FRENCH POLYNESIA
(Overseas community of France)

Capital: Papeete
Area: 4 167 sq.km.
Population: 275 918 persons.
Currency: French franc of CFP (XPF)
Visa: It is required

ARRANGEMENT

The overseas territory of France, 118 islands and atolls of French Polynesia are grouped to 5 archipelagoes (group of the islands) scattered on 3200 kilometers (2000 miles) in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean halfway between South America and Australia. Islands have the total area of the earth of 4 167 square kilometers (1,609 square miles) that it is a little less than one third of the size of Connecticut. 5 archipelagoes include the Society Islands (including Tahiti and Bora Bora); Tuamotu Archipelago; archipelago of Gambyer; Marquesas Islands; and Australian islands. Together they have 2525 kilometers (1569 miles) of the coastline. Only 65 of islands are inhabited, and the vast majority of the French Polynesians live along coastlines. The most inhabited island today where about 70 percent of all population live, is Tahiti that also makes a quarter of total area of sushi. A half of the population of Tahiti lives in the main city center, the capital of Papeete (the population, including vicinities, 69 000, 1996). Tahiti is also the largest island with a mass of the earth equal to 1 041 sq.km (402 square miles).

Islands represent a big variety of topografiya (land surfaces), from the plunging falls and extinct volcanoes of Tahiti or Murea to low-speed, white and sand lagunny coral and reef atolls of groups Tuamota and Gamber. One of the most serious long-term problems of French Polynesia is the threat of global warming and world-class increase in water which, according to estimates of the United Nations Environment Programme, in 1993 will increase more than on 25 inches by 2100. If it is correct, all archipelagoes, such as Tuamotus, can disappear finally. At the same time pressure from the ocean destroys the available processed lands and pollutes ground waters.

The population of French Polynesia was estimated in 2000 in 249,110 at annual growth rate 1,78 percent. The comprehensive health care provided long life expectancy - 74,79 years at the birth - and coefficient of infantile mortality - 9,3 on 1000 live births. Annual rate of immigration-3,14 for 1000 of the population falls to the share of the French public servants and pensioners. Those who are less than 15 years old make 30 percent of the population, and 65 percent make from 15 to 64 years. Other 5 percent are more senior than 65 years.

Most of the population (78 percent) belongs to east Polynesian origin. They are closely connected with the New Zealand Maori, but are absolutely other than closer Western European samoang and tongan. Another 12 percent make the Chinese descent and 10 percent of the French from whom 6 percent - local French and 4 percent - from France.