Population: 266,339 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic groups: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%,
local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
Religions: Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic
30%, other 10%, no religion 6%
Languages: French (official), Tahitian
(official)
Money: XPF Franc (Comptoirs Francais du
Pacifique franc). Fixed rate exchange: 1 Euro = 119,332 XPF
Since 1961, with the building of the Papeete airport, and 1962, when France stationed military
personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural
economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the
military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in
1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Today tourism accounts for
about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources
of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing
sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially
from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and
strengthening social services.
Climate: tropical, but moderate. Occasional
cyclonic storms in December/March. Best period to visit May-October. |
