French polynesia travel Guide including tahiti

Facts & Figures

Total Area:4,167 sq km                           Land Borders: islands
Population: 274,578                               
Life Expectancy: 67 years                       HIV % Total Poulation:n/a
Ethnic Groups: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
Languages:French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6%
President:Jacques CHIRAC               GDP - Per Capita: $17,500

History

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.