Overview of French Polynesia

Quick Overview

Key Facts

Type of place: French overseas territory.

Location: in the South Pacific Ocean, about 6,000 km east of Australia.

Latitude/longitude: 17°34' S, 149°36' W.

Local time (Tahiti): Heure : 12861 UTC-10 to UTC-9 depending on the islands.

Capital: Papeete (on the island of Tahiti).

Nature of the state: Overseas collectivity of the French Republic.

Official language: French.

Currency: Pacific Franc.

Population: 290,373 inhabitants (2018).

Area: 4,167 km² (scattered over 2.5 million km²).

Density: 70 inhabitants/km².

Highest point: Mount Orohena (2,241 m) on Tahiti.

Lowest point: sea level.

Coastline: 4,500 km.

Driving: on the right.

Tourism

French Polynesia embodies the tropical islands of the imagination: deserted white-sand beaches, coconut palms, lagoons with crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. While it may feel like a postcard, this description fits many of the islands (though not all). Each year, the destination attracts over 200,000 visitors (216,000 in 2018), primarily from the United States, mainland France, and Japan.

Travel Essentials

Destination: for beginner travelers.

By air: France-Papeete.

Entry requirements: passport.

Currency to bring: euros.

Exchange rate:

Daily "backpacker" budget:

Best for accommodation:

Best for getting around:

Risks:

Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure /; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

"Quality of life": (rank in )

GDP per capita: $17,000 (2015)

Average monthly income: ()

Inflation: 0% (2015)

"Official" unemployment: 21.8% (2013)

Population below the poverty line: ()

Life expectancy: 77.5 years (2018)

Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.8 (2017)

Population growth: +0.85% (2018)

Literacy rate: ()

Urban population: 61.8% (2018)

Press freedom: (rank in )

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook