Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising five main archipelagos. With a population of approximately 305,507 and a tropical climate, the region's economy is primarily driven by tourism and supported by French financing. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, French Polynesia has limited autonomy over local matters, with France responsible for defense and foreign affairs.

Geography

French Polynesia is situated halfway between South America and Australia, encompassing five archipelagos: the Austral Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. The total land area is 4,167 square kilometers, with the majority of its population residing in the Society Islands, particularly on the island of Tahiti. The region experiences a tropical climate characterized by a mix of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs.

4,167 sq km: Total area, including 118 islands and atolls.
2,525 km: Coastline surrounding the islands.
2,241 m: Highest point at Mont Orohena.
70%: Approximate percentage of the population living on Tahiti.

People and Society

The population of French Polynesia is estimated to be around 305,507, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes 78% Polynesian and a mix of other groups. The official language is French, while Tahitian is also widely spoken. The society is predominantly Protestant, with significant Roman Catholic representation. The age structure reflects a youthful population, with a median age of 35.8 years.

305,507: Estimated population in 2025.
20.3%: Population aged 0-14 years.
11%: Population aged 65 years and older.
78.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

French Polynesia's economy is primarily tourism-based, with significant contributions from agriculture and industries such as pearls and handicrafts. The region relies heavily on French financial aid and imports for many goods. Despite challenges, the economy demonstrated resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a real GDP growth rate of 3% in 2023.

$6.007 billion: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
11.8%: Unemployment rate as of 2024.
75.9%: Services sector contribution to GDP in 2020.
70.4%: Household consumption as part of GDP in 2023.

Government

French Polynesia operates as a parliamentary democracy and is an overseas collectivity of France. The political system includes a unicameral Assembly of French Polynesia and a president who is indirectly elected. While it enjoys considerable autonomy, France retains control over defense and foreign affairs.

57: Seats in the Assembly of French Polynesia.
4/30/2023: Date of the most recent legislative election.
18 years: Minimum voting age in elections.
49.1%: Percentage of women in the Assembly of French Polynesia.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not maintain regular military forces; defense is the responsibility of France, which has a military garrison stationed in the region. The local authorities focus on civil governance while France oversees national defense and foreign relations.

None: Regular military forces present.
Forces Armées en Polynésie Française (FAPF): French military garrison stationed in the territory.

Energy

Electricity access is universal, with 100% of the population connected as of 2022. The energy generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, although there are contributions from hydroelectric and solar power.

345,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
669.5 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
66%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

French Polynesia faces several environmental issues, including sea-level rise, cyclones, and freshwater scarcity. The region has a tropical climate, and land use primarily involves agriculture, forestry, and urbanization.

43.1%: Forest cover in 2023.
147,000 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.).
1.01 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes 54 airports and a small merchant marine fleet, primarily for local and regional transport. Papeete, located on Tahiti, serves as the capital and a key port.

54: Total number of airports (2025).
24: Vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
6: Total number of ports (2024).

Communications

French Polynesia has a growing communications sector, with a high rate of mobile phone subscriptions and internet connectivity. The region benefits from various media outlets, including public broadcasting.

334,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
73%: Internet usage among the population (2017 est.).
28: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	305,507	Estimated for 2025
Area	4,167 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$6.007 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	11.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	12.7 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	78.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption	669.5 million kWh	Total for 2023
Electric Access	100%	Percentage of population with access
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	1.01 million metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	62.3%	Share of total population (2023)