French Polynesia is a truly unique location, replete with culture, history, and traditions. As of the last census in 2012, the population in French Polynesia was measured as 268,270 people. The Society Island group is a combination of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. Among those 118 islands and atolls, 67 are inhabited. The top exports for the territory are vanilla, noni juice, and the famous Tahitian black pearls. The pearls accounted for 55% of the islands exports (for value) in 2008. The only official language of French Polynesia is French. The majority religion for the area is Christianity, with Protestant denominations being the majority. The motto of the islands is: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" The first European contact with one of the islands came in 1521 with the travels of Ferdinand Magellan. Various French and English explorers came to the islands between the 18th century and the mid 19th century. The reigning King Pomare II was forced to flee the islands in 1803. In 1842, France recognized Tahiti as a French Protectorate, after their Catholic missionaries were forcibly expelled from the island in 1834. In 1880, France officially annexed Tahiti, making it a colony rather than a protectorate. The protectorate status was instead extended to the surrounding islands that make up French Polynesia today. Between 1885 and 1903, the islands were given a governor and general assembly, issued postage stamps, and the name was changed to Établissements Français de l'Océanie, meaning French Establishments in Oceania. In 1940, French Polynesia formally recognized the Free French Forces and many Polynesians proudly served in the World War. By 1946, Polynesians were given full French Citizenship and the islands became an overseas territory. In 1957, the name of the islands became French Polynesia as we know today. Beginning in 1962, the Moruroa Atoll was used for nuclear testing causing much protest. In 2003, French Polynesia gained full overseas collectivity status. In the 2007 French presidential election, French Polynesian voters gave the most support to Nicolas Sarkozy, who won the election. This trend, seeing as most Sarkozy supporters were anti-independence, suggested that French Polynesia has no plans for an independence referendum just yet. Only time may tell what is yet in store for the small collectivity. Additional Thanks to Sam Landa for making the lovely header for the title page!
Sources: http://www.insee.fr/fr/themes/detail.asp?ref_id=populegalescom&page=recensement/populegalescom/popcomseupolynesie.htm economy figures from the Institut d'émission d'Outre-Mer http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/xfrpolynesia.html history notes http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/DFAF/production/_89236275_gettyimages-511840696.jpg Image of traditional Polynesian dancers, courtesy of the BBC
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
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
Categories |