French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, located between South America and Australia. The history of this region is both rich and diverse, shaped by the interactions between indigenous Polynesian cultures and various European powers.
The first inhabitants of French Polynesia were believed to have arrived from Southeast Asia around 2000 BCE. These early settlers were skilled navigators and established complex societies based on fishing, agriculture, and trade. Over time, distinct cultures and languages developed on each island, including Tahitian, Maori, Marquesan, and Tuamotuan.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña became the first European to reach French Polynesia. However, it was not until the late 18th century that Europeans began to make regular contact with the islands. British explorer James Cook visited Tahiti in 1769 and described it as a paradise, sparking interest from other European powers.
In 1842, the Kingdom of Tahiti was established under Queen Pomare IV, who united the various islands under one rule. However, in the late 19th century, France began to exert its influence over the region, with the annexation of Tahiti in 1880. Over the next few decades, France would annex the remaining islands and establish a colonial administration.
During World War II, French Polynesia played a crucial role as a strategic military base for the United States. This led to the construction of airfields and other infrastructure, which would later contribute to the region’s economic development.
In the 1950s, French Polynesia became an overseas territory of France, granting it more autonomy but still remaining under French control. This sparked a movement for independence, which gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1984, French Polynesia became an overseas collectivity, granting it even more self-governance.
In recent years, French Polynesia has thrived as a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. In 2013, the territory was hit by a devastating cyclone, but it has since recovered and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Today, French Polynesia remains an overseas collectivity of France, with its own government and economy. The culture and traditions of the indigenous Polynesian people are still treasured and celebrated, making French Polynesia a unique blend of European and Pacific influences.
Getting to French Polynesia and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
1. ferry
1. Ferry (Bateau) - This is the most common mode of transportation between the islands in French Polynesia. There are regular ferry services that operate between the main islands such as Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Huahine. The ferries are comfortable and offer stunning views of the surrounding islands and crystal clear waters.
Before making their way to French Polynesia , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in French Polynesia even more relaxing.
| Capital: | 2021 Papeete |
|---|---|
| Population: | 2020 343,000 |
| Size: | 2018 Expansive |
| Official Language: | The official language of French Polynesia is French, as it is a French overseas territory. However, the most commonly spoken language is Tahitian, a Polynesian language. English is also widely understood, particularly in tourist areas. Other languages spo |
| Currency: | French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean, uses the French Pacific franc (XPF) as its official currency. This currency is also known as the CFP franc, where CFP stands for "Colonies Françaises du Pacifique" (French colonies of the Pacific). It is the only legal tender in the country, and it is pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF. The XPF is available in both coins and banknotes, with denominations ranging from 1 to 10,000 XPF. The most commonly used banknotes are the 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 XPF notes, while the coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 XPF. The coins feature images of local flora and fauna, while the banknotes depict iconic landmarks and historical figures of French Polynesia. In terms of payment options, most businesses in French Polynesia accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always advisable to carry some c |
| Tipping and Taxes: | Tipping and taxes in French Polynesia are relatively straightforward and follow similar practices to other countries. Tipping is not a common practice in French Polynesia, as most hotels and restaurants include a service charge in their prices. However, it is still appreciated to leave a small tip for exceptional service, usually around 5-10% of the bill. When it comes to taxes, the standard value-added tax (VAT) in French Polynesia is 5%. This tax is included in the price of goods and services, so you do not need to factor it in when making purchases. However, there is an additional tourist tax of 5% that is added to the cost of accommodations, such as hotels and vacation rentals. This tax is usually not included in the advertised price, so be sure to factor it in when booking your accommodations. There are also certain items that are subject to additional import taxes, such as alcohol and tobacco. These taxes can vary depending on the specific item and its value. Additionally, ther |
| Dress Code: | The dress code in French Polynesia is generally casual and relaxed, with lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, but it is recommended to dress modestly when visiting sacred or traditional sites. |
| Topography: | French Polynesia is made up of five archipelagos, spread across an area of 1.6 million square miles in the South Pacific Ocean, with rugged volcanic islands, coral atolls, and clear blue lagoons. |
| Telephone: | Country code: 689 Area code: n/a |
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