Terrain

Most of the islands are of volcanic origin (Tubuai Islands); mountainous (like the Society Islands or the fertile Marquesas Islands, rising to 1,190 m on Hiva Oa) and ringed by coral reefs like the Tuamotu and Gambier island groups.

Climate

French Polynesia has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid from November to April but cooler and drier for the remainder of the year. Temperatures are moderated by the prevailing trade winds. The average annual temperature is around 27° C all year. Severe tropical storms are not very common, the most severe weather heads for these islands during years when the El Niño is occurring.

Fauna/Flora

At the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, and the Marquesas breadfruit, pandanus, and coconut trees are grown. The limited fauna at the Society Islands includes wild pigs, rats, and small lizards. Wild cattle and hogs are found at the Marquesas.

History/Politics

Polynesians are believed to have moved to the region from the eastern area of Indonesia or the Philippines some 4,000 years ago. Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive at the Marquesas Islands in the 16th century. However, true contact between Polynesians and Europeans did not begin until the discovery of Tahiti by the British in 1767.

After decades of rivalries between Britain and France over the ownership of the islands of Tahiti, France finally occupied the island in 1840. It declared the islands a protectorate in 1843 and annexed the Marquesas and Society groups in the following years, as well as Tahiti itself. Despite local resistance, Tahiti became a French colony in 1880.

During World War II, France provided the Allies with staff and the strategic position of the islands and the USA established an air base on Bora Bora. After World War II, French Polynesia was awarded the status of an overseas territory, however, France was not successful in preventing the development of strongly based national identity and independence movements. Still, in 1958, French Polynesia voted in favour of the new constitution of the French Fifth Republic and remained an Overseas Territory of the French Republic.

Internal self-government, particularly in economic matters, was increased in 1977 and in 1984, France gave in to the pressure exerted by groups demanding independence and a law was passed granting more autonomy to French Polynesia. The statute recognized the identity and personality of French Polynesia, providing for distinctive signs (such as flag and national anthem).

The position of President of the Government was established, which placed local control in the hands of the government. The local government was also allowed to enter into international agreements. Additional local government responsibilities were secondary education, postal service and telecommunications. Additional autonomy was granted in 1996 and 1998. Today, French Polynesia is largely responsible for its own affairs, with some responsibilities remaining with France, such as currency and defence.

Economy

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to a modern-day economy. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of gross domestic product and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products.

In French Polynesia 13% of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, with 19% in manufacturing and 68 % in the services sector. Agricultural products include coconuts, vegetables, poultry, beef and dairy products. Natural resources are timber, fish, cobalt, and hydropower. Tropical fruits are grown on plantations, and cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, and shark meat are exported. Inflation rates averaged 1.2% in the 1990-2001 period.

Culture

Great distances between islands of Polynesia resulted in similarities and differences in the culture, languages, religion, daily practices and forms of artistic expression. Present-day Polynesian culture blends tradition with colonial influences; music and dancing play an important part in society. The region's most important festival, "Heiva Taupiti", takes place every year in June and also includes sports competitions.