Windward Islands

The eastern group of the Society Islands contains five main islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Mehetia, Tetiaroa, and Maiao, with volcanic mountains and coral reefs.

The islands became a French territory in 1880 following British explorer James Cook's initial European documentation of the region in 1769.

French and Tahitian languages share official status across the islands, preserving both colonial and traditional Polynesian communication methods.

The administrative capital Papeete on Tahiti island manages thirteen communes across 1,194 square kilometers of land with over 200,000 inhabitants.

Mount Tefatua on Raiatea reaches 1,017 meters above sea level, forming the highest elevation point in this Pacific island chain.

Location: French Polynesia

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Part of: Society Islands

GPS coordinates: -17.53330,-149.83300

Latest update: May 31, 2025 02:40