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French Polynesia is an overseas
territory of France. The head of state is the president of France, who is
represented by a high commissioner, but there is considerable local autonomy.
The territory has two representatives in France's National Assembly and
one in France's Senate. The executive branch consists of a Council of
Ministers, headed by a president; the Territorial Assembly has 41 elected
members. The voting age is 18.
Recent History Before European colonization, the
islands were ruled by local chiefs. The Pomare Dynasty reigned over Tahiti
until Queen Pomare IV, under considerable pressure, signed a treaty with
France in 1843, making it a French protectorate.
Her son abdicated in 1880, and the islands became a colony of France.
In
1957 French Polynesia became a French overseas territory, further
constitutional changes in 1977, 1984, and 1990 increased local autonomy.
In 1992 France suspended its controversial programme of nuclear testing in
the area (the first test had been in 1966), but in 1995 and 1996 a further
series of tests was carried out. France signed the South Pacific Nuclear
Free Zone Treaty in 1996.
Economy
Tourism is now the most
important sector of the economy, and tourist services account for the
majority of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Agriculture, although contributing only a small proportion of the GDP, is
the main export earner. Tahiti produces
copra and coconut oil, mother-of-pearl,
vanilla, coffee, and various foods for domestic consumption. Commercial
fishing, mostly under licence to Japanese and South Korean fleets, is
another significant business.
For many years, the Centre
Experimental du Pacifique (CEP), France's
nuclear testing programme, was an important economic contributor for
Tahiti, providing stable jobs and additional revenue. Following France's
suspension of the programme, a compensation package amounting to more than
US$600 million to be paid over five years (and a sum to be negotiated over
the five years after that) was accepted in 1993. The currency is the Comptoirs
Français du Pacifique (CFP) franc. It has a fixed value to the
French Franc of 18.18 CFP/FRF.
Transport and Communication A number of international
airlines operate services to Tahiti. Transport between the islands is by
air or boat. Motorbikes and cars are the most common form of private
transport, while public transport is by bus, le
truck, or taxi (it is not customary to tip taxi drivers,
or anyone else, in Tahiti). There is a telephone system that is adequate
for international as well as local communication and calls between the
islands. There are several television and radio stations in French
Polynesia.
Education The French government has
established primary, secondary, and vocational schools that comply with
French educational standards. School is compulsory
and free for eight years from the age of 6 to 14. Private schools are
heavily subsidized by the government
and follow the national curriculum. Adult education is free and popular.
Many students travel to France or other countries for higher education.
Health and Welfare Medical services are
subsidized by the government and are adequate for most needs. Health
conditions are generally good and are improving.
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more general information
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