Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific, comprised of five major archipelagos. The population is approximately 305,507, with a significant concentration in the Society Islands, particularly on the island of Tahiti. The economy is primarily tourism-based, supported by substantial financial assistance from France. French Polynesia operates as a parliamentary democracy, maintaining a degree of autonomy while still being subject to French laws.

Geography

French Polynesia is situated in Oceania, approximately halfway between South America and Australia, and covers a total area of 4,167 square kilometers across 118 islands and atolls. Its terrain features a mix of rugged volcanic islands and low coral atolls, with Mont Orohena being the highest point at 2,241 meters. The region has a tropical climate, though it is moderated, and faces occasional natural hazards such as cyclonic storms.

4,167 sq km: Total area consisting of 118 islands.
2,525 km: Coastline length.
70%: Approximately 70% of the population resides in Tahiti.
0 km: No land boundaries, surrounded by ocean.
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.

People and Society

French Polynesia's estimated population in 2025 is around 305,507, with a rich cultural tapestry primarily comprising Polynesian (78%), Chinese (12%), and local French (6%) ethnic groups. The official language is French, though Tahitian is also widely spoken. The society is predominantly Protestant (54%) and has a growing urban population, reflecting trends in urbanization.

62.3%: Urban population as of 2023.
35.8 years: Median age projected for 2025.
1.05: Sex ratio of males to females in the total population.
78.9 years: Life expectancy at birth in 2024.
12.7 births/1,000: Birth rate estimated for 2025.

Economy

The economy of French Polynesia is small and heavily reliant on tourism, with significant financial backing from France. The GDP in terms of purchasing power parity is projected to reach around $6.007 billion in 2024. The unemployment rate stands at 11.8%, with a notable youth unemployment rate of 36.9%. Key agricultural products include coconuts, fruits, and sugarcane, while tourism and pearls are significant industries.

$6.007 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
11.8%: Unemployment rate as of 2024.
75.9%: Services sector contribution to GDP.
119,100: Labor force estimated for 2024.
2.2%: Agricultural sector contribution to GDP.

Government

French Polynesia operates as a parliamentary democracy with a high degree of autonomy from France, which has ultimate authority over defense and foreign affairs. The capital is Papeete, located on Tahiti, and the local government structure includes the Assembly of French Polynesia. The president is indirectly elected by the assembly, reflecting a democratic process with universal suffrage.

57: Seats in the Assembly of French Polynesia.
49.1%: Percentage of women in the legislative chamber.
18 years: Minimum voting age for universal suffrage.
5: Administrative subdivisions governing the territory.
100%: Electricity access for the entire population as of 2022.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not maintain regular military forces; instead, France is responsible for its defense and maintains a military garrison there. This oversight allows French Polynesia to focus on local governance and development while relying on France for security.

1: Military garrison maintained by France in French Polynesia.
0: No regular military forces in the territory.

Energy

The region enjoys 100% electricity access, with an installed generating capacity of 345,000 kW as of 2023. A significant portion of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, although renewable sources like hydroelectricity and solar contribute as well.

669.5 million kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
66%: Share of fossil fuels in total installed capacity.
7%: Share of solar power in total installed capacity.
42.663 million kWh: Energy losses in transmission and distribution as of 2023.

Environment

French Polynesia faces environmental challenges such as sea-level rise, cyclones, and freshwater scarcity. The natural landscape includes lush forests and agricultural lands, though urbanization continues to increase in importance.

43.1%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2023).
8.7%: Agricultural land as a percentage of total land (2023).
147,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
1.01 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.

Transportation

Transportation in French Polynesia is served by a network of 54 airports as of 2025, facilitating access to the various islands. The maritime infrastructure includes a total of 24 merchant ships, supporting both local and international trade.

54: Total airports projected for 2025.
6: Total ports, including one with oil terminals, as of 2024.
24: Number of vessels in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

Communication infrastructure includes a strong mobile network, with a total of 334,000 mobile subscriptions as of 2023. The internet penetration is significant, with around 73% of the population estimated to be internet users.

334,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.
66,000: Fixed-line subscriptions recorded in 2023.
78,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2022.
24: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	305,507	Estimated for 2025
Area	4,167 sq km	Total area of the territory
GDP (PPP)	$6.007 billion	Projected for 2024
Unemployment Rate	11.8%	For 2024
Electricity Access	100%	As of 2022
Life Expectancy	78.9 years	For 2024
Birth Rate	12.7 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Median Age	35.8 years	Estimated for 2025
Urban Population	62.3%	Of total population (2023)
Total Fertility Rate	1.78 children/woman	Estimated for 2025