La Polynsie Franaise

La Polynsie FranaiseLocationIn the Pacific Ocean, near Australia.

French Polynesia United States

(Pacific Ocean)

Australia

Antarctica

BasicsMotto: Libert, Egalit, FraternitOfficial Language: FrenchPopulation: 268,270Currency: CFP FrancThey drive on the right side of the road.

Isnt it pretty? FlagsThey have two flags.

NOT ONE

NOT THREE

BUTTWO

Official French Flag

French Polynesias Flag

GeographyThere are 130 islands. There is 1,359.5 square miles of land scattered throughout 965,255 square miles of oceanLook at that. Tiny little islandsLargest, most populated island: TahitiMix of rugged tall islands and low islands with reefs.

Marquesas Islands

Tuamotu Islands

Society Islands

Gambier Islands

Austral IslandsCitiesCapital: Papeet (populaton: 25,769. However, many more live in the area surrounding Papeet on the same island (Tahiti))Largest city: Faaa (population: 29,851)

Papeet

ClimateTropical, moderate. Around 80 Fahrenheit all year round.Water temperatures are around 79 in the winter and 84 in the summer. Its generally very nice and popular with tourists.

EconomySixth largest economy in Oceania (includes countries like New Zealand and Australia.)Dependant on imported goods, tourism, and mainland Frances assistance.Major export: black Tahitian pearls. 55% of exports by value in 2008.

LanguagesFrench is official language. 68.5 % of people speak French. 24.2% speak Tahitian2.6% Marquesian1.5% Tuamotuan1.3% any Austral language1% Chinese dialect.9% an other language

CultureFamily is important, and children are valued.It is considered impolite to refuse an offer of food.A guest will leave a bit of food on his/her plate when he/she does not want any more, or else the host may keep serving them more food indefinitely. They shake hands when they greet and it is impolite to not shake hands with everyone in a small gathering.Shoes must be taken off before entering a home.

More CultureA flower behind the ear shows your relationship availability. Left=taken, Right=available, Both=married (but available)Dances are a big part of the culture, especially on the island of Tahiti. They often involve elaborate costumes and exciting music.

ClothingClothing is light, as it is generally warm in French Polynesia.In many areas, there is no real standard of dress, so many people go topless.Shorts are popular, and women wear a colorful wraparound sarong known in Tahitian as a pareu. Can be tied into dresses, blouses, or skirts. ReligionMostly Christian. 50% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic 21,884 members of the Church of Latter Day Saints in 2012.

Music Traditional instruments: pahu and toere drums and a nose flute, the vivo. Guitars and ukuleles have become popular, leading to a unique style influenced by country western music. Food In rural areas, mostly provide their own food through fishing, hunting, and gardening things like taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, and manioc.

Rural Food ContinuedThe food they produce on their own is supplemented by imported goods like rice, fresh bread, and canned food.

Urban Food Larger villages and cities have Chinese restaurantsHotels serve local Polynesian seafood, as well as French and French-inspired cuisine.

Connection with FranceIt is currently a French overseas collectivity. Justice, education, security, and defense are all directly provided by the French government.French Polynesias economy relies on the French government very much.French Polynesians vote on the French president.Basically, its part of France just not with the French mainland.Similar to Hawaii with the United States. Fun FactsTattoos were invented in French Polynesia. The English tattoo comes from the Tahitian tatau, which means open wounds. There are more hotel rooms in one Las Vegas hotel than on all of the 118 islands of French Polynesia.