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French Polynesia: France
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Education in French Polynesia is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. The government finances public education and ... subsidizes a large number of private schools operated by churches. The literacy rate is high. The French University of the Pacific was founded in Papeete in 1987. A small number of French Polynesians attend colleges in France.
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In the French general elections held in June 2007, French Polynesia saw a play-off with two autonomist candidates standing for Tahoera’a Huiraatira versus Oscar Temaru and Pierre Frébault for the UPLD. This was the first time since 1993 that Tahoera’a had not won outright in the first round, but it won easily in the second, sending Michel Buillard (incumbent) and Bruno Sandras (a new MP or député), to occupy French Polynesia’s two seats in the French National Assembly. (Their party is affiliated with the UMP majority which governs France under the leadership of President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Fillon). In the French Senate, French Polynesia is represented by Senator Gaston Flosse (Tahoera'a).
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The value of imports in French Polynesia is typically several times the value of exports. Most of the territory’s food is imported. Aside from food products, major imports include petroleum products and machinery. Cultured black pearls are French Polynesia’s leading export, accounting for more than 50 percent of export revenues. Other exported products include coconuts, mother-of-pearl, and vanilla. French Polynesia’s principal trade partner for both imports and exports is France, followed by the United States and Australia.
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MODERN HISTORY - WWII TO 1990: In 1957 French Polynesia became an overseas territory of France. Internal self-government particularly in economic matters was increased in 1977 and again in 1984. In Mar. 1986 Gaston Flosse was reelected President of the Council of Ministers. In Feb. 1987 Flosse resigned after allegations of corruption and Jacques Teuira replaced him. In Oct. 1987 the breakup of a dock strike led to serious rioting in Papeete which resulted in the army restoring order. In Dec. 1987 Teuira resigned with discontent growing among the people regarding his policies and Alexandre Leontieff replaced Teuira as President.
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In 1993, the government of French Polynesia launched Le Pacte de Progres (The Pact of Progress), a ten-year economic development plan which aims to achieve local economic self-sufficiency based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. It is speculated that by 2003 military incomes will have ceased, and in 2006 France will begin the process of withdrawing the massive subsidies and metropolitan transfers which were necessary to achieve local acquiescence to the 179 nuclear detonations between 1966 and 1995.
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Relations between Australia and French Polynesia improved markedly after France ended its nuclear testing program in 1996. Australia provides approximately AUD1 million annually to fund short-term training and tertiary degrees in Australia for students from New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna. Currently 30 students from these three territories are studying at TAFEs and universities in Australia. Their scholarships are focused on employment needs in tourism, hospitality, mining, aquaculture, environmental studies, international relations and trade, information technology and professional specialised English language training.
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