| Surface : The total land area of
these 118 islands and atolls adds up to only 4,000 sq. km. (1,544 sq.
miles), and consists of five achipelagoes: the Society Islands,
Austral Islands, Marquesas
Islands, Tuamotu atolls and the
Mangareva Islands. |
| Population : 231,500
(2000) inhabitants |
| Electricity: 110/220
volts AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use. |
| PASSPORTS: Passport
valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all
except: nationals of France who possess a valid national identity
card. - VISAS: Required by all except
the following: nationals of Australia, the UK and other EU nationals,
and nationals of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta,
Monaco, St Maarten, Switzerland and the Vatican for stays of up to
three months; nationals of Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei,
Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Japan, Korea (Rep),
Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway,
Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia,
Uruguay and the USA; |
| Climate: Since French Polynesia is located in
the tropical zone of the southern hemisphere, the weather can only be
described as "tropical". The winter season is May through
October. During this period, the early morning low temperatures go no
lower than the high 60's. The daytime highs are generally in the
mid-80's. There is less rain during this time of year and a little
less humidity than in the summer. However, being tropical, the
humidity is usually 75 to 80%. The summer season is November through
April. At night, the low temperatures are usually in the mid-70's and
daytime highs range anywhere from 85 to the low 90's. This is when
they get their heaviest rainfall, which can reach as much as 15"
in one month. Severe tropical storms are not very common in the area
of French Polynesia. |
| Capital : Papeete
(Tahiti Island). Population: 25,553 |
| System : overseas territory of France since 1946
- The French government is represented by a
High Commissioner who controls foreign affairs, defence and justice.
In other spheres, the islands have enjoyed internal autonomy since
July 1977, which is exercised by an elected government. This comprises
a legislature, the 41-member Territorial Assembly which is directly
elected for a five-year term, and an Executive President and Council
of Ministers, all of whom are chosen from among the membership of the
Assembly. |
| Languages : French (official), Tahitian
(official) |
| Money: French Pacific
Franc (CFPFr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of
CFPFr10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of
CFPFr100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The French Pacific Franc is tied to
the Euro. |
| Religions : Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 16% |
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+ 689 |
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Gambier Islands: GMT
- 9. Marquesas Islands: GMT
- 9.5. Society Archipelago, Tubuai
Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago (except Gambier Islands), Tahiti: GMT
- 10. |
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