French Polynesia is quite spread out and its outlying islands are separated by a distance of over two thousand kilometers. The total are of the region is estimated to be just over 4,100 square kilometers. The collection of islands can be termed to contain five definitive groups. There are 67 islands in French Polynesia which are known to be inhabited while others have stayed away from the touch of humans. …show more content…
One of the best things to do in French Polynesia is to visit the historical landmarks where the famous people have passed. The French were quick to make a claim to this territory and they established their presence officially in 1842 with the opening of a French Protectorate. When France turned into a republic in 1946, the area was transformed into an overseas territory and the people of Polynesia were allowed vote with the area being officially renamed as French Polynesia. The more recent law of 2004 allows the establishment of a Presidency in the region with its designation being changed to an overseas country. French Polynesia is one of the last places that our ancestors were able to inhabit as they followed navigation from the stars to find new islands in the Pacific Ocean. History shows that this area was inhabited by humans during a period of 200 BC to 300 AD. The area gained prominence in modern times when the most famous sea explorer, Magellan sighted the area in 1521 while on his famous voyage to circumnavigate the world. After that, many Europeans were apple to identify and discover different islands in the region …show more content…
Tahiti was annexed in 1880 and the other regions quickly followed the same fate afterwards. The official name for the region in those days used to mean the Establishment of France in Oceana. French Polynesia also took part in the Second World War although the area was included in the capture plans of Japan. The tide of the war however turned and French Polynesia was saved from suffering an invasion which would have garnered some local support. The situation became better when the people of the region were granted the French nationality after the war. There are many things to do in French Polynesia such as enjoying the beaches which are full of palm trees. The 2012 census shows the population of the region to be around 268,000. The urban regions have a very mixed ethnic culture where people belonging to different backgrounds live together. The rural areas are mostly inhabited by the local population. The area has suffered though at the hands of ignorant politics which has given rise to violence based on cast and cultural differences. There are many tourist facilities that are present on the well known islands of the region and French Polynesia regularly receives tourists from all parts of the world. The official language of the country is French but there are many native languages that are spoken and well