French Polynesia

French Polynesia was formerly known as French Oceania and is a French overseas territory. With its own parliamentary constitution and flag, the country is not part of the European Union. The country in the South Pacific consists of a group of several islands, atolls, and archipelagos. Tahiti is the best known and most populous island, followed by Moorea and Bora Bora. French Polynesia consists of 118 islands and atolls belonging to five archipelagos. These include the Society Islands, the Tuamoto Archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Gambier Islands. The majority of the population are Polynesians, who are divided into different ethnic groups. Other population groups include Chinese and French. French is the official language of the country.

The natural environment in French Polynesia is breathtaking, as all of the islands are volcanic in origin. They are divided into high and flat islands, with the highest peak being Mont Orohena at 2,241 meters. The UNESCO list of biosphere reserves includes Fakarava, famous for its 60 kilometers of coral reefs and exceptional water quality, as well as six atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago. For hiking enthusiasts, the untouched jungles of the Raiatea and Huahine islands are the perfect destination, as they offer a fascinating natural spectacle at the Afareaitu waterfalls on Moorea. You will also find the most beautiful tropical plants there, such as coconut palms, vanilla, and breadfruit trees. As far as the eye can see, Tahiti is covered with colorful flowers. From heliconias and bird-of-paradise flowers to bougainvillea hedges and hibiscus, the flora here could hardly be more beautiful. The marine fauna is also diverse, and it is not without reason that the Polynesian sea area is called the "richest aquarium on earth." Here you will find countless species of fish, snails and shellfish, sharks, colorful corals, and turtles. You can explore the special biodiversity on a dive.

To experience Polynesian culture, there are numerous festivals that take place throughout the year. These celebrate the country's traditions and customs with mysterious ceremonies, music and dance performances, and competitions. As French Polynesia is a very sunny region, the country benefits from a variety of exotic fruits, such as coconuts, bananas, papayas, pineapples, and many more.