About PF
Location
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is composed of 118 islands and atolls, scattered across an area of over 2 million square kilometers (770,000 square miles) of ocean.
Capital
The capital city of French Polynesia is Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti.
Population
As of the latest estimates, French Polynesia has a population of approximately 280,000 people.
Administrative Division
French Polynesia is divided into five administrative subdivisions called "communes": Tahiti, Moorea-Maiao, Tuamotu-Gambier, Marquesas, and Austral Islands.
Official Languages
French is the official language of French Polynesia, while Tahitian is widely spoken and taught in schools. English is also spoken in tourist areas.
Government
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, meaning it has a degree of autonomy while still being part of the French Republic. The President of France is the head of state, represented locally by a High Commissioner. The President of French Polynesia serves as the head of government.
Economy
The economy of French Polynesia is heavily reliant on tourism, with the region attracting visitors from around the world due to its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. Other sectors of the economy include pearl farming, fishing, agriculture (especially vanilla and tropical fruits), and government services.
Currency
The currency of French Polynesia is the CFP franc (XPF), which is pegged to the euro (EUR) at a fixed exchange rate.
Culture
French Polynesian culture is a rich blend of Polynesian traditions and French influences. Traditional Polynesian customs, music, dance (such as the famous Tahitian dance called "ori Tahiti"), and crafts are celebrated alongside French cuisine and customs.
Tourism
French Polynesia is renowned for its luxury resorts, overwater bungalows, and world-class diving and snorkeling sites. Popular destinations include Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Huahine, and Raiatea. The region also offers opportunities for sailing, hiking, and exploring traditional Polynesian villages.
Environmental Conservation
French Polynesia is home to a diverse array of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Marine Protected Areas. Efforts are being made to conserve these natural resources and protect endangered species, such as the humpback whales that migrate through the region.
Transportation
Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti are the main airlines serving French Polynesia, with regular flights connecting the islands. Inter-island travel is also possible by boat, ferry, or small aircraft.
National Items of French Polynesia
Tiare Flower
The Tiare flower, also known as the Tahitian gardenia, is the national flower of French Polynesia. It symbolizes beauty, purity, and is often used in traditional garlands (hei) and leis.
Pareo
The pareo is a colorful garment, similar to a sarong, worn by both men and women in French Polynesia. It symbolizes the island's vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle.
Tattoo (Tatau)
Traditional tattoos, known as tatau, are an integral part of Polynesian culture and heritage. They symbolize identity, social status, and personal history.
Outrigger Canoe (Va’a)
The outrigger canoe, or va’a, is a traditional Polynesian vessel used for navigation and fishing. It represents the seafaring skills and cultural traditions of the Polynesian people.
Ukulele
The ukulele is a popular musical instrument in French Polynesia, often used in traditional and contemporary music. It symbolizes the island's musical heritage and cultural expression.
Marae
Marae are sacred ceremonial sites used for religious and social gatherings. They represent the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Polynesian people.
Monoi Oil
Monoi oil is a traditional Polynesian oil made from soaking Tiare flowers in coconut oil. It symbolizes the island's natural beauty and traditional practices of body care.
Heiva Festival
The Heiva festival is an annual celebration of Polynesian culture, featuring dance, music, sports, and traditional crafts. It symbolizes the vibrant cultural heritage and community spirit of French Polynesia.
These lyrics celebrate the beauty and spirit of Tahiti and its people, expressing love and pride for the islands and their culture.
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and does not have its national anthem. As part of the French Republic, the national anthem of France, "La Marseillaise," is used in official contexts. However, French Polynesia does have its local anthem, called "E pehu o te fenua." Here are the lyrics in Tahitian along with an English translation:
E pehu o te fenua,
E pahu i to tatou metua,
Rava e taute i to tatou nei henua,
No Tahiti e.
A ua inu to tatou mana,
I te uru i te tai,
No tupuna mai, no tupuna mai,
No tahiti e.
A ua faarii i te mei teie
A ua fano i te vairaa,
Na oe e faaea i to tatou nei oraa
No tahiti e.
A te moemoea ia oe e piri mai,
I to tatou ora,
A ua herehia ia oe e pera nei,
I to tatou noanoa.
A poe tahiti oe, poe mato e, poe parata e,
Ei te hupe o te tupe, no tahiti e.
The land resounds,
Let's play for our ancestors,
Let's roam over our lands,
For Tahiti.
We have drawn from our mana,
From the north to the south,
From our ancestors, from our ancestors,
From Tahiti.
We have prepared this delicacy,
We have sailed in the vairaa,
It is you who will carry on our lives,
For Tahiti.
May this dream of yours come true,
In our lives,
We have loved you in this way,
In our minds.
You are the people of Tahiti, the mountain people, the valley people,
The guardians of the treasures, for Tahiti.
