French Polynesia is known throughout the world as one of the most exotic regions in the Pacific Ocean. This is a huge water area, which includes 118 islands of different scale and local color. The territory is the property of France - a country that earned the status of "colonial ruler" several centuries ago. For a leading European power, this overseas land is a real tidbit - very profitable and promising. Every year the number of people wishing to plunge into the atmosphere increases picturesque nature, the amazing underwater wealth of the ocean and the ultimate relaxation on the trendiest beaches.
Islands where harmony dwells
Five archipelagos - Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai, Gambier make up the islands of French Polynesia. Located in the southern region of the Pacific Ocean, they occupy a total area of about 4 thousand square meters. km. Distinctive feature this region is the contrast of the local landscape. The islands are impressive not only cote d'azur, sandy beaches, but also dense rainforest.
These 2.5 million square kilometers of total area can be compared to the territory of the European Union. But a particle of solid soil in Polynesia will surprise you with its small size. The land here occupies a little more than 4 thousand square meters. kilometers. If you add up all the islands, you get something of the island of Mallorca. But this paradise does not catch on by its size, but by its intangible beauty and amazing uniqueness of nature. As for the population, the most inhabited is the island of Tahiti. He is also the leader in the number of tourists arriving to the island every year.
The Polynesian Islands form groups characterized by some peculiarities.
- Society Islands. This group includes the so-called Windward and Leeward Islands. This group of islands is home to the largest number of people in all of French Polynesia. There are high mountain slopes covered with dense tropical forests. The beauty here is enhanced by the coral reefs. The most famous island of this group is Bora Bora.
- Tuamotu Islands. In some sources they received the romantic name "Tahitian Pearl Strand". The area received this name due to the large-scale resources of black pearls. It is also home to one of the largest coral atolls in Polynesia. The primary name Tuamotu stands for "distant islands".
- Marquesas Islands. 15 islands, strewn with mountain slopes, spread out on the equator. Of all the lands, only 6 are inhabited. It is interesting that the system of islands is called "mysterious". This is most likely due to unusual nature, creating an unusual unique world.
- Gambier Islands. These islands are closely adjacent to the Tuamot, but are still counted separately due to differences in culture and language. The uniqueness of lifestyles and landscapes truly allows Gambier to be a world of its own.
- Ostral Islands. If you are tired of society and want to be alone, this place is the ideal point of arrival. These islands are sparsely populated. Many of them do not know any human tracks at all.
French Polynesia: interesting facts
Unusual territory, exotic nature and unique animal world made the islands of French Polynesia filled with various mysteries and mysteries. Many interesting facts attract the attention of not only tourists, but also lovers of everything unusual, unique, inimitable. For example, did you guess before that:
- You won't find snakes on the Polynesian islands. This applies not only to poisonous representatives, but to the entire class of creepers;
Polynesia is considered the birthplace of tattoos; - The stars are considered the best compass here. The local population developed their own system of navigation by the stars, with the help of which ancient sailors got to the desired islands using maps in the night sky;
- Taaha Island can be safely called vanilla, because a huge amount of this delicate aromatic plant grows here.
- Moorea Island is a dinosaur footprint. You would think if you saw it from a bird's eye view.
- The local population knows what it means to seize the moment and not rush things. An ordinary Polynesian family's dinner will take 3 hours. This is what it means to enjoy your meal and feel every note of the prepared treat.
There are many such interesting facts on the islands. Everyone who returns from this paradise, can name amazing things that will be remembered for a lifetime. It can be an unusual fish with a bright color, an exotic fruit with an inexplicable taste, or a different sunset of the tired sun every evening. There is some kind of good magic and an amazing fairy tale on the islands of French Polynesia.
Polynesia refers to the vast territories of the Pacific region, which include more than a thousand large and miniature islands. All of them are distinguished by incredible exotic nature and rich culture of the local population.
Polynesia
Geography of Polynesia
Polynesia, whose countries every year attract more and more visitors, is characterized by a mountainous relief, it is preserved on almost all the islands of the subregion. Since it is in this area that the convergence of two oceanic lithospheric plates is located, almost all Polynesian states can boast of numerous active and long-dead volcanoes. Moreover, most of the islands were formed precisely due to the eruption of ancient volcanoes. 
