Basic Facts:

Population: 285,859

Area: 1, 045 km²

Official Language: Tahitian & French

Currency: CFP Franc, French Polynesian Franc

Geography:

The capital of Tahiti is Papeete. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia which is located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. The island is mountainous and covered in lush rainforest with the Papenoo river flowing through the northside of the island. Famous natural landmarks include Les Trois Cascades (three waterfalls) and La Plage de Maui (a white sand beach).

History:

Tahiti was first colonised by humans around 1500 BC. European encounters began in 1521. French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville visited Tahiti in 1768. Explorers from other countries visited around that time as well. In 1842, Tahiti was declared a French protectorate, but the island groups were not officially united until the establishment of the French protectorate in 1889. "French Polynesia was designated a French overseas territory in 1946 and given a Territorial Assembly on 25 October 1946." Other countries had colonised different islands throughout the years, but in 2003, French Polynesia became a full overseas collectivity of France.

People:

Tahiti is home to a rich and expressive culture which was inherited from the Ma'ohi ancestors. The culture includes an oral tradition involving the mythology of gods, as well as ancient traditions. There is an annual Festival in July, called the Heivā Festival, which is a celebration of traditional culture, dance, music and sports.

Places to Visit:

In Tahiti there are many great places to visit which include beautiful natural landmarks and vibrant markets and museums that show off Tahitian culture. A great place to visit is the Black Pearl Museum which is home to the largest collection of the rare and unique black pearls found in Tahiti. You could also go see the Papeete Market which is a great way to see Polynesian culture with local arts and crafts and also fresh fruit and vegetables. An amazing natural landmark to go see is the Mara'a Grotto which is a natural wonder surrounded by ferns with a small lake inside. Another place you could visit if you are interested in nature is the Water Gardens of Vaipahi which is a collection of waterfalls and basins that flow into Lake Vaihiria.

Basic Facts:

Population: 283,007

Area:  4,167 km²

Official Language: French

Currency: CPF Franc, French Polynesian Franc

Capital: Papeete, Tahiti

Geography:

French Polynesia consists of 118 islands, which are divided into 5 groups: the Society Islands archipelago; the Tuamotu Archipelago; the Gambier Islands; the Marquesas Islands; and the Austral Islands. French Polynesia features white- and black-sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and big waterfalls. French Polynesia has many rainforests and beaches that are popular to tourists.

History:

French Polynesia was first colonised by humans around 1500 BC. European encounters began in 1521. French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville visited Tahiti in 1768. Explorers from other countries visited around that time as well. In 1842, Tahiti and Tahuata were declared a French protectorate, but the island groups were not officially united until the establishment of the French protectorate in 1889. "French Polynesia was designated a French overseas territory in 1946 and given a Territorial Assembly on 25 October 1946." Other countries had colonised different islands throughout the years, but in 2003, French Polynesia became a full overseas collectivity of France.

People:

A majority of the residents speak both French and Tahitian, the dominant Polynesian language, but other people on more isolated islands speak older Polynesian languages. French is the official language. Christianity is the main religion of the islands. "Tahitians today have inherited a rich, expressive culture from their ma'ohi ancestors. From the ma'ohi, came the pulse of Tahitian life, a world where the lives of gods, warriors and men crossed in colorful legends. Tahitian culture is a place where the music and dance and art rose from the wonder of everyday island life. Tahiti's culture is also where javelin throwing began as the sport of the gods, kings favored surf riding and men competed in canoe races and stone lifting as a show of pure strength." (tahititourisme.com).

Places to Visit:

French Polynesia consists of many islands, each one has many different tours, activities, restaurants, hotels, beaches, landmarks and natural flora to explore. Some popular tourist destinations include natural geography, like Mt. Otemanu in Bora Bora, which has snorkelling and beaches. Tūpai, a coral reef and lagoon location is regularly visited by people as well. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is an intimate museum offering educational exhibits on the legends of pearls & jewellery making. Tiki Village is a cultural centre in Tahiti that has traditional dancing shows and many restaurants featuring exotic, Polynesian food.