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French Polynesia: Islands
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Polynesians represent about two-thirds of the population of French Polynesia. Of the remainder of inhabitants, about 15 percent are of mixed Polynesian-European or Polynesian-Chinese descent, about 10 percent are of French origin, and about 5 percent are ethnic Chinese. Although French and Tahitian (a language of the Malayo-Polynesian family of Austronesian languages) are both official languages, French is the language used in government and commerce. Various other Malayo-Polynesian dialects are ... spoken, particularly in the outer islands. Protestant Christians constitute more than half of the population and are mostly ethnic Polynesians. Roman Catholics constitute about a third of the people and include ethnic French and also Polynesians from the Marquesas and Tuamotu archipelagos.
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LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY: French Polynesia consists of five scattered archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean. (1.) The Society Islands which include Tahiti and Bora-Bora, (2.) the Tuamotu Archipelago, (3.) the Gambier Archipelago, (4.) the Marquesas Islands and (5.) the Austral Islands. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin, mountainous and ringed by coral reefs while the Tuamotu and Gambier island groups are low lying coral atolls. Major Cities; Papeete 104,000 (1988). Land Use; forested 31%, pastures 6%, agricultural-cultivated 21%, other 42% (1988).
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French Polynesia has a tropical but moderate climate, with an average temperature of 27º C (81º F). There are two distinct seasons: a warm rainy season from November to April and a cool dry season from May to October. The amount of rainfall varies greatly throughout the territory. The Marquesas Islands are the driest, and the Tubuai Islands are the wettest. Cyclones occur throughout the territory but with less frequency than elsewhere in the South Pacific.
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French Polynesia is a French territory (French: territoire d'outre-mer, or DOM-TOM) with the particular designation of "overseas country" (French: pays d'outre-mer, or POM) in the southern Pacific Ocean. It has maritime borders with ► Kiribati, the ► Cook Islands and ► Pitcairn Island. It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is ... the most populous island, and the seat of the capital of the territory (Papeete). Although not an integral part of its territory, ► Clipperton Island is administered from French Polynesia.
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The 11-night Island Sanctuaries itinerary, which visits the remote oases of French Polynesia, was designed with nature lovers in mind. On this round trip journey from Papeete, guests will snorkel in Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world; visit a pearl farm in Takapoto; and travel through the Marquesas Islands to meet villagers and explore the plush terrain. This itinerary sails on February 2 and 12, 2008. Standard pricing starts at $4,549 per person, based on double occupancy. A post-cruise extension to remote Easter Island is available on February 2nd departure only.
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Famous for its picturesque landscapes -- French painter Gaugin created his most famous works in Tahiti -- and overwater fares (thatched-roof bungalows), French Polynesia consists of 118 motus (small islands) and coral atolls midway between Australia and South America. The postcard-pretty scenery is filled with palms, coconut plantations, fragrant vanilla farms, colorful blooms, citrus trees...and relatively few tourists. According to Tahiti Tourism, more people visit Hawaii in 10 days than come to Tahiti in an entire year. Most visitors travel to the Society island chain, one of five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
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