The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. Tahiti, the biggest island (1042 km2), is located at 17°32 latitude South and 149°34 longitude West. At a distance of 6520 km from California, 5390 km from Australia, 9500 km from Tokyo, 8000 km from Santiago, Chile and 17 700 km from Europe.

ECONOMY
After the establishment of the CEP (Centre d'Experimentation du Pacifique) in 1963, the standard of living in French Polynesia increased considerably and as a result, many Polynesians abandoned traditional activities and many islanders decided to emigrate to the capital of Tahiti: Papeete .
Even though the standard of living in Polynesia is elevated (due mainly to France's monetary input), the economy is extremely reliant on imports.The main trading partners are: France (about 40% of imports and about 25% of exports), the USA, Japan, Australia and New-Zealand

HISTORY & POLITICAL SYSTEM
Tahiti and Her Islands extend over such a large area that it took several explorers and many years to discover and chart all the islands. The Spanish and the Dutch were first, making daring voyages through certain archipelagoes during the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1767, English Capt. Samuel Wallis was the first European to discover Tahiti. Bougainville followed in 1768, Capt. Cook in 1769 and Capt. Bligh, of « Bounty » mutiny fame, in 1788.
Tahiti was ruled by the Pomare dynasty until 1880, when the islands became a French colony. In 1957, French Polynesia became a French Overseas Territory and has been internally autonomous since 1984.
As such, it is headed by a High Commissioner representing the French republic, in charge of external relations, Justice, Defense and Currency. The legislative body is the Territorial Assembly, consisting of 41 members elected by popular vote. This body elects the president of the government and head of the Territory, who chooses his 10 ministers.

Full country name: French Polynesia
Area: 5 million sq km
Population: 245,405
Capital City: Pape'ete
People: 83% Polynesians (Maohis), 12% Europeans, 5% Asians
Language: Tahitian, French, English
Religion: 55% Protestant, 30% Catholic, 6% Mormon, 2% Seventh-Day Adventist, 2% Buddhist and Confucianist
Government: Overseas territory of the Republic of France
Head of State: President Gaston Flosse
GDP: US$2.8 billion
GDP per capita: US$12,750
Major Industries: Tourism, pearling.
Major Trading Partners: France, USA, Japan and New Zealand