French Polynesia flag French Polynesia
French Polynesia
Quick Facts
Region:
Asia & Oceania
Full Name:
Overseas Lands of French Polynesia
Capital City:
Papeete
Language Spoken:
French 61.1% (official),
Polynesian 31.4% (official),
Asian languages 1.2%,
other 0.3%,
unspecified 6% (2002 census)
Personnel risk: LOW
Evacuation risk: LOW
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. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.