Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France composed of five archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean. The nation has a population of approximately 305,507, with the majority residing in the Society Islands, particularly on the island of Tahiti. The economy relies heavily on tourism and is supported by significant French financial assistance. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, French Polynesia enjoys a degree of autonomy while remaining subject to French law.

Geography

French Polynesia consists of five archipelagos located in Oceania, approximately halfway between South America and Australia. It covers a total area of 4,167 square kilometers, with diverse terrains including rugged high islands and low islands with coral reefs. The country’s highest point is Mont Orohena at 2,241 meters. The climate is tropical, with the majority of its population centered in the Society Islands.

• 4,167 sq km total area, of which 3,827 sq km is land.
• 2,525 km of coastline.
• The Tuamotu Archipelago features the largest group of atolls in the world, with 78 in total.
• Approximately 70% of the population lives on Tahiti.

People and Society

French Polynesia's population is primarily Polynesian (78%), with significant Chinese (12%) and local French (6%) communities. The official language is French, spoken by 73.5% of the population, while Tahitian is also widely used. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 35.8 years and a birth rate of 12.7 births per 1,000 residents.

• Estimated population of 305,507 by 2025.
• 54% identify as Protestant, while 30% are Roman Catholic.
• Urbanization rate stands at 62.3% of the total population.
• 20.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years.

Economy

The economy of French Polynesia is small and heavily reliant on tourism and external financing from France. In 2024, the estimated GDP (purchasing power parity) is $6.007 billion. The service sector dominates the economy, contributing approximately 75.9% to GDP, while agriculture accounts for only 2.2%. The unemployment rate is projected at 11.8% for 2024.

• $23,300 GDP per capita (2024 est.).
• 70.4% of GDP is driven by household consumption.
• Major agricultural products include coconuts, fruits, and sugarcane.
• 36.9% youth unemployment rate among ages 15-24 (2024 est.).

Government

French Polynesia is governed as a parliamentary democracy and is classified as an overseas collectivity of France. The political system is characterized by a unicameral legislative assembly and a president elected for a term of five years. Key administrative divisions include the Austral Islands and several others, with the capital located in Papeete on Tahiti.

• The president, Moetai Brotherson, has been in office since May 12, 2023.
• The legislative assembly consists of 57 directly elected members.
• French laws apply, with significant autonomy granted since 2003.
• 18 years is the minimum voting age, with universal suffrage.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not maintain regular military forces. Defense responsibilities lie with France, which maintains a military garrison in the region under the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia.

• No regular military forces are present.
• Defense is coordinated by France and its military presence.

Energy

French Polynesia achieves 100% electrification of its population, with a diverse energy generation mix. Most electricity comes from fossil fuels, though there is also a growing reliance on renewable sources, particularly hydropower.

• 345,000 kW of installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
• 669.5 million kWh of electricity consumed in 2023.
• Fossil fuels account for 66% of total electricity generation.

Environment

The islands face environmental challenges including sea-level rise, cyclones, and freshwater scarcity. Sustainable land use is critical in maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity, with only a small percentage allocated for arable land.

• 8.7% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
• 43.1% of the area is covered by forests (2023).
• 1.01 million metric tons of CO2 emitted in 2023.

Transportation

French Polynesia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with a total of 54 airports and a small number of merchant marine vessels. The capital, Papeete, serves as the main hub for air travel and shipping.

• 24 vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
• 6 major ports, with diverse sizes for maritime activity.

Communications

Communication systems in French Polynesia include a mix of fixed and mobile lines, with a growing internet user base. As of 2023, 73% of the population is connected to the internet.

• 334,000 mobile cellular subscriptions.
• 66,000 fixed line subscriptions (2023).
• 78,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	305,507 (2025 est.)
Area	4,167 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$6.007 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita	$23,300	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	11.8%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	12.7 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life expectancy	78.9 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	62.3%	2023 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate