French Polynesia
French Overseas Territory in the S Pacific, consisting of five archipelagos
: Windward Islands, Leeward Islands (the two island groups comprising
the Society Islands), Tuamotu Archipelago (including Gambier Islands),
Tubuai Islands, and Marquesas Islands
Total Area:
3,940 sq km/1,521 sq mi
Capital:
Papeete on Tahiti
Industries:
Cultivated pearls, coconut oil, vanilla; tourism is important
Population:
(1994) 216,600
Languages:
Tahitian (official), French
Government:
The French government is represented by a high commissioner (Paul Roncière).
It is administered by a Council of Ministers, with a president
elected by the Territorial Assembly from its own members; two
deputies are returned to the National Assembly in France and one
senator to the Senate
History:
First visited by Europeans 1595; French protectorate 1843; annexed
to France 1880-82; became an Overseas Territory, changing its
name from French Oceania 1958; self-governing 1977. Following
demands for independence in New Caledonia 1984-85, agitation increased
also in Polynesia.
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