Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, comprises five main archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, including Tahiti, its most populous island where approximately 70% of the population resides. With a tropical yet moderate climate, the region's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, supported by substantial French financial assistance. The government operates as a parliamentary democracy, with significant local autonomy and a vibrant cultural identity shaped by its Polynesian roots and historical interactions with European explorers.

Geography

French Polynesia consists of five distinct archipelagos: the Austral Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, and Tuamotu Archipelago, located roughly halfway between South America and Australia. The country features a diverse terrain of rugged high islands and low coral atolls, with a total land area of 4,167 square kilometers. Its highest point is Mont Orohena at 2,241 meters, while the Pacific Ocean serves as its lowest point.

4,167 sq km total area, including 118 islands.
2,525 km of coastline.
340 sq km of water area.
14% of land used for agriculture (2022).
Home to the largest group of atolls in the world, the Tuamotu Archipelago.

People and Society

As of 2024, French Polynesia has a population of approximately 303,540, with a demographic makeup of 78% Polynesian, 12% Chinese, and 6% local French. The population is predominantly French-speaking, with a growing use of Tahitian and other local languages. Life expectancy is high at 78.9 years, and the median age is 35.3 years.

62.3% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
13 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024).
5.8 deaths/1,000 population death rate (2024).
11% of the population aged 65 years and over (2024).
0.66% annual population growth rate (2024).

Economy

French Polynesia's economy is primarily driven by tourism, which is supported by French financial subsidies. The GDP (PPP) was estimated at $5.65 billion in 2021, with a real GDP growth rate of 3% projected for 2023. The service sector dominates the economy, accounting for 75.9% of GDP, while agriculture and industry contribute smaller shares.

11.8% unemployment rate (2024).
$18,600 GDP per capita (2021).
70.4% of GDP derived from household consumption (2023).
Exports valued at $162 million (2021).
Imports totaling $1.66 billion (2021).

Government

French Polynesia operates under a parliamentary democracy, governed as an overseas collectivity of France. The capital, Papeete, serves as the political and economic center. The president of French Polynesia currently leads the local government, while France handles defense and foreign affairs.

57 members in the Assembly of French Polynesia.
The most recent election occurred on April 30, 2023.
18 years is the minimum voting age.
49.1% of the Assembly comprises women.
Autonomy established in 2003, with extended powers since then.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not maintain regular military forces; defense responsibilities lie with France, which has a military garrison stationed on the islands. This arrangement allows for a measure of local governance while ensuring national security.

No regular military forces; defense is managed by France.
Forces Armées en Polynésie Franҫaise (FAPF) is stationed in the territory.

Energy

The energy sector in French Polynesia is characterized by a high rate of electrification, with 100% access for the population as of 2022. The energy mix heavily relies on fossil fuels, supplemented by hydroelectric and solar power sources.

Electricity consumption amounted to 669.5 million kWh (2023).
345,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023).
66% of energy comes from fossil fuels (2023).
Carbon dioxide emissions are noted at 1.01 million metric tonnes (2023).

Transportation

French Polynesia has a network of 54 airports, supporting both domestic and international travel, with Papeete as the main hub. The transportation infrastructure includes a merchant marine fleet primarily engaged in general cargo services.

54 airports projected by 2025.
24 vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
6 ports, including one with oil terminals (2024).
1 major port located in Papeete.

Communications

Communications in French Polynesia are well-developed, featuring a range of telecommunication services and internet access. The percentage of internet users stands at 73%, with growing mobile and broadband subscription rates.

328,000 mobile phone subscriptions (2022).
139,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2022).
78,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
50 fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	303,540	Estimated for 2024
Area	4,167 sq km	Total area of French Polynesia
GDP (PPP)	$5.65 billion	Estimated for 2021
GDP per capita	$18,600	Estimated for 2021
Unemployment rate	11.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	13 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Death rate	5.8 deaths/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy	78.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy consumption	669.5 million kWh	Estimated for 2023
Total fertility rate	1.79 children/woman	Estimated for 2024