French Polynesia Map and Information, Map of French Polynesia, Facts, Figures and Geography of French Polynesia -Worldatlas.com

Details

Spread over a vast area about the size of Europe, the widely scattered (118 islands and atolls) of French Polynesia - part of an overseas territory of France - are divided into 5 groups: the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos.

Of these, the Society archipelago is certainly the most famous. It includes the stunning islands of Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti - and like the enchanting Marquesas in the northeast - most are lush, dark green specs of land, volcanic in origin, with jagged-edged peaks jutting boldly into the sky.

Almost 61% of the total population of French Polynesia lives on the island of Tahiti, in and around the capital city of Papeete.

The Tuamotu archipelago (in contrast to the other groups) includes only low-lying coral atolls (78 in all), and of these, only a handful have passable inlets into their central lagoons.

Rangiroa, the largest coral atoll in French Polynesia, is famed for its natural beauty, and remains a favorite of travelers from across the globe.

The Austral and Gambier islands in the south are lighted populated, as most are still uninhabited.

The ancient subsistence economy of the larger islands has been replaced by the modern economics of tourism revenues, military employment, pearl farming, commercial fishing and a growing selection of small manufacturing jobs.

Facts and Figures

Official Name French Polynesia

an overseas territory of France,

originally claimed in 1843

Population 274,578 (2006 estimate)

Capital City Papeete (27,000) Tahiti (151,500)

Flag here

Languages French (official), Tahitian (official)

Official Currency Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc

Currency Converter here

Religions Protestant, Catholic, others

Land Area 3,660 sq km

Latitude/Longitude 17º 52S, 149º 56W

Highest Point Mt. Orohena at 7,350 ft. (2,241 m)

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Maps

French Polynesia Large Color Map here

French Polynesia Map CIA version here

French Polynesia Outline Map here

French Polynesia Maps at UT here

Oceania Maps here

Suggested Links

French Polynesia (Complete) information on the (GDP) overall economy, imports and exports, resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

French Polynesia website here

French Polynesia photos here

French Polynesia travel info here

Bora Bora website here

Moorea website here

Tahiti tourism website here

Climate The summer months (November - April) are hot and humid, with many sunny days. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier.

Cooling trade winds buffet the islands throughout the year, and the months of June, July, August and October are widely considered to be ideal times to visit.

Frankly, there's never a bad time to travel to paradise.