However, another important factor, under the influence of which the plain and low-lying island territories of Polynesia appeared, are coral reefs, for the sake of their unique beauty and rich underwater world thousands of experienced and novice divers come here every year. The volcanic islands are characterized by average heights above sea level, but in the Hawaiian islands there are peaks exceeding 4 thousand meters in height, and the altitude maximum of Polynesia reaches 4202 meters. Another feature of the local island possessions is the abundance of cozy coves, bays and lush coral reefs.
The Polynesian countries occupy quite impressive territorial possessions with an area of about 26 thousand square kilometers, if you do not take into account the lands of New Zealand. According to experts, more than one million people live there, but it is rather difficult to give an exact figure.
As for the local climate of Polynesia, the countries of this region can boast all year round high temperatures and quite favorable weather conditions. Of course, climatic conditions each country has its own specific characteristics, but they mainly depend on the distance of the islands from the equator and the proximity of powerful ocean currents. Quite a large number of annual precipitation- about 2 thousand millimeters. The local population often suffers from thunderstorms and typhoons.
Since the islands of Polynesia are very remote from the continents, the local nature and fauna are distinguished by a variety of endemic plant and fauna species. However, if vegetable world here is really rich and tirelessly surprises the guests of the islands, the fauna is not particularly remarkable. However, the influx of tourists to the countries of Polynesia is facilitated by the fact that poisonous snakes and insects do not live here, and it is also impossible to stumble upon large predators. That is why tourists can safely enjoy walks in the rainforest and really explore amazing nature island states.
Polynesian culture
Tradition and cultural heritage the peoples of Polynesia have always been interested in humanity and at the same time frightened. There are as many nationalities as there are islands. The inhabitants of each Polynesian state can boast of their own language, or at least dialect. However, most of them were under the control of European powers for a long time, therefore local population also speaks quite well English and French. The most surprising fact we can assume that, despite the colossal distances between islands and countries, all Polynesians understand each other perfectly and do not experience any language barrier.
It is known that the first settlements in Polynesia appeared in the first century BC. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds on the island lands, in particular, ancient pottery from New Caledonia. Europeans first arrived here at the beginning of the sixteenth century, along with the explorer and navigator Magellan. A few centuries after that, the legendary ship arrived to the shores of Polynesia. In the twentieth century, the islands of the region were divided between France, England, Germany and the United States of America. Some of them still belong to European powers.
The inhabitants of the Polynesian islands are mainly engaged in agriculture, because volcanic soils are fertile. The Europeans brought here some types of domestic animals, so cattle breeding has become just as relevant recently. The endless ocean expanse also creates a unique setting for great fishing. The myths about the cannibals who inhabited the islands of Polynesia were overly exaggerated, although according to one of the beliefs of the Polynesians, in order to increase their vitality, it is imperative to eat the brain or liver of their enemy. However, scary tales of cannibals still attract thousands of curious travelers here.
The national cuisine of the islanders will certainly appeal to lovers of seafood and meat, which are cooked here over an open fire and served with incomparable tropical fruit sauces. Of particular interest are also some of the rituals and rituals of the local tribes. In the countries of Polynesia, there is certainly no place for boredom!
Tourist Polynesia: countries and islands that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime
- 1) - in the southwest The Pacific is a luxurious tropical country that has long become a favorite destination for millions of tourists. Travelers are attracted not only by the rich excursion program of the local lands, but also, which the local population is trying to preserve in the pristine world. Fans of active and extreme recreation will simply be delighted with the abundance of local entertainment: gliding, bungee jumping, zorbing, diving and sailing. Of course, a vacation in New Zealand requires significant financial costs, but an excursion to Queenstown or Te Anau is definitely worth the money. Although everyone knows this country as a center for extreme tourism, the local sandy beaches are perfect for a calm, measured holiday.
