French Polynesia (Polynesie Francaise, [1]) is an archipelago of islands that is an overseas dependent territory of France in the South Pacific Ocean about one-half of the way from South America to Australia. It includes five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru
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UnderstandClimateTropical, but moderate. Natural hazards : occasional cyclonic storms in January. Very humid. TerrainMixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs.
HistoryThe Polynesians inhabited these islands for several hundred years before their discovery by western explorers. Several marae still exist scattered throughout the islands as evidence of this inhabitation. The British discovered Tahiti in the mid 1760's and Captain Cook visited there in 1769 to observe the Transit of Venus before sailing on to the south and west in search of the fabled Terra Australus Incognita with the assistance of a Polynesian navigator. The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century.
During the 1960's and 1970's, the French conducted atmospheric nuclear tests in the islands, primarily at Mururoa atoll. Testing later moved underground after international protests from other Pacific countries, including a flotilla of yachts and a warship from New Zealand to monitor tests in 1974. Testing continued into the early 1990's, despite attempts to disrupt them by enviromental activists. 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 the islanders have been working towards autonomy and economic independence from France. However, the process is a gradual one and is expected to take a decade or two to occur. Get inFrench Polynesia has a very remote position in the South Pacific Ocean, so unless you are already there, flying is the only option. There are cruiseships and cargo ships travelling from Hawaii or New Zealand but none on a regular schedule. By planeThe flagcarrier of French Polynesia is Air Tahiti Nui and the main airport and regional hub is Papeete. Air Tahiti Nui flies internationally to Tokyo, Osaka, Los Angeles, New York, Auckland, Sydney and Paris. They cooperate with Air France, Japan Airlines and Qantas. Air New Zealand also has regular flights to Papeete. Get aroundThe territory of French Polynesia has about the same surface as the European Union but the combined land area (all islands and atolls) is just about the size of Mallorca. Most people live on the two islands Tahiti and Moorea. These islands have street networks and public transport (including good touristic infrastructure). To jump from island to island there are two options:
TalkThe official languages are French and Tahitian. BuyBe aware that everything is very expensive in French Polynesia. Even budget accomodation is tough on the budget, as is food, even groceries. So if you visit, take lots of money, you will need it. JewelleryBlack pearls are the high-end purchase in this part of the world. They are beautiful, and of varied quality, so the buyer beware, and the sky's the limit. There is lots of inexpensive mother-of-pearl jewellery that make very nice gifts. EatDrinkSleepLearnThe Gaugin Museum (Musée Gaugin), about 50km from Papeete on Tahiti Nui contains artifacts from Gaugin's time in Tahiti, including reproductions of many of his paintings. Open-air buildings and a gift shop are situated in a well-manicured lawn just next to the ocean, well away from the city and resorts. Botanical gardens are just next door. The Museum of Tahiti and her Islands, about 15km from Papeete, contains really great displays of Polynesian history, culture and ethnology. Anyone who is interested in anthropology or the history of the Polynesian culture should see this museum. WorkVoluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). Conditions: you must be French or from another EU-member state or a country belonging to the European Economic Area. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive). You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences. VCAT Stay safeStay healthyRespectContactGet outFrench Polynesia is one of the few places within practical sailing distance of the Pitcairn Islands.
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