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French Polynesia Background Information

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.

French Polynesia Quickstats

  • Population: 278,963 (July 2007 est.)
  • Area: 4,167 sq km
  • Density: 62 /km² (130th)
  • GDP (total): $4.58 billion (not ranked)
  • GDP (per capita): $17,500¹ (not ranked)
  • Literacy: 98%

Languages of French Polynesia

Useful to know

  • Currency: CFP franc (XPF)
  • Dial code: +689

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