- 2)
New Caledonia is a French possession in Polynesia that you should definitely come to for the sake of a domesticated tropical nature. Everything here is made in a European style, so even if you find yourself on a tropical island so far from the mainland, you can enjoy the delights of civilization. Local deserted beaches and incredible nature are especially popular. - 3) Easter Island is a truly legendary place on earth, considered the most remote locality planets. It is here that the centuries-old moai statues are located, over the purpose and date of creation of which historians are still racking their brains. Special attention should be paid to the volcanoes of the island with their fabulous craters and amazing stories. By the way, in January-February on Easter Island you can watch the fabulous Tapati festival, when the local aborigines stage a truly incredible event.
- 4) Hawaiian Islands - the famous Polynesian possession of the American state. Who does not dream, where luxury hotels, endless white beaches, powerful volcanoes and friendly aborigines await you. Experienced and novice divers alike explore the ocean all year round along the shores of Maui. In addition, surfers love to conquer. The excursion program of the islands also offers a wide choice for connoisseurs of historical and cultural attractions.
- 5) is one of the most picturesque island states in Melanesia. Most of all, the local resorts are to the liking of newlyweds, because the atmosphere in Fiji seems to be created for romance and love. Natural parks with endemic plant species, valleys of blooming orchids or walks with dolphins can hardly leave a person indifferent. Besides, ancient architecture the local cities and ethnic markets will give your trip a special charm and an exceptional atmosphere.
- 6) Solomon islands- another blooming Island state Melanesia. Although the tourism industry is underdeveloped here, the local natural resources and amazing fauna continue to attract curious travelers. It is the naturalness and originality of these islands that is considered their highlight.
- 7) - another French overseas possession... The islands of this country have long been considered one of the most affluent tourists. Here you can plunge headlong into a luxurious vacation.Among the popular entertainment, it is worth mentioning diving, sailing trips and excursions to magnificent national parks.
All Polynesian countries deserve your attention, because each of them has something to surprise its guests!
Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central Pacific Ocean. It stretches from north to south from Hawaii to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
The general name of the islands in the center, parts of the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu Tuna and ... Geographical encyclopedia
- "mnogosstrovye", another name. Oceania, islands of the Great Ocean lying north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885 1958 it was called the French possession in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in ... ...
One of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific approx. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to the New. Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km & sup2. Main groups ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
I is one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. The area (excluding New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Noun., Number of synonyms: 1 Australia (8) ASIS Synonym Dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary
POLYNESIA- (French). Territory 4.2 thousand square kilometers, population, 150 thousand people. The economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and the extraction of pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand ... World sheep breeding
I Polynesia (from Poly ... and the Greek. Nesos island) Islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23 ° 30 N. NS. 28 ° S NS. and 176 ° east. d. 109 ° 20 W etc. P. includes: the islands of Tonga (an independent state with ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
POLYNESIA- French Polynesia (French Polynesia) The official name of the Territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, hiding Pōrīnetia farāni). Located in the extreme east of Oceania. ... ... Encyclopedia of the countries of the world
Books
- Board game "Polynesia" (8783), Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean rustles, and houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skillful hunters and artisans, but also agile traders. You -…
- In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. Genuine, not fictional, adventures of the best of the authors of English historical-adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia - through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who committed ...
The three main regions of Oceania: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia
Polynesia Map
Polynesia(from ancient Greek. πολύς and νῆσος - many islands) is a sub-region of more than 1000 islands scattered across the Central and South Pacific Ocean between 23 ° 30'N. NS. - 28 ° S NS. and 176 ° east. - 109 ° 20'W e. The indigenous peoples inhabiting the islands of Polynesia are called Polynesians. They share many similarities, including language, culture, and beliefs. Historically, they are skilled seafarers, able to sail at night and navigate by the stars.
The term "Polynesia" was first used by the French writer Charles Bross in 1756, and was initially applied to all the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In 1831, during a lecture at the Paris Geographical Society, the French traveler, navigator, oceanographer Jules Dumont-Durville proposed a limitation on the use of the term.
It forms a triangle, the tops of which are: Hawaiian Islands in the north, southeast and southwest, but on these islands now the Polynesians make up only a small part of the population, even fewer people speak Polynesian languages.
