called all parties to help end the instability in local politics, a prerequisite to attract foreign investors needed to develop the local economy. Despite a local assembly and government, French Polynesia is not in a free association with France, like the Cook Islands with New Zealand or Puerto Rico with the United States. As a French overseas collectivity, the local government has no competence in justice, education, security and defense, directly provided and administered by the French State, the Gendarmerie and the French Military. The highest representant of the State in the territory is the High Commissioner of the Republic (French: Haut commissaire de la République). French Polynesia also sends two deputies to the French National Assembly, one representing the Leeward Islands administrative subdivision, the Austral Islands administrative subdivision, the commune (municipality) of Moorea-Maiao, and the westernmost part of Tahiti (including the capital Papeete), and the other representing the central and eastern part of Tahiti, the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative division, and the Marquesas Islands administrative division. French Polynesia also sends one senator to the French Senate. French Polynesians vote in the French presidential elections and at the 2007 French presidential election, in which the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru openly called to vote for the Socialist candidate Ségolène Royal while the parties opposed to independence generally supported the center-right candidate Nicolas Sarkozy, the turnout in French Polynesia was 69.12% in the first round of the election and 74.67% in the second round. French Polynesians voters placed Nicolas Sarkozy ahead of Ségolène Royal in both rounds of the election (2nd round: Nicolas Sarkozy 51.9%; Ségolène Royal 48.1%).[12] [edit] Administration Between 1946 and 2003, French Polynesia had the status of an overseas territory (French: territoire d'outre-mer, or TOM). In 2003 it became an overseas collectivity (French: collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM). Its statutory law of 27 February 2004 gives it the particular designation of overseas province (French: province d'outre-mer, or POM), but without legal modification of its status. [edit] Administrative divisions Main article: Administrative divisions of French Polynesia French Polynesia has five administrative subdivisions (French: subdivisions administratives): Windward Islands (French: (les) Îles du Vent or officially la subdivision administrative des Îles du Vent) (the two subdivisions administratives Windward Islands and Leeward Islands are part of the Society Islands) Leeward Islands (French: (les) Îles Sous-le-Vent or officially la subdivision administrative des Îles Sous-le-Vent) (the two subdivisions administratives Windward Islands and Leeward Islands are part of the Society Islands) Marquesas Islands (French: (les) (Îles) Marquises or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Marquises) Austral Islands (French: (les) (Îles) Australes or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Australes) (including the Bass Islands) Tuamotu-Gambier (French: (les) (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier or officially la subdivision administrative des (Îles) Tuamotu-Gambier) (the Tuamotus and the Gambier Islands) [edit] Geography Map of French Polynesia Main article: Geography of French Polynesia The islands of French Polynesia have a total land area of 4,167 square kilometres (1,622 sq. mi) scattered over 2,500,000 square kilometres (965,255 sq. mi) of ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. The island groups are: Austral Islands Bass Islands often considered part of the Austral Islands Gambier Islands often considered part of the Tuamotu Archipelago Marquesas Islands Society Islands (including Tahiti) Tuamotu Archipelago Aside from Tahiti, some other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva `Oa, Huahine, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai, and Tupai. [edit] Economy Main article: Economy of French Polynesia French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on imported goods, tourism, and the financial assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands. Also, as the noni fruit from these islands is discovered for its medicinal uses, people have been able to find jobs related to this agricultural industry. The legal tender of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc. Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits. Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt. The major export of French Polynesia is their famous black Tahitian pearls. [edit] Demographics Main article: Demographics of French Polynesia Total population at the August 2007 census was 259,596 inhabitants.[1] At the 2007 census, 68.6% of the population of French Polynesia lived on the island of Tahiti alone.[1] The urban area of Papeete, the capital city, has 131,695 inhabitants (2007 census). At the November 2002 census, 87.2% of people were born in French Polynesia, 9.5% were born in metropolitan France, 1.4% were born in overseas France outside of French Polynesia, and 1.9% were born in foreign countries.[13] At the 1988 census, the last census which asked questions regarding ethnicity, 66.5% of people were ethnically unmixed Polynesians, 7.1 % were Polynesians with light European or East Asian mixing, 11.9% were Europeans, 9.3% were people of mixed European and Polynesian descent, the so-called Demis (literally meaning "Half"), and 4.7% were East Asians (mainly Chinese).[14] The Europeans, the Demis and the East Asians are essentially concentrated on the island of Tahiti, particularly in the urban area of Papeete, where their share of the population is thus much more important than in French Polynesia overall.[14] Race mixing has been going on for more than a century already in French Polynesia, resulting in a rather mixed society. For example Gaston Flosse, the long-time leader of French Polynesia, is a Demi (European father from Lorraine and Polynesian mother).[15] His main opponent Gaston Tong Sang is a member of the East Asian (in his case Chinese) community.[16] Oscar Temaru, the pro-independence leader, is ethnically Polynesian (father from Tahiti, mother from the Cook Islands),[17] but he has admitted to also have Chinese ancestry.[18] Despite a long tradition of race mixing, racial tensions have been growing in recent years, with politicians using a xenophobic discourse and fanning the flame of racial tensions.[19][18] The pro-independence politicians have long pointed the finger at the European community (Oscar Temaru, pro-independence leader and former president of French Polynesia, was for example found guilty of "racial discrimination" by the criminal court of Papeete in 2007 for having referred to the Europeans living in French Polynesia as "trash", "waste").[20] More recently, the Chinese community which controls many businesses in French Polynesia has been targeted in verbal attacks by the newly allied Gaston Flosse and Oscar Temaru in their political fight against Gaston Tong Sang, whose Chinese origins they emphasize in contrast with their Polynesian origins, despite the fact that they both have mixed origins (European and Polynesian for Flosse; Polynesian and Chinese for Temaru).[21] In April 2008, after the government of Gaston Flosse was toppled in the Assembly of French Polynesia and Gaston Tong Sang became the new president of French Polynesia, two French Polynesian labor union leaders made anti-Chinese remarks ("I'm not hiding from the fact that I wouldn't like our country to be ruled by someone who's not a Polynesian"; "a Chinese only thinks of the business leaders, because he is a businessman").[22] These anti-Chinese remarks caused a political furor and were widely condemned in French Polynesia.[23] [edit] Historical population 1907 1911 1921 1926 1931 1936 1941 1946 1951 30,600 31,900 31,600 35,900 40,400 44,000 51,200 58,200 63,300 1956 1962 1971 1977 1983 1988 1996 2002 2007 76,323 84,551 119,168 137,382 166,753 188,814 219,521 245,516 259,596 Official figures from past censuses.[1] [24] [25] [26] [edit] Languages French is the official language of French Polynesia. An organic law of April 12, 1996 states that "French is the official language, Tahitian and other Polynesian languages can be used." At the 2002 census, among the population whose age was 14 and older, 65.0% of people reported that the language they speak the most at home is French, 33.4% reported that the language they speak the most at home is any of the Polynesian languages, 1.2% reported an East Asian language, and 0.4% another language.[27] At the same census, 92.9% of people whose age was 14 or older reported that they could speak, read and write French, whereas only 4.8% reported that they had no knowledge of French.