French PolynesiaFrench Polynesia is a group of islands in the South Pacific. The islands were built by volcanic activity in the area, and are currently under the governance of France. French Polynesia covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos (island groups). The most famous, and populous island is Tahiti. 70% of the population in French Polynesia resides in Tahiti.
LandscapeThe French Polynesian islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. High Islands are mountains rising out of the ocean, usually encircled by a barrier reef. Some coast lines are smooth and regular; while others are cut deep by impressive bays.
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The People & CultureThe people in French Polynesia have known to be shy, but once a standard greeting has been shared by the visitor, their hospitality is unmatched.
Although some islanders would be considered poor by Western standards, the extended family system insures that very few go hungry or sleep without a roof over their head. It's little wonder that the islands are inhabited for the most part by friendly, peaceable, and extraordinarily courteous people. These friendly people utilize dance as one of the most powerful expressions of their Polynesian heritage.
A marae (pictured above) are sacred sites that at one point in Polynesian history served profound religious, and social purposes. Nowadays, they provide an interesting tourist attraction for history buffs.
ClimateThe climate is tropical—warm and humid. There exists regional climate differences due to altitude, and wind exposure. Temperature varies slightly throughout the year. Average annual temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, the low is 21 degrees Celsius.
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Connection"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is the motto of the French Polynesian Islands. This motto reflects my own eliefs of this dream vacation. By going on this journey, my friends and I can work to further develop our fraternity (brotherhood), and display liberty with regards to our exploration of these beautiful islands.
HistoryEarly historians are still baffled at how people were able to reach the isolated islands of Polynesia nearly a thousand years ago. It has been speculated that these extraordinary mariners crossed thousands of miles of ocean in large, double-hulled canoes capable of carrying hundreds of people, animals, and plants. They navigated by the stars, the wind, the clouds, the shape of the waves, and the flight pattern of birds. This is quite impressive considering these people had no written languages at the time.
National SportOutrigger canoe racing : The outrigger is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull. The sailing canoes are an important part of the Polynesian heritage. The hulls of outrigger or double-hull canoes are typically longer, narrower and efficient than those of single-hull canoes. Compared to other types of canoes, outrigger canoes can be quite fast, yet are also capable of being paddled and sailed in rougher water. If arriving during the right season, a tourist can witness the Polynesian National Outrigger Canoe racing team in practice.
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