In modern Polynesia, widespread English(on most of the islands), French (in French Polynesia, as well as in, along with English - in). Spanish is the predominant language on Easter Island.
Geography of Polynesia
"Polynesian Triangle"
Geology
The islands are mainly of volcanic and coral origin. Volcanic islands are mountainous (altitude over 4000 m; on the Hawaiian Islands 4202 m), coral - flat, low-lying. On the islands of Hawaii and Samoa - active volcanoes... Most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs.
Territory
The area of Polynesia (excluding New Zealand) is 26 thousand km².
Population
The population of Polynesia is 1.2 million (1969).
History of Polynesia
Main article: History of Polynesia
Island groups
Cook Bay on Moorea Island, French Polynesia
Border territories
History of the peoples of Polynesia
Main article: Polynesians
The culture of the peoples of Polynesia
Languages of Polynesia
The main languages of Polynesia are the Polynesian languages. English and French are also common as external languages.
Economy of the states of Polynesia
Polynesian states policy
Sailing of the peoples of Polynesia
These peoples, being the "peoples of the sea", perfectly mastered the art of navigation, which was vital. They knew the maps of the starry sky, guided themselves by them, knew the directions of the winds, nearby islands and much more. Polynesian ships (proa) can be considered full-fledged conquerors of the Pacific Ocean.
State structure
| Island (s) | Nationality | Capital, administrative center | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Tutuila island) | 65 519 (2013) | ||
| Hawaiian Islands | (Oahu island) | 1 360 301 (2010) | |
| Western Samoa | republic | , Upolu island | 188 540 (2008) |
| (North Island) | 4 443 900 (2012) | ||
| 1 398 (2009) | |||
| (Rarotonga island) | 19 569 (2006) | ||
| Fakaofo atoll | 1 411 (2011) | ||
| Isla de Pasqua (Easter Island) | Special territory and province | Anga Roa | 5 806 (2012) |
| Overseas territory | Adamstown | 69 people (2013) | |
| kingdom | (Tongatapu island) | 120 898 (2009) | |
| Independent member of the British Commonwealth | Funafuti | 10 544 (2011) | |
| Tubuai Marquesas islands Society Islands Tuamotu Gambier Islands |
French Polynesia (French Overseas Community) | (Tahiti island) | 291k (2010) |
| Overseas Community of France | , Wallis Island | 13 445 (2008) | |
| Line Islands | , | 8 809 (2005) | |
| Phoenix islands | On the island of Canton | 41 (2005) |
Notes (edit)
- Hiroa, Te Rangi (Sir Peter Henry Buck). Vikings of the Sunrise. - Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd, reprinted 1964. - P. 67.
- Don Macnaughtan - Lane Community College Library - Bibliography of Prehistoric Settlement on Norfolk Island, the Kermadecs, Lord Howe, and the Auckland Islands (unspecified) ... Lanecc.edu. Retrieved September 11, 2011. Archived August 5, 2012.
- O'Connor, Tom Polynesians in the Southern Ocean: Occupation of the Auckland Islands in Prehistory in New Zealand Geographic 69 (September-October 2004): 6-8)
- To the Final Shore: Prehistoric Colonization of the Subantarctic Islands in South Polynesia in Australian Archaeologist: Collected Papers in Honor of Jim Allen Canberra: Australian National University, 2000.440-454.
- Anderson, Atholl J., & Gerard R. O'Regan The Polynesian Archeology of the Subantarctic Islands: An Initial Report on Enderby Island Southern Margins Project Report. Dunedin: Ngai Tahu Development Report, 1999
- Anderson, Atholl J. Subpolar Settlement in South Polynesia Antiquity 79.306 (2005): 791-800
- Unincorporated and unorganized territory.
- Independent state, loosely associated with New Zealand
- Dependent Territory of New Zealand
French Polynesia has the status of an autonomous territory. The French government is represented by the High Commissioner. Legislature - Territorial Assembly, elected by the population for a term of five years. The executive branch belongs to the Government of Polynesia. The territory is represented in the French parliament by one senator and two members of the National Assembly.
