French Polynesia << `pol` uh NEE zhuh >> is a French overseas possession in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 120 islands scattered over an area about the size of Western Europe. These islands include the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society, and Tuamotu island groups. Papeete, on Tahiti—one of the Society Islands—is the capital of French Polynesia.
About 70 percent of the islands’ people are Polynesians. Tourism, agriculture, and fishing are important economic activities. The chief products include copra (dried coconut meat), pearls, fish, and tropical fruits and vegetables.
French Polynesia is a political unit of France called an overseas collectivity. In 2004, France also granted the islands the designation of overseas country. The islands’ voters elect a territorial assembly, which in turn elects the president of French Polynesia. The islands also send representatives to the French Parliament.
See also Marquesas Islands ; Society Islands ; Tahiti ; Tuamotu Islands .
