French Polynesia is a group of 118 islands located in the central region of the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are divided into five main groups: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. French Polynesia is also known for its coral reefs and lagoons, and it is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and warm climate. French Polynesia has a rich history and cultural heritage. It was first inhabited by the Polynesians, who lived there for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. The islands were later colonized by the French in the 19th century and became a French overseas territory in 1946. Today, French Polynesia has a unique blend of French and Polynesian cultures, with French being the official language and Polynesian culture being celebrated through music, dance, and art.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1970.

There's more to this earthly paradise than beaches and blue sky. Climb mountains, dive deep and dance to the rhythms of an ancient culture with this guide to French Polynesia. * over 40 maps covering all five archipelagos * detailed sections on archaeology, tattooing, dance and diving * Tahitian and French language guides tips on where to sleep and eat well, on any budget * comprehensive information on hopping from island to island

As well as being an indispensable navigational guide, it is also an introduction to the daily life and tourist activities in French Polynesia. Detailed charts, color photos and drawings add to the wealth of information contained in this guide, as well as detailed advice for administrative and customs formalities. This book is an essential tool for the experienced sailor who prefers a do-it-yourself approach in discovering Polynesian waters and the local lifestyle at each stop. For passengers who charter a sailboat without being an accomplished navigator, this guide will serve as a manual and souvenir of their first excursion in these ?Iles of Beauty? and an incentive to come back again.

France is a Pacific power, with three territories, a military presence, and extensive investments. Once seen by many as a colonial interloper in the South Pacific, by the early 2000s, after it ended nuclear testing in French Polynesia and negotiated transitional Accords responding to independence demands in New Caledonia, France seems to have become generally accepted as a regional partner, even if its efforts concentrate on its own territories rather than the independent island states. But Frances future in the region has yet to be secured. By 2014 it is to have handed over a set of agreed autonomies to the New Caledonian government, before an independence referendum process begins. Past experience suggests that a final resolution of the status of New Caledonia will be divisive and could lead once again to violent confrontations. In French Polynesia, calls continue for independence and for treatment under UN decolonisation procedures, which France opposes. Other island leaders are watching, so far putting faith in the Noumea Accord, but wary of the final stages. The issues and possible solutions are more complex than the French Pacific island population of 515,000 would suggest. Combining historical background with political and economic analysis, this comprehensive study offers vital insight into the intricate history -- and problematic future -- of several of Australias key neighbours in the Pacific and to the priorities and options of the European country that still rules them. It is aimed at policy-makers, scholars, journalists, businesspeople, and others who want to familiarise themselves with the issues as Frances role in the region is redefined in the years to come.

#1 best-selling guide to Tahiti & French Polynesia* Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Swim in the sparklingly clear waters, hike to waterfalls, dive into coral wonderlands, then sips cocktail by the beach; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Tahiti & French Polynesia and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Tahiti & French Polynesia Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, environment, islander life, arts, religion, sports, etiquette, popular culture, literature, cinema, food, drinks, dining out. Over 30 maps Covers Tahiti, Mo'orea, Huahine, Ra'iatea & Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti, The Tuamotus, The Marquesas, The Australs & the Gambier Archipelago and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia, our most comprehensive guide to Tahiti & French Polynesia, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's South Pacific guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Celeste Brash, Jean-Bernard Carillet About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. *Best-selling guide to Tahiti. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

In the heart of French Polynesia, Tahiti fervently clings to its ancient myths. It is the gateway to the entrancing Society Islands: Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. The Tuamotu atolls, specks of white sands and coconut palms, enclose lagoons straight out of a dream. Further away, the Marquesas, painted by Gauguin, dis-close a wild and wonderful landscape and sacred valleys. This guide reveals the culture, the history and customs of this southerly garden of Eden. Sightseeing, dining and shopping tips with fold-out map and full-colour photographs.