French Polynesia
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 278
Currency
💱 CFP franc
Languages
🗣️ French
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
French Polynesia
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
French Polynesian
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.pf
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+689
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-10:00, UTC-09:30, UTC-09:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Papeetē
ISO Alpha-2
PF
ISO Alpha-3
PYF
UN Code
258
Geographic Coordinates
-15,-140
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
4,167#176 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
278,786#182 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
80.99
Highest Point (m)
Mont Orohena, 2,241 m
Lowest Point (m)
Pacific Ocean, 0 m
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a relatively small percentage, with a significant portion being used for permanent crops.
Irrigated Land
Irrigated land is present but relatively limited.
Coastline Length
2,525 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; moderated by trade winds.
Natural Resources
Fish, cobalt, phosphates.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This territory has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This territory has no major lakes.
Government Type
Overseas collectivity of France.
Administrative Divisions
5 administrative subdivisions.
Legal System
French law applies.
Chief of State
President of France (currently Emmanuel Macron) is the head of state, represented locally by a High Commissioner.
Head of Government
President of French Polynesia (currently Moetai Brotherson).
Cabinet
The Council of Ministers.
Elections
Elections are held for the Assembly of French Polynesia.
Judicial Branch
Tribunals and courts operating under French law.
Legislative Branch
Assembly of French Polynesia (Assemblée de la Polynésie française).
Major Political Parties
Various political parties exist within French Polynesia.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
CFP franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.32#165 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
PPP data is less readily available, but estimated at around $6-7 billion USD.
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
22,439.88#71 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
2.22
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
10.65
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
75.9
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation rates are generally low, typically around 1-2%.
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
120,628
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11.66#27 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt levels are monitored, with figures varying over time.
Budget
French Polynesia's budget is closely tied to France.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.16#166 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.92#155 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves is maintained by French authorities.
Currency Exchange
The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the Euro; exchange rates fluctuate slightly.
GDP by Sector
Tourism, services, fishing, and pearl farming are significant sectors.
Major Industries
Tourism, pearl farming, fishing, and agriculture are major industries.
Major Export Partners
France, Japan, and the United States are major export partners.
Major Import Partners
France, the United States, and New Zealand are major import partners.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy rates are high, estimated to be around 98%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.8
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is generally stable or slightly negative.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 35-40 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
61.76#120 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is a gradual process.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
84.2#6 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditures are a significant portion of the budget.
Ethnic Groups
Polynesian (86%), French, Chinese, and others.
Religions
Predominantly Christian, with Protestant and Catholic denominations.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
The education system is based on the French model, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)
School life expectancy is around 14 years.
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is approximately 20% of the government budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of French Polynesia (Université de la Polynésie française) is the main higher education institution.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Polynesian culture is vibrant, characterized by traditional dance (Ori Tahiti), music, arts, and crafts, heavily influenced by its Polynesian heritage and French colonial history.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Jour de l'An (2026-01-01)
- Arrivée de l'Evangile (2026-03-05)
- Vendredi Saint (2026-04-03)
- Pâques (2026-04-05)
- Lundi de Pâques (2026-04-06)
- Fête du Travail (2026-05-01)
- Fête de la Victoire (2026-05-08)
- Ascension (2026-05-14)
- Pentecôte (2026-05-24)
- Lundi de Pentecôte (2026-05-25)
- National Day (2026-07-14)
- Assomption (2026-08-15)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Polynesian music, influenced by French and international styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes seafood, poisson cru (marinated raw fish), taro, and breadfruit.
Sports
Popular sports include surfing, outrigger canoeing, and football (soccer).
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Heiva i Tahiti, a month-long celebration of Polynesian culture.
Famous People
Famous people include Marlon Brando (actor, who resided in French Polynesia) and musicians and dancers.
Cultural Heritage Sites
French Polynesia has several historical and cultural sites reflecting its Polynesian and colonial past.
UNESCO Sites
French Polynesia has UNESCO sites, related to cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Annual Tourist Visits
Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a major industry, known for its resorts and natural beauty.
Top Tourist Attractions
Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, and various lagoons.
Famous Cities
Papeete (capital), Faa'a.
National Parks
Several marine parks and reserves.
Protected Areas
Significant protected marine areas and reserves.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor travel advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally good, with access to modern medical facilities.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service; insurance and public healthcare are available.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and clinics, primarily located on larger islands.
Universal Healthcare
French Polynesia has a healthcare system, primarily overseen by the government, that provides access to medical services.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with hospitals and clinics, especially on larger islands.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, including air and sea transport between islands.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
Dial 17 for police.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Dial 15 for ambulance.
Emergency Number (Fire)
Dial 18 for fire services.
Crime Rate
Crime rates are generally low, but petty theft can occur.
Safety Index
The safety index is generally high for tourists.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is handled by France.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are provided by the French government in cooperation with local authorities.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity and relies on France for defense.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is generally available across the islands.
Water Access
Access to potable water is generally available.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is generally available.
Railways
French Polynesia has no railways.
Roadways
Roads exist on the main islands, but are limited on smaller islands.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes air travel between islands, ferries, and road networks.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT), Ahe Airport (AHE), Anaa Airport (AAA), Arutua Airport (AXR), Bora Bora Airport (BOB), Fakarava Airport (FAV)
Ports
Papeete, Tahiti, is the main port, handling cargo and passenger ships.
Public Transit
Public transit is available but limited, consisting mainly of buses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
72.7#128 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscription rate.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Innovation index data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
ICT Development Index data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
3.46#86 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; generally good air quality, but localized issues may exist.
Water Pollution Level
Varies by location; some coastal areas face pollution from sewage and tourism.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for solar and wind; currently limited usage.
Environmental Issues
Coral reef degradation, coastal erosion, impacts of tourism, waste disposal, and climate change effects.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, tsunamis, volcanic activity.
Waste Management
Challenges in waste disposal; increasing waste generation from tourism; limited recycling infrastructure.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in relevant international environmental agreements through France.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled by France.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Participation through France; member of the Pacific Community (SPC).
Major Treaties
Covered by France's treaty obligations.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa policies generally align with France's.