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Sprawling over five million square kilometers of ocean, the islands of French Polynesia are masterpieces of Mother Nature. Take a pick: reef-fringed atolls, some of the bluest lagoons in the southern hemisphere, white sand beaches, and lovely valleys – all of these can be found there. Settled in 300 AD by indigenous Polynesians from the Pacific Islands, the archipelago was occupied by the French in the 18th century, and is today an overseas collectivity of France.
The country is better known to the outside world as simply Tahiti, which is also the name of its largest and most popular island. French Polynesia has a thriving export industry, made up primarily by its famous Tahitian black pearls, as well as copra and tiare flowers. This is turn fuels the country’s GDP of 5.6 billion USD, giving it the fifth-largest economy in Oceania.
Where the Rich and Famous Play
Of course, tourism also plays a large part, if not the largest. French Polynesia’s immense beauty, laid-back attitude, and world-class facilities have made it a favorite destination of the rich and famous, as well as honeymooners and hedonists. In fact, and estimated 118,625 foreign visitors arrive in the country every year – many of them millionaires from different corners of the globe.
As such, French Polynesia is chic and vibrant, obviously catering to the discerning tastes of its wealthy patrons. The island of Tahiti, in particular, abounds with superb hotels offering top-notch accommodations, as well restaurants servings up dishes influenced by different cuisines all over the world. The archipelago’s nightlife is abuzz with strings of bars and clubs.
Not Just a Honeymoon Destination
However, French Polynesia is not just a place for dining out and enjoying the nightlife, nor is it a place exclusively for the affluent. Given its geography, the archipelago is ideal for adrenaline-fueled activities, such as water sporting at Bora Bora and Moorea, mountain climbing at the and Diademe peaks, and wildlife tours in Rurutu.
In addition, while Tahiti is very much developed, many of the far-flung islands around it are not. They serve as havens for the backpacking community, especially with their remote beaches and empty lagoons in sites like Nuku Hiva, Huahine and Tikehau. Diving enthusiasts can also enjoy impressive underwater sceneries at reef-fringed atolls like Raiateaand the Gambier Islands.