French Polynesia
Nathan Weller
Landforms
Made up of six island groups
- Marquesas Islands
- Society Islands
- Tuamotu Islands
- Gambier Islands
- Austral Islands
- Bass Islands
Climate
Typhoons occasionally hit the islands in the months of January through March
Plants and Animals
- Shrub found in the South Pacific
Polynesian Chestnut
- Tree that is widely used by the native people
Polynesian Imperial Pigeon
- Endemic to French Polynesia
Ultramarine Lorikeet
- Endemic to French Polynesia
Polynesian Imperial Pigeon
Endangered due to its already small numbers accompanied by loss of habitat
Acacia
Widely used by the native people
Ultramarine Lorikeet
Threatened by loss of habitat and the introduction of the black rat
Natural Resources
- Attracts tourists
Timber & Cobalt
- Valuable exports
Hydropower
- Provides an alternate source of energy
History
Europeans first made contact with the islands in the 1500s
France claimed much of the area in the mid 1800s, united the islands in 1889, and made French Polynesia an overseas territory in 1946
People and Languages
Ethnic Groups
- Polynesian 78%
- Chinese 12%
- European (French) 10%
Languages
- French 61%
- Polynesian 32%
- Asian languages 1%
- Other 6%
Land Use
Agriculture 21%
Other 42%
Over 82% of the people who live on the island of Tahiti, live in the cities and suburbs
Pearls account for 68% of all exports
Religion
- Roman Catholic 30%
(Introduced by Europeans)
- Other 16%
Education
Primary School
- 6 years
Secondary School
- 7 years
Traditions
- Himene tarava is a common form of singing
- Tamure is the traditional dance
Customs
- Christianity plays a major role in many lives
- French ways of living have greatly influenced the area
Food
- Use of many fruits and seafood
- Restaurants have a wide background of cultures
Issues
- Tourism's affect on the natural environment