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<p>French Polynesia consists of 118 islands and atolls stretched over 2000 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and is part of the Polynesian sub region. The islands latitude and longitude are 17 degrees 41’24”S, 149 degrees 22’33”W</p>
<p> The island has a total land mass of 4,167 square kilometres and is divided into 5 groups of islands. They are the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. Only 67 of the total islands inhabited, with Tahiti being the populated. Pape’ete the capital is situated on Tahiti. Mount Orohena is the highest point on Tahiti.  Tahiti accounts to 68.5% of the total population, hence where most urban centres are available.</p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
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<p>French Polynesia is one of the last places on earth to be settled.  Marquesas Islands was the first French Polynesian island to be settled around 200 BC. Explorers started locating the island since the 16<sup>th</sup> century, and missionaries arrived in the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</p>
<p>French Polynesia was made a French colony so that Catholic missionaries to work undisturbed. Thus in time, the Polynesians served in World War II under France. The Polynesians have been granted French citizenships since 1946 and became a full overseas collectivity of France in 2003.</p>
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<p><strong>ECONOMY</strong></p>
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<p>French Polynesia has the sixth largest economy in Oceania after pacific neighbours Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, New Caledonia and PNG. The country primarily depends on tourism, imported goods and aid from France.</p>
<p>Tourism is a well developed industry and verily available on the country. Noni fruit is also a part of their island used for medical reasons. It is also a source of employment to the locals, other agricultural products include; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables and fruits.</p>
<p>The country’s natural resources include, fish, timber and cobalt. French Polynesia’s main export is the infamous black Tahitian pearls, accounting to 55% of exports.</p>
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<p><strong><em>TRANSPORTATION</em></strong></p>
<p>French Polynesia has 53 airports, 46 of which are paved. Faaa International Airport is the only international airport, Air Tahiti being the main airline around the country.</p>
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