Geography

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is made up of 118 islands and atolls spread across five archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands and Gambier Islands. Tahiti is the largest and most populated island, and is the political, economic and cultural centre of French Polynesia.

The islands are known for volcanic mountains, lagoons, coral reefs, black sand beaches and rich marine ecosystems. The ocean is central to everyday life, culture, transport, food systems and identity across French Polynesia.

History

French Polynesia has been home to Polynesian peoples for many centuries, with strong traditions of navigation, voyaging, oral history, dance, language and connection to land and sea. European contact increased from the 18th century, including visits by British and French explorers, missionaries and traders.

Tahiti became a French protectorate in the 19th century and later part of French Oceania. Today, French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France with its own local government and institutions, while remaining part of the French Republic.

Economy

French Polynesia’s economy is largely based on services, tourism, public administration, trade, transport, construction and the pearl industry. Tourism is one of the most important sectors, with Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora among the best-known destinations.

Financial transfers from France also play an important role in the economy, supporting public services and government functions. Like many Pacific Island economies, French Polynesia faces challenges linked to geographic distance, cost of living, climate change, transport, housing and economic diversification.

Government

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France. It has a President, a local government and the Assembly of French Polynesia, which is responsible for many areas of local decision-making. France retains responsibility for matters such as defence, justice, security, foreign affairs and currency.

French Polynesia is represented in the French Parliament and has a unique political status within the French Republic. Local politics often includes discussion about autonomy, identity, development and the future relationship with France.

Society

French Polynesian society is shaped by strong family networks, community life, island identity and cultural pride. While Tahiti is the main urban centre, many communities across the outer islands maintain close links to traditional practices, local leadership, fishing, agriculture, church life and cultural events.

Young people in French Polynesia are active in areas such as education, sport, culture, environmental protection, entrepreneurship and civic life. The Youth Leadership Summit Tahiti 2026 will provide an opportunity to highlight Tahitian and French Polynesian youth voices within wider Pacific conversations.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in French Polynesia, with Protestant and Catholic communities playing an important role in social and cultural life. Churches are active in many communities and often contribute to education, community gatherings, music, youth activities and family life.

Culture

French Polynesian culture is rich, expressive and deeply connected to land, ocean, ancestry and community. Dance, music, tattooing, carving, weaving, canoe traditions, storytelling and traditional ceremonies are important parts of cultural identity.

Events such as Heiva i Tahiti celebrate Polynesian dance, sport, language and performance. Cultural pride is also seen in everyday life through food, language, music, family gatherings, traditional dress and respect for elders.

Language

French is the official language and is used in government, education, business and formal settings. Tahitian is widely spoken, particularly in homes, communities, cultural settings and public life. Other Polynesian languages are also spoken across the archipelagos, including Marquesan, Pa'umotu, Mangarevan and Austral languages.

Language is an important part of identity in French Polynesia and remains central to cultural preservation, storytelling and intergenerational knowledge.