French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic and is located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls, which are divided into five groups: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. The capital of French Polynesia is Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti.
French Polynesia covers more than 2,000 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. The terrain is a mix of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs. The highest point is Mount Orohena on Tahiti. The climate is tropical but moderate. Natural resources include fish, cobalt, and hydropower.
The population of French Polynesia is approximately 280,000. The majority of the population is Polynesian, with minorities of Chinese and French. The official language is French, but Tahitian and other Polynesian languages are also widely spoken. The predominant religion is Protestantism. The culture of French Polynesia is a blend of indigenous Polynesian, French, and Chinese influences.
The economy of French Polynesia is largely dependent on tourism, pearls, agricultural products, and marine resources. The currency is the CFP franc. French Polynesia has a high standard of living, but it also has a high cost of living. Unemployment is a significant issue.
As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia has a high degree of autonomy. It has its own assembly, president, and government. However, France is responsible for defense, security, law enforcement, justice, and education. French Polynesia sends three deputies to the French National Assembly and two senators to the French Senate.
Education in French Polynesia is based on the French system. Schooling is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. There are primary schools, secondary schools, and a university in French Polynesia. The literacy rate is high.
