Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and is known for its tropical vegetation and idyllic climate. It was first settled by Polynesians and later annexed by France in 1843. Tahiti’s economy is based on tourism and the export of natural products, especially black pearls. French is the official language, and the majority religion is Christian.
Tahiti is the largest and most populous island of French Polynesia, a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific Ocean. Its capital, Papeete, is the capital of the entire community. Within French Polynesia, Tahiti belongs to the Society Islands group and administrative division known as the Windward Islands.
Although Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian islands, it is only 404 square miles (1,048 square kilometers). It is of volcanic origin and consists of two round portions connected by an isthmus. The northern part is known as Tahiti Nui, or “big Tahiti”, while the southern part is Tahiti Iti, or “little Tahiti”. The northern part is more populated and developed.
Tahiti is known for its lush tropical vegetation and idyllic climate, made famous by the works of the French painter Paul Gauguin, who lived on the island in the 1890s. It is home to a small museum with his works.
The island was first settled by Polynesians, probably between the 4th and 9th centuries AD The English sea captain Samuel Wallis became the first European to visit the island in 4 and a Frenchman, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, he visited the following year. European contact and trade with the island became more frequent after James Cook’s visit of 9. The influx of European diseases and vices, such as alcohol and prostitution, had a devastating impact on the native population and the way to live.
France annexed Tahiti in 1843 despite British opposition, and a Franco-Tahitian War ensued, which raged until 1847. In 1880, the island’s status changed from a French protectorate to a French overseas territory. It was redefined as a French overseas collectivity in 2003.
The inhabitants of French Polynesia are French citizens with full civil and political rights and the community is semi-autonomous. French Polynesia has a separate president, assembly, budget, and laws from those of France. Some political leaders have advocated complete independence from France, but in general, only a minority of French Polynesians support the idea.
Tahiti’s economy is largely based on tourism and the export of natural products, especially black pearls. French is the official language, although Tahitian is also widely spoken. The majority religion is Christian, both Protestant and Catholic. The island is home to the Université de la Polynésie Française, a French university, and the international airport of Faa’a. Air Tahiti is the national airline.
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