[28] [edit] Religion Christianity is the main religion of the islands, a majority (54%) belonging to various Protestant churches and a large minority (30%) being Roman Catholic. [edit] Transportation Main article: Transportation in French Polynesia While most major roads are paved and well-maintained, many secondary roads are not. Traffic is brisk and all types of vehicles and pedestrians jockey for space on narrow streets. Crosswalks are marked and the law requires that motor vehicles stop for pedestrians; however, this is not always done. Tourists should exercise caution when driving, particularly at night. There are 51 airports in French Polynesia, 39 are paved. [1] [edit] Famous people of French Polynesia Henri Hiro (1944-1991), Film director & script writer, poet, ecologist, activist Marco Namouro, writer (1889-1968) Célestine Hitiura Vaite, writer (born 1966) Ella Koon, model (born 1979) Pascal Vahirua, former French international footballer (born 1966) Marama Vahirua, footballer, cousin of Pascal Vahirua (born 1980) [edit] Miscellaneous topics French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in areas that are more remote or less/sparsely populated. Patients with emergencies or with serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals as well as several private clinics provide 24-hour medical service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. As an overseas territory of France, defence and law-enforcement are provided by the French Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Gendarmerie. Charles Darwin visited French Polynesia on his five year trip around the world. PDF file of his journal [edit] Gallery Baie de Cook in Moorea Mont Otemanu in Bora-Bora Satellite view of the Iles Gambier Black sand beach in Tahiti Motu Tiahura, Moorea Fakarava lagoon Baie des traîtres, Hiva `Oa Presidence of the Government (Papeete) Mangareva Bungalows of Hôtel Hibiscus, Hauru Point, Moorea Plage de Marita, Bora Bora Bora Bora from the air High Commissionership of the Republic (Papeete) Tahiti Tahitian women on the beach, by Paul Gauguin (1891) Bora Bora Sunrise over Moorea Bora Bora, Tahaa and Raiatea from space Black sand beach, Tahiti [edit] See also Communications in French Polynesia Université de la Polynésie Française, University of French Polynesia French overseas departments and territories Administrative divisions of France Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans Music of French Polynesia Conseil du Scoutisme polynésien Nuclear-free zone Moruroa [edit] References ^ a b c d (French) Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). Recensement de la population 2007 (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-12-02. ^ a b Ganse, Alexander. History of Polynesia, before 1797. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ a b History of French Polynesia. History of Nations. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ Ganse, Alexander. History of French Polynesia, 1797 to 1889. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ Ganse, Alexander. History of French Polynesia, 1889 to 1918. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ The Japanese claim to the French Pacific islands, along with many other vast territories, appears in the September 16, 1940, "Sphere of survival for the Establishment of a New Order in Greater East Asia by Imperial Japan", published in 1955 by Japan's Foreign Ministry as part of the two-volume "Chronology and major documents of Diplomacy of Japan 1840-1945" - here quoted from "Interview with Tetsuzo Fuwa: Japan's War: History of Expansionism", Japan Press Service, July 2007 ^ Ganse, Alexander. History of Polynesia, 1939 to 1977. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ Ganse, Alexander. History of French Polynesia, 1977 to present. Retrieved on 2007-10-20. ^ Whitney, Craig R. "France Ending Nuclear Tests That Caused Broad Protests", New York Times, 30 January 1996. Retrieved on 2007-10-20.  ^ BBC NEWS, French Polynesia gets new leader ^ Polynésie : Gaston Flosse présente un gouvernement d’union ^ (French) Minister of the Interior, Government of France. POLYNESIE FRANCAISE (987) (résultats officiels). Retrieved on 2007-09-14. ^ (French) Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). POP4a - Population totale par lieu de naissance selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal (XLS). Retrieved on 2007-06-23. ^ a b Frontières ethniques et redéfinition du cadre politique à Tahiti ^ Flosse s'efface après 20 ans de règne sur la Polynésie ^ Victoire de Gaston Tong Sang ^ Portrait du Président Oscar Manutahi TEMARU ^ a b Logiques « autonomiste » et « indépendantiste » en Polynésie française ^ Temaru-Flosse: le rebond du nationalisme tahitien ^ Temaru Found Guilty Of "Racial Discrimination" ^ Politique : Toujours pas de gouvernement ^ Anti-Chinese Remarks Cause A Political Furor ^ Propos "anti-chinois": les