Country Profile: French Polynesia

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, is composed of five archipelagos—Austral Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, and Tuamotu Archipelago—situated in the South Pacific. The population is approximately 305,507, with around 70% residing in the Society Islands, primarily on the largest island, Tahiti. The economy is predominantly based on tourism, heavily supported by French financing, while governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy. Environmental challenges include sea-level rise and occasional cyclones, impacting the archipelago's natural resources and infrastructure.

Geography

French Polynesia is located in Oceania, positioned midway between South America and Australia. The total area spans 4,167 sq km, consisting of 118 islands and atolls, of which 67 are inhabited. The terrain features both rugged high islands and low islands with coral reefs. The islands experience a tropical climate with occasional cyclonic storms.

Highest Point: Mont Orohena at 2,241 m.
Coastline: Measuring 2,525 km.
Maritime Claims: Territorial sea extends 12 nm; exclusive economic zone covers 200 nm.
Approximately 70% of the population lives in the Society Islands.

People and Society

The estimated population of French Polynesia is 305,507 in 2025, with a slight male majority. The population is ethnically diverse, with 78% Polynesian, and languages spoken include French and Tahitian. The society is predominantly Protestant, followed by Roman Catholics. The region's demographic profile indicates a youthful population, with a median age of 35.8 years.

Urbanization: 62.3% live in urban areas (2023).
Life Expectancy: 78.9 years (2024).
Birth Rate: 12.7 births/1,000 population (2025).
Infant Mortality Rate: 4.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025).

Economy

French Polynesia has a small, tourism-driven economy significantly bolstered by French financial support. It has demonstrated resilience in the face of global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $6.007 billion for 2024, with a per capita figure of $23,300.

Unemployment Rate: 11.8% (2024).
Main Industries: Tourism, pearls, and agricultural processing.
Agriculture Contribution: 2.2% of GDP (2020).
Exports: Approximately $162 million (2021), mainly pearls and fish.

Government

French Polynesia is governed as a parliamentary democracy, functioning as an overseas collectivity of France. It has a High Commissioner representing the French government and a locally elected President. The Assembly of French Polynesia consists of 57 members, directly elected for a 5-year term.

Capital: Papeete, located on Tahiti.
Suffrage: All citizens over 18 years can vote.
Legal System: Laws of France are applicable.
National Holiday: Commemorates Fête de la Fédération on July 14.

Military and Security

French Polynesia does not maintain regular military forces, with defense responsibilities resting with France. There exists a military garrison known as the Forces Armées en Polynésie Française, ensuring regional security.

Energy

French Polynesia has achieved 100% electrification among its population as of 2022. Electricity generation depends heavily on fossil fuels, with a small contribution from renewables such as solar and hydroelectric sources.

Electricity Consumption: 669.5 million kWh (2023).
Installed Capacity: 345,000 kW (2023).
Transmission Losses: 42.663 million kWh (2023).
Petroleum Consumption: 7,000 bbl/day (2023).

Environment

French Polynesia faces environmental challenges such as sea-level rise and natural disasters like cyclones. The land usage includes significant agricultural and forested areas, but fresh water scarcity poses ongoing issues.

Forest Cover: 43.1% of the land as of 2023.
Agricultural Land: 8.7% total land use (2023).
Carbon Emissions: 1.01 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023).
Municipal Waste: 147,000 tons generated annually (2024).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes a total of 54 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 24 vessels. The ports primarily serve cargo and passenger transport, facilitating economic activities.

Airports: 54 (2025).
Merchant Marine: 24 vessels (2023).
Total Ports: 6 (2024).
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix F-OH.

Communications

The communication sector boasts significant mobile and internet penetration, with 73% of the population using the internet (2017). The fixed and mobile telephone networks are established, providing comprehensive coverage.

Mobile Subscriptions: 334,000 (2023).
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 66,000 (2023).
Broadband Subscriptions: 78,000 (2022).
Internet Country Code: .pf.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	305,507 (2025 est.)
Area	4,167 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$6.007 billion	(2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$23,300	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	11.8%	(2024 est.)
Birth rate	12.7 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life expectancy	78.9 years	(2024 est.)
Electric access	100%	(2022 est.)
Urban population	62.3%	(2023)
Total fertility rate	1.78 children/woman	(2025 est.)