French Polynesia, French overseas territory in South Pacific Ocean, France
French Polynesia is an overseas territory in the southern Pacific Ocean made up of 121 islands and atolls distributed across five archipelagos. These groups include the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Gambier, Marquesas, and Austral Islands, scattered across a wide expanse of ocean.
The territory became a French protectorate in 1842 after decades of contact between European navigators and missionaries with the islands. France formally annexed Tahiti in 1880 and extended its administration to all archipelagos over the following years.
Polynesian dance performances take place year-round in hotels and cultural centers, with dancers wearing colorful costumes made from plant fibers and performing movements accompanied by wooden drums. Local markets sell handmade pareu fabrics, pearl jewelry, and carvings, while fishermen and craftspeople offer their goods directly at beaches and village squares each morning.
Travelers reach the different islands through Air Tahiti flights or passenger boats, with the main entry point being Faa'a International Airport in Papeete on Tahiti. Many smaller islands have limited accommodations and transport options, so advance planning is recommended, especially outside the main season.
The waters of this territory cover a marine area that represents roughly half of all French maritime zones and contains numerous coral reef systems. The time on these islands runs ten hours behind coordinated universal time, making it one of the westernmost time zones in the world.
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