réactions se multiplient ^ 2002 census ^ 1971, 1977, 1983, 1988, and 1996 censuses ^ Censuses from 1907 to 1962 in Population, 1972, #4-5, pp. 705-706, published by INED ^ (French) Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). LAN1a - Population de 14 ans et plus par langue la plus utilisée en famille selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal (XLS). Retrieved on 2007-06-23. ^ (French) Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). LAN3a : Population de 14 ans et plus par connaissance des langues selon le sexe et l'âge quinquennal (XLS). Retrieved on 2007-06-23. [edit] Bibliography Danielsson, Bengt (1965). Work and Life on Raroia: An Acculturation Study from the Tuamotu Group, French Oceania. London: G. Allen & Unwin.  Danielsson, Bengt; Marie-Thérèse Danielsson (1986). Poisoned Reign: French Nuclear Colonialism in the Pacific. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-140-08130-5.  Hough, Richard (1995). Captain James Cook. W W Norton. ISBN 0393036804.  Pollock, Nancy J.; Ron Crocombe, eds. (1988). French Polynesia: A Book of Selected Readings. Suva, Fiji: Institute of Pacific Studies of the University of the South Pacific. ISBN 9820200326.  Thompson, Virginia; Richard Adloff (1971). The French Pacific Islands: French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Berkeley: University of California Press.  [edit] External links Find more about French Polynesia on Wikipedia's sister projects: Dictionary definitions Textbooks Quotations Source texts Images and media News stories Learning resources Tourism Official Tourism Website Travel Guide Government Government of French Polynesia Presidency of French Polynesia Administrative Subdivisions of French Polynesia South Seas island guide   Geographic locale v • d • e Polynesia Polynesian triangle Austral Islands · Cook Islands · Easter Island · Gambier Islands · Hawaiian Islands · Loyalty Islands · Marquesas · New Zealand · Pitcairn Islands · Sala y Gómez · Samoan Islands · Society Islands · Tokelau · Tonga · Tuamotus · Tuvalu · Wallis and Futuna Islands Polynesian outliers and peripheral cultures Anuta · Emae · Futuna · Kapingamarangi · Mele · Nuguria · Nukumanu · Nukuoro · Ontong Java · Ouvéa · Pileni · Rennell · Rotuma · Sikaiana · Takuu · Tikopia v • d • e Countries and territories of Oceania Australasia Australia · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · New Zealand1[›] · Norfolk Island   Melanesia East Timor2[›] · Fiji · Indonesia (Maluku Islands) · New Caledonia · Papua New Guinea3[›] · Solomon Islands · Vanuatu Micronesia Federated States of Micronesia · Guam · Kiribati · Marshall Islands · Nauru · Northern Mariana Islands · Palau   Polynesia American Samoa · Cook Islands · French Polynesia · Niue · Pitcairn · Samoa · Tokelau · Tonga · Tuvalu · Wallis and Futuna   ^ 1: New Zealand is often included in Polynesia. ^ 2: East Timor is often included in Asia. ^ 3: New Guinea is often included in Australasia. v • d • e Austronesian-speaking countries and territories Formosan Taiwan Malayo-Polynesian American Samoa • Brunei • Burma • Cambodia • Christmas Island • Cocos (Keeling) Islands • Cook Islands • Easter Island • East Timor • Fiji • French Polynesia • Guam • Hainan • Hawaii • Indonesia • Kiribati • Madagascar • Malaysia • Marshall Islands • FS Micronesia • Nauru • New Caledonia • New Zealand • Niue • Northern Mariana Islands • Orchid Island • Palau • Papua New Guinea • Patani • Philippines • Samoa • Singapore • Solomon Islands • Suriname • Tokelau • Tonga • Tuvalu • Vanuatu • Vietnam • Wallis and Futuna v • d • e Overseas departments and territories of France Overseas departments1 French Guiana · Guadeloupe · Martinique · Réunion Overseas collectivities French Polynesia · Mayotte2 · Saint Barthélemy · Saint Martin · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · Wallis and Futuna Special status New Caledonia Uninhabited lands Clipperton Island French Southern and Antarctic Lands Île Amsterdam · Île Saint-Paul · Crozet Islands · Kerguelen Islands · Adélie Land Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean Bassas da India3 · Europa Island3 · Glorioso Islands2, 3, 4 · Juan de Nova Island3 · Tromelin Island5 1 Also known as overseas regions.  2 Claimed by Comoros.  3 Claimed by Madagascar.  4 Claimed by Seychelles.  5 Claimed by Mauritius. Coordinates: 17°32'S, 149°34'W Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Polynesia" Categories: French Polynesia | Island countries | Special territories of the European Union Views Article Discussion Edit this page History Personal tools Log in / create account if (windo