French Polynesia: Information, Geography and History

INTRODUCTION

•  Full name: French Polynesia.

•  Capital City: Pape'ete.

•  Language: Tahitian, French and English.

•  Currency: Cour de Franc Pacifique.

•  Religion: Protestant Catholic, Mormon, Seventh-day Adventist, Buddhist, and Confucianist. •  National Anthem: La Marseillaise. •  Newspaper: Tahiti Beach Press, La Dépêche de Tahiti and Les Nouvelles. •  Places to Visit: Bora Bora, Papeete, Rangiroa, Cathedral of St Michael, Fare Potee, Hiva Oa, Musée de Tahiti et des Îsles, Point Vénus, Gauguin Museum and many others.

Transport: Travel by air with Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Hawaiian Air, AOM French Airways, Corsair that fly from United States to Tahiti. The international flights reside at Faaa Airport in Papeete. Cruise ships are also available for travelling.

Shopping: Marquesan woodcarvings, shell jewelry, Tahitian perfumes, Monoi Tiare Tahiti (coconut oil made of Tahiti's national flower), vanilla beans, Black pearls, and pareu fabric.

Rejuvenate your senses while you come across the wonderful expanses of nature in the serene land of French Polynesia. Take a spectacular tour to the to the lagoons of Rangiroa or scuba dive in the magnificent lagoon beaming with beautiful tropical fishes. Experience the swank flavours of the French culture well blended with the South Pacific appeal as one desires to travel here.

LOCATION OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

The French Polynesia, an overseas country is nestled in the southern region of Pacific Ocean placed about halfway in the midst of Australia and America.

PHYSICAL MAP OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia covers about a total land area of 4,167 square kilometers. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. The place is comprised of one coral atoll and four volcanic islands that are surrounded with coral reefs from all over.

The volcanic Islands that emit lava while ascending above the sea level can be separated into two major parts:

• Windward islands (Made of islands like Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Mehetia, Tetiaroa)
• Leeward islands. (Made of Raiatea (the largest), Bora Bora, Maupiti, Huahine, and Tahaa islands)

The islands that are placed here are:

•  Austral Islands

•  Bass Islands

•  Gambier Islands

•  Marquesas Islands (9 islands without any coral reef)

•  Society Islands (which includes Tahiti)

•  Tuamotu Archipelago (80 islands wherein half still remains isolated)

The relative islands within this region are Ahe, Bora Bora, Hiva `Oa, Huahine, Maiao, Maupiti, Mehetia, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tetiaroa, Tubuai, and Tupai.

CLIMATE OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia enjoys a tropical kind of weather condition being sunny and pleasant throughout the year. The Climate becomes cooler with gentle breezes flowing from the Pacific.

There are two seasons affecting the region:

•  The weather is sultry and humid, during November to May with about 85 degrees F temperature.

•  The weather is dry and cooler during the month of June to October with about 82 degrees F temperature.

The place experiences slight amount of down pouring during the warmer season along with trade winds that make the weather aptly romantic.

But in the case of Tahiti and the other relative island associated with the place is affected with reverse climatic condition while being placed below the Equator.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

Among the vivid French Polynesian flora that are presently located here it was the ancient travelers who came across these scenic beauty by chance, They discovered the Tiare Tahiti or the Gardenia taitensis species which is popularly known as the national flower of of this region. The fern named maire even typifies Tahiti at present. With the help of these flowers Polynesians make necklaces or head-crowns that are used during the local ceremonies .

The trees that are grown here include Coconut palms, the pandanus palm, kapok, ironwood, Australian pine, giant bamboo, Tahitian chestnut. Names of Flowering plants that are found here in abundance include hibiscus, gardenia, oleander, frangipani, bougainvillea, poinsettia, heliconias, bird of paradise, ginger, and many others.

Among the sea life mention can be made of the tiger-sharks, Manta rays, giant turtles, Gray sharks, whales and dolphins that are cozily situated here. There are about 90 different variety of bird species seen in French Polynesia. Itatae (white tern) or hopping Indian mynah bird are some among them that find a cozy habitat in this location.

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