Islands scattered over an area of more than 4 thousand square meters. km. in the east south pacific, worn official name French polynesia. The main attractions of French Polynesia are its islands! This peculiar enclave unites 118 islands and atolls and is divided into five archipelagos: Society Islands, Astral Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Islands and Mangareva Islands. Tahiti, often called the "Island of Love", covers an area of about 700 square meters. km. Deep green valleys are completely covered with dense tropical forests, thickets of soft ferns, among which cool waters of mountain streams flow, waterfalls falling into rivers rushing to the ocean.
The islands are divided into the so-called "high" and "low" islands. The "high" islands are a very rugged landscape. The peaks of the mountains are in some places higher than 2,000 meters, as, for example, in Tahiti. The "low" islands, or atolls, are surrounded by lagoons with very rich and specific flora and fauna.
French Polynesia Islands: Map
1. Tahiti Island
Most big Island in the Windward group is an island in French Polynesia. Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political center of French Polynesia. Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, it is a semi-autonomous territory of France. Tahiti, the word evokes visions of an island paradise. Tahiti boasts high majestic mountains, coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, white sands, palm-lined beaches and luxury resorts.
Fascinating video about Tahiti
2. Island Tetiaroa (Tetiaroa)
The island is famous for the fact that it was acquired by Marlon Brando, who liked the island during the filming of the movie “Mutiny on the Bounty,” in 1966 and he just fell in love with paradise beauty French Polynesia and was fascinated by the island of Tetiaroa. After the death of Marlon Brando, the island passed into the possession of the Tahitian development company and in 2014 an upscale premium resort was opened on the island.
3. Island Maputi (Maupiti)
Maputi Island is located in the extreme west of French Polynesia, about 300 km from Tahiti. It is a small island with a surface of about 9 sq. km and about 1,200 inhabitants. Lying 40 kilometers west of Bora Bora, Maputi is a miniature replica of its large neighbor. Like Bora Bora, coral atoll surrounds the island of volcanic origin.
4. Tahaa Island
Located between Bora Bora and Huahine, Taha shares the surrounding coral reef with the nearby island of Raiatea. Taha is known as the capital of vanilla, and as a result of this smell, "Vanilla Island". Taha has an economy that is not as dependent on tourism as other islands and therefore has fewer resorts and tourists. it perfect place for travelers interested in native Polynesian life, it is nonetheless a great place to buy exquisite black pearls.
5. Raiatea Island
Shares the surrounding coral reef with Taha Island, Raiatea is the second largest of the islands in French Polynesia and administrative center archipelago of the Leeward Islands. Often referred to as the “Sacred Island,” Raiatea is considered to be the origin of the migration to Hawaii and other parts of Eastern Polynesia. Tourists can see here ancient shrines and artifacts, which are the best preserved of all the islands of French Polynesia here.
6. Huahine Islands
In fact, these are two islands, large and small Huahine. Huahine is surrounded by a coral reef and connected to each other by a tiny bridge. Huahine is replete with secluded coves and some of the coves present best places for surfing. On southwest coast small Huahine has one of the most beautiful beaches in French Polynesia with crystal clean water ideal for snorkeling.
7. Island Moorea
Moorea means yellow lizard in Polynesian. The island is located just 30 minutes by catamaran from the island of Tahiti, Moorea boasts some of the most impressive landscapes among the islands of French Polynesia. The island is located ancient volcano... Mount Tohivea, which was torn in half in a catastrophic explosion several centuries ago, earning the nickname for its appearance "Shark Tooth". The hike to the top of the mountain offers tourists breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and nearby islands. Moorea, along with Bora Bora and Tahiti, is the main tourist destination in French Polynesia, a third of all tourists come to this island.
8. The famous island of Bora Bora
The idyllic island of Bora Bora has gained its fame for its tranquil turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches protected by the coral reef that surrounds it. Bora Bora is a major international tourist center famous for its luxury resorts. Snorkeling and diving among lemon sharks, green turtles and other marine life inhabiting coral reefs is the most popular species rest on Bora Bora.
Video: Paradise Polynesia
