French Polynesia
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.
There are currently no known threats to expatriate travelers or residents in French Polynesia and the islands are generally considered a safe destination. A French overseas territory located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of tropical islands, the largest and most populated island being Tahiti.
French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on heavily taxed imported goods, tourism, and the financial assistance of mainland France. The Tahitian authorities have also estimated that the September 2001 collapse of U.S. cruise-line company Renaissance will likely to have a devastating impact on the region's tourism industry. Subsequent to the company's bankruptcy filing, authorities seized two Renaissance ships in point - Renaissance Three and Four - in lieu of unpaid fuel bills amounting to nearly $1m.
Since July 1977, the islands have enjoyed limited internal autonomy. A High Commissioner, who retains sole responsibility for foreign affairs, defense and the judicial system, represents the French government.
In September 1995, rioting, looting, and arson accompanied protests by Tahitians following France’s resumption of underground nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll on September 5 of the same year. The civil disturbances, which had died down by month’s end, prompted France to deploy additional French gendarmes (paramilitary policemen) in and around the capital of Palette.
A pro-independence movement has emerged on the island but there is, however, a substantial and economically powerful minority that opposes independence, arguing that French Polynesia is not an economically viable independent nation.
