Finding what you need in this vast pool of information is difficult and we hear you; read on for well-researched and assessed information on French Polynesia.First, where are the French Polynesia Islands located? Polynesia is a bunch of islands situated over the central and southern Pacific oceans, with more than 100 islands located here.The term ‘Polynesia’ originates from the Greek words ‘poly’ meaning many and ‘nesoi’ meaning islands. This whole area is triangular, within which these islands are scattered.In 1946, French Polynesia, located in Oceania, was made an overseas territory of France and is its only overseas country. But how big is French Polynesia? The aggregate area of the terrain is 1,608 sq mi (4,167 sq km). Are you having trouble imagining how big this area might be? Okay, imagine Paris and London combined. Yes, that’s how vast it is. Note that these islands are not placed in a structured manner; they are scattered but in close proximity to others.French Polynesia embodies around 118 islands and atolls with just 67 of them occupied. Bora Bora is the main island. Tahiti’s national flower is the tiare. When you are in a relationship it is a custom to put the flower behind your left ear and if you looking for your soulmate, you would place it behind your right ear. The ambiance here is serene, a perfect place to go for a ‘vacay’ as some people like to put it. French is recognized as the official language of French Polynesia though most of the residents are fluent in at least one more Polynesian language as well.Did you know that the word tattoo finds its origin in the Tahitian language? Yes, this famous word is believed to have originated from the Tahitian word ’tatau’. Read on to know more about the Polynesia-French government connection as well as the agricultural processing industry of Polynesia.There is a lot that the place has to offer and to satisfy the curiosity in you, we bring you these amazing facts: enjoy! Afterwards, also check out flagstaff facts and Cape Cod Bay.French Polynesia Geographic LocationLet’s begin with knowing the highest point of the French Polynesian Islands. It is a mountain located in the South Pacific Ocean named Mount Orohena, on the island of Tahiti. It stands 7,352 ft (2,241 m) above sea level.French Polynesia is assembled with six archipelagos. What are archipelagos? In simple terms, an archipelago is an expanded area of water that embodies a collection of islands and the largest of these archipelagos in the world is the Malay archipelago. Let’s learn about the six archipelagos of French Polynesia below.There are the Marquesas Islands, sized 405 sq mi (1,049.3 sq km). Then there are the Society Islands, sized 614 sq mi (1,590 sq km). There is the Tuamotu archipelago, which is 328 sq mi (850 sq km) in size. The Gambier Islands are 11.5 sq mi (29.6 sq km) in size. The Austral Islands are 59 sq mi (152 sq km) in size. Finally, there are the Bass Islands which are 15.6 sq mi (40.6 sq km) in size.The capital, Papeete, is on Tahiti, French Polynesia’s largest island at 403 sq mi (1,043 sq km).The Society Islands is the largest by area. Tahiti is the most colossal of the atolls and also the most populated one. Additionally, some other substantial atolls or islands in French Polynesia include Ahē, Bora Bora, Hiva ‘Oa, Huahine, Mai’ao, Maupiti, Meheti’a, Mo’orea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Taha’a, Tetiaroa, Tupua’i and Tūpai.There are a total of four ecozones in French Polynesia: Marquesas tropical moist forests, Society Islands tropical moist forests, Tuamotu tropical moist forests, and Tubuai tropical moist forests.Tahiti is the largest island on French Polynesia with 60% of the French Polynesia’s population residing here. Its capital is Papeete, meaning ‘water basket’.While there are a plethora of islands here, not all of them are inhabited. Of the 118 islands in French Polynesia, only 67 are occupied. If you are among those who are done with people in general and metropolitan life, French Polynesia is calling you.The five administrative subdivisions of French Polynesia are Marquesas Islands, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Tuāmotu-Gambier, and Austral Islands.French Polynesia Capital FactsFrench Polynesia’s capital city is Papeete, meaning ‘water basket’.Papeete’s commune is situated on Tahiti Island, in one of the five administrative subdivisions, Windward Islands. Important dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, reside in Papeete. French is an official language in French Polynesia.As per the 2017 census, the total urban population of urban Papeete was 136,771 and 26,926 of these lived in the commune.11 wards, or quartiers as is known there, are subdivided in the commune of Papeete.During World War I, on September 22, 1914, the Bombardment of Papeete occurred where the Germans plunged into Papeete and destroyed its towns that led to a grave deterioration of its economy.The Tahiti International Airport, officially known as the Faa’a Airport that opened in 1960, is French Polynesia’s only airport.Papeete’s seven communes are Mahina, Arue, Pirae, Papeete, Faaa, Punaauia and Paea.The majority of the population here can speak French while the minority of 0.7% as per the 2017 consensus cannot. The other most spoken languages after French are Tahitian, Polynesian, Chinese or Sinitic, and Hakka.Tourists or those leaving the islands use a cruise ship from the airport.The climate of the region is a tropical monsoon climate. There is a dry season and a wet season in this form of climate.Among places you can visit here include Bougainville Park, the waterfront esplanade, the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Papeete, the Presidential Palace, the Papeete Market and other places.French Polynesia CurrencyThe currency of French Polynesia is the CFP franc. It is simply called franc in everyday use of the word.The French franc was used as a currency in French Polynesia but only until the year 1914.Created in 1945, the CFP franc, along with the CFA of Africa, replaced the French franc due to its fragility after the Second World War.The Institut d’émission d’outre-mer or the Overseas Issuing Institute, headquartered in Paris, issued the CFP franc in 1967.From 1949 onwards, French Polynesia started issuing coins. The bank note began to be circulated in French Polynesia in 1969.What is French Polynesia known for?There are many things you can associate French Polynesia with such as the Pearl Museum, Overwater Bungalows, and poisonous snakes.There is no single particular thing, but French Polynesia is known for Tahiti, the Bora Bora Island, the Tuamotu archipelago, history and archaeology, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife watching, to name a few.Tattoos are an integral part of the culture on the island and it is believed that the term originates from the Tahitian word ’tatau’.Famous for its surf breaks on sea beds, French Polynesia attracts people to try surfing on its islands. Teahupo’o, a village located on the southwestern shore of Tahiti, is acclaimed for surfing and has also been acknowledged as having some of the best waves in the world. Tahiti is divided into Tahiti Nui and the smaller southeastern portion, Tahiti Iti.Teahup’o organizes a professional surf competition called Billabong Pro Tahiti. It is also the seventh stop for the World Surf League and is all set to host 2024 Summer Olympics’ surfing events.French Polynesia is also renowned for diving. Tiputa Pass, Rangiroa is its diving capital. Other places famous for diving include Fakarava and Tuamotu.Marae Taputapuatea, Raiatea is a historical place in French Polynesia and is a renowned religious center of eastern Polynesia.The isle of Motu Tapu on the Bora Bora Island is known as a great place for pictures. There is something for everyone. Can we call Motu Tapu selfie heaven, then?Do you love pearls? If so, this is the first place for you. Tahiti has a whole museum dedicated to pearls which is the only one in the whole world.Did you know that in the Tahitian language, Bora Bora is actually pronounced Pora Pora, meaning first born as the letter B is not present in the local language?Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 21 French Polynesia facts for kids that love exploring geography then why not take a look at 11 bizarre Beijing pollution facts that are absolutely unbelievable or do pheasants fly.
Finding what you need in this vast pool of information is difficult and we hear you; read on for well-researched and assessed information on French Polynesia.
