French Polynesia History and Culture. Early Settlement. People, Tradition and Lifestyle. A Book for tourism and Information. Polynesian culture, the beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples of the ethnogeographic group of Pacific Islands known as Polynesia (from Greek poly 'many' and nesoi 'islands'). Polynesia encompasses a huge triangular area of the east-central Pacific Ocean. The triangle has its apex at the Hawaiian Islands in the north and its base angles at New Zealand (Aotearoa) in the west and Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the east. It also includes (from northwest to southeast) Tuvalu, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), American Samoa, Tonga, Niue, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia (Tahiti and the other Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago, including the Gambier Islands (formerly the Mangareva Islands), and Pitcairn Island. At the turn of the 21st century, about 70 percent of the total population of Polynesia resided in Hawaii

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.

Tahiti Nui is an account of the survival of a Polynesian society in the face of successive settlements of missionaries, traders, and administrators. Beginning with the first explorers and Captain Cook's scientific observations at Point Venus, Dr. Newbury has separated the various strands interwoven in the fabric of Tahitian society, tracing their development and showing how they interacted at successive stages. Missionaries and foreign traders, administrators and Polynesians, planters and immigrant Chinese have all contributed to the distinctive flavor of French Polynesia, with Tahiti and Tahitians becoming increasingly dominant, not just as the focus of the French administration in Pape'ete, but in the social networks and trading patterns that have evolved.

Uncover the mysteries of the past with this exciting, comprehensive guide on tahitian history. From the first polynesian settlements to the first contacts with the western navigators, passing by the US GIs in Bora Bora or the autonomy of this territory, each page takes you on an adventure through time to discover the most important moments in history and how they shaped this French overseas collectivity today. The author presents in a simple and concise manner 101 dates which marked the history of French Polynesia, a French territory of 118 islands in the South Pacific which stretches over an area as vast as half of the USA. - All history, even that which rests in oral literature, describing the pre-European period. - All of French Polynesia, that is to say Tahiti, Bora Bora but also the Marquesas, the Austral Islands, the Gambier and the practically uninhabited Tuamotu atolls. - All events, from the most serious, such as the involvement of this territory in the two world wars, to the lightest, such as the fourth place won against Brazil by Tahiti at the beach soccer world cup. Finally, it is the history of French Polynesia, as its inhabitants felt it. In this book, it is not Samuel Wallis or James Cook who discovered Tahiti, but the Tahitians who discovered these strangely dressed European navigators.

Discover the fascinating world of French Polynesia in this immersive book on its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the ancient civilizations that first settled these pristine islands to the struggles for autonomy and the preservation of cultural heritage, this book unveils the compelling narrative of French Polynesia. Step into the past as you explore the origins of French Polynesia, delving into the fascinating tales of its early settlers and the formation of its unique societies. Experience the cultural vibrancy through vivid descriptions of traditional arts and crafts, the nuances of social hierarchies, and the interplay of influences with other Pacific islands. Embark on a journey through time as the book unravels the intriguing stories of French Polynesia's exploration, early navigation techniques, and encounters with European explorers. Delve into the colonial era, examining the impact of French rule and the path to autonomy, and gain insights into the challenges and achievements of the post-war period. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring marine world that awaits beneath the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia. Dive into the depths to witness the stunning diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish to majestic whales and elusive sharks. Learn about the environmental diversity and geography of the islands and discover the ancient agricultural practices that sustained the communities throughout history. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a nature lover seeking to explore the mysteries of the underwater world, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of French Polynesia. It invites you to expand your horizons, gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable destination, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Don't miss the chance to embark on this extraordinary journey through the history, culture, and natural wonders of French Polynesia. Buy your copy today and immerse yourself in the captivating tales that await within its pages. Let the enchantment of French Polynesia ignite your imagination and leave you with a profound appreciation for this extraordinary part of the world.

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.

A blend of Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel and Simon Winchester’s Pacific, a thrilling intellectual detective story that looks deep into the past to uncover who first settled the islands of the remote Pacific, where they came from, how they got there, and how we know. For more than a millennium, Polynesians have occupied the remotest islands in the Pacific Ocean, a vast triangle stretching from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island. Until the arrival of European explorers they were the only people to have ever lived there. Both the most closely related and the most widely dispersed people in the world before the era of mass migration, Polynesians can trace their roots to a group of epic voyagers who ventured out into the unknown in one of the greatest adventures in human history. How did the earliest Polynesians find and colonize these far-flung islands? How did a people without writing or metal tools conquer the largest ocean in the world? This conundrum, which came to be known as the Problem of Polynesian Origins, emerged in the eighteenth century as one of the great geographical mysteries of mankind. For Christina Thompson, this mystery is personal: her Maori husband and their sons descend directly from these ancient navigators. In Sea People, Thompson explores the fascinating story of these ancestors, as well as those of the many sailors, linguists, archaeologists, folklorists, biologists, and geographers who have puzzled over this history for three hundred years. A masterful mix of history, geography, anthropology, and the science of navigation, Sea People combines the thrill of exploration with the drama of discovery in a vivid tour of one of the most captivating regions in the world. Sea People includes an 8-page photo insert, illustrations throughout, and 2 endpaper maps.

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.