Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a collection of five archipelagos located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising both high volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls. With a population estimated at approximately 303,540 in 2024, the majority reside in the Society Islands, especially on Tahiti, the most populous island. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture, supported by significant financial backing from France, which governs the territory as an overseas collectivity. French Polynesia enjoys a parliamentary democracy, granting it a degree of internal autonomy while maintaining ties with its colonial past.

Geography

French Polynesia is situated in Oceania, approximately halfway between South America and Australia. It encompasses an area of 4,167 square kilometers (118 islands and atolls), of which 67 are inhabited. The terrain varies from rugged high islands to low-lying coral atolls, with the highest point being Mont Orohena at 2,241 meters. The region experiences a tropical but moderate climate, with occasional cyclonic storms.

4,167 sq km total area, 67 inhabited islands.
2,525 km total coastline.
200 nm exclusive economic zone.
12 nm territorial sea.
43.1% of land is forested (2023).

People and Society

As of 2024, the population of French Polynesia is approximately 303,540, with a diverse demographic composition: 78% Polynesian, 12% Chinese, and 6% local French. The primary language is French, spoken by 73.5% of the population, while Tahitian is also widely used. The islands feature a median age of 35.3 years, and the majority of the population lives in urban areas, particularly in the capital, Papeete.

62.3% urban population (2023).
1.05 male-to-female ratio (total population, 2024).
78.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024).
13 births per 1,000 population (2024).
5.8 deaths per 1,000 population (2024).

Economy

French Polynesia's economy is predominantly tourism-based, supplemented by agriculture and French financial assistance. The GDP is projected to reach $6.007 billion in purchasing power parity by 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 3% in 2023. The economy is characterized by high dependence on imported goods, primarily oil and manufactured products.

11.8% unemployment rate (2024).
2.2% of GDP from agriculture (2020).
75.9% of GDP from the services sector (2020).
$23,300 GDP per capita (2024).
9.1% remittances of GDP (2023).

Government

French Polynesia functions as an overseas collectivity of France and operates under a parliamentary democracy with an assembly. The territory enjoys partial autonomy, especially in domestic matters, while France retains control over defense and foreign affairs. The capital is Papeete, located on Tahiti, and elections are held for both local and French legislative bodies.

57 seats in the Assembly of French Polynesia.
49.1% representation of women in the legislative chamber.
5-year terms for elected officials.
Moetai BROTHERSON has been the President of French Polynesia since 2023.
National holiday is celebrated on 14 July.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not have regular military forces; rather, defense responsibilities lie with France, which maintains a military garrison on the islands. This arrangement allows the territory to focus on its civilian governance while relying on French military support for security.

Energy

Electricity access is universal in French Polynesia, with a total installed generating capacity of 345,000 kW as of 2023. The energy mix includes a significant share from fossil fuels, while renewable sources like hydroelectric and solar power also contribute to electricity generation.

100% electrification rate (2022).
669.5 million kWh annual electricity consumption (2023).
66% of energy from fossil fuels (2023).
27% from hydroelectric sources (2023).
7% from solar sources (2023).

Environment

French Polynesia faces environmental challenges such as sea-level rise, cyclones, and freshwater scarcity. The land use is predominantly agricultural, with 43.1% forest cover as of 2023. Climate conditions are tropical but moderate, affecting both biodiversity and resource management.

147,000 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
8.7% of land designated for agriculture (2023).
Areas prone to cyclones and storms leading to floods and erosion.

Transportation

Transportation in French Polynesia includes 54 airports and a modest merchant marine, with a total of 24 vessels. Papeete serves as the primary port for commercial activity and is equipped to handle various shipping needs.

54 airports expected by 2025.
24 merchant marine vessels (2023).
6 total ports (2024), with one having oil terminals.

Communications

The telecommunications infrastructure in French Polynesia includes widespread mobile and fixed-line services, with around 107 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Internet usage is also significant, with approximately 73% of the population online.

328,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
139,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2022).
73% of the population are internet users (2017).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	303,540	2024 estimate
Area	4,167 sq km	Total land and water
GDP (PPP)	$6.007 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	11.8%	2024 estimate
Birth rate	13 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	78.9 years	2024 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Forest cover	43.1%	Land use (2023)
Urban population	62.3%	Total population (2023)
Median age	35.3 years	2024 estimate