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The currency of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc, known colloquially as the Pacific Franc, or just the Franc. The economy of French Polynesia is based mostly on the tourism industry, comprising 85% of the GDP for the country. Tourism also provides 80% of the islands' jobs. Another large industry is pearl farming for the famous Tahitian Black Pearls. Exports earn the country around 230 million USD every year. Japan and the US are the largest recipients of these exports. Most imports to the island come from mainland France.
The currency of New Caledonia is also the CFP Franc. As it is in French Polynesia, tourism is a major industry for the island. But, unlike French Polynesia, New Caledonia has very large nickel deposits. The smelting and mining of nickel is the majority of industry on the island. A recent nickel trading deal with China has strengthened the prospects for the future of the colony. Exports earn the country around 1.5 billion USD every year, leaving it in a very confident position. China, Japan, and South Korea receive the majority of exports. Most imports to the island come from Mainland France. The question on most peoples minds is this: Can the islands survive a possible independence referendum? Now, dear readers, I am not here to try sell you false truths. I will admit, it will probably take a lot of effort to recover in the immediate aftermath of independence. Funds will have to be shuffled around, trade deals renegotiated, and ties to countries apart from France made. The living will probably be rough for a time, but eventually, things will even out and French Polynesia and New Caledonia will emerge as powerful countries in their own right. There are very few endemic (natural to the island) species of animals on the islands, given their relatively small size. Many of the animals that call the islands home were brought by various expeditions to the islands by European powers. That is why you can see animals like pigs, cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and cows. On the Marquesas Islands, wild horses can even be spotted, creating a picturesque view of the natural side of French Polynesia. There are 33 species of land birds in French Polynesia, 26 of which are endemic to the island. There are also 28 species of sea birds to be spotted. Species include the frigatebird, blue-footed booby, swiftlets, harriers, kingfishers, and Pacific swallows. On New Caledonia, only one mammal is native to the island: a large flying fox called the roussette. Rusa deer were introduced in 1862 from the Philippines. With no predators, the deer multiplied rapidly. In the present, incentives are occasionally awarded if an islander were to assist in culling the number of deer. Domestic cattle, as well as cats and dogs, are present in New Caledonia, providing labor or food for the islanders. Among the 142 species of birds on the island, 20 of those are endemic. One bird, the Cajou, has become almost a symbol of New Caledonia in its own right. New Caledonia Crows have a remarkable ability to craft tools, prompting ongoing study. The islands have very diverse ecosystems that have become showcases of the uniqueness of the islands' cultures. The endangerment of a few local species has drawn the eyes of both biologists worldwide and the United Nations. With more exposure in the media, questions have been raised again about earning independence for the colonies. In their own way, the animals of the islands have aided the cause of the islands. The French Polynesian Islands are home to a wide variety of plant life. Many flowering plants call the islands their home, including the heliconia, frangipani, and the orchid. Many tropical fruits are also grown on the islands. Watermelons, limes, and papaya are local favorites. The most iconic fruit of the islands would probably be the noni. It is a local oddity with the appearance of a potato and it carries with it a pungent odor. Polynesia's economy is partially based on the growing of vanilla, making it another common plant to see growing on the islands. Coconuts are also widely grown for their many useful practical uses. The plants of New Caledonia are largely unchanged from the plants of the ancient world. One such plant is the Cook Pine, which grows in the sandy soils of the island. Amborella Trichopoda, the only member of the oldest living plant lineage, only grows on the soils of New Caledonia. There are 3,332 different plant species recorded on New Caledonia. 2,551 of those species are found only on New Caledonia. Habitats on the islands are threatened due to logging and fires, unfortunately. Yams are a prominent part of Kanak culture. They make up one of the staples of food on the island, and there is a harvest celebration for yams put on by the Kanak people. As you can see from the photos below, the natural beauty of the local flora is readily apparent. It is quite the unique variety of both ancient trees and colorful florals. Growing vanilla is a large part of French Polynesia's economy. Also, growing yams and other staple crops is how most islanders get the food they need to survive. It seems the plant life of the colonies is almost as important to the colonies' culture as the islands themselves. Current Polynesian president Oscar Temaru has based most of his political plan on gaining independence for French Polynesia. The country held a vote in 2015 to return the country to the UN's Special Committee on Decolonization List. The vote passed with an overwhelming majority. Many local groups have pledged their support to the president and his push for independence. Many believe that independence would lend more legitimacy to reparation requests for the 60's through 90's nuclear tests that occurred on Mururoa. However, not everybody is supportive of independence for the islands.
Enrique Braun-Ortega, a former government official, claims that French Polynesia is in no condition to ask for independence. His claim is that the current government is incapable of dealing with the economical issues that have plagued the islands; instead diverting attention to the growing calls for independence. Many French expatriates say they are worried that, should independence be gained, they will lose the benefits that French oversight has brought to the country. The colonies will have to start supporting their own military without the French aid it has grown accustomed to. But, in addition, the island will be able to take some rules in their own directions, like what is taught in the school system. It doesn't matter whether you support the independence movement or not, with independent rule, things will be different for the former colonies. But is "different" not what we are fighting for? |
Tom HodekHi! My name is Thomas Hodek and I am the author of this site. This is an active project for an English course I am enrolled in. I am an American student and award-winning actor. My goal with this site is to spread awareness of the plight of the French colonies, which are not yet autonomous. A side note: This blog is very much a work in progress, so be patient with it! Archives
November 2016
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