastries. Students learn French, Reo Tahiti, and other Polynesian languages, join va'a (outrigger canoe) clubs, and participate in marine science programs that monitor coral bleaching, manta rays, and humpback whales.