French Polynesia

French Polynesia (Polynesie Francaise), possession of France in east part of Pacific ocean, occupies Society Islands, Tuamotu, Gambe, Tabuai, and Marquesas Islands, a total area 4,2  thousand sq. km. In French Polynesia live 213  thousand persons (1995), mainly Polynesians, and also Frenchmen and Chineses. The official language - French, indigenous population speaks in Polynesian tongues, mainly on the Tahiti. 55 % of the population of islands - protenstants-Catholics, 37 % - roman catholics. An administrative centre - a city of Papeete on island Tahiti with the population 23  thousand persons. In the administrative attitude possession is divided into five districts.

French Polynesia has the status of independent terrain. The government of France is represented by the sovereign commissioner. The legislature - Territorial assembly is selected the population for a period of five years. The executive power belongs to the government of Polynesia. The terrain is presented in parliament of France by one senator and two deputies of National meeting.

Marquesas Islands have been open in 1595 Spaniard A.Mendanej. The big investment in research of islands of Polynesia was made by Russian seafarers O.E.Kotsebu, I.F.Krusenstern, M.P.Lazarev. Since 40th years of 19 centuries France has started to capture Polynesian islands. In 1885 the annexed islands have been merged as a part of colony the French possession in Ocenia. In 1958 the colony has gained the status of overseas terrain and the name French Polynesia. In March, 1977 the post of the French governor has been changed with the sovereign commissioner. Since 1996 Polynesia has got the autonomy driver's licence.

The Basis of economy of Polynesia - service of foreign tourists and pearl extraction. Annually islands attend hundred thousand tourists. Pearl export supplies 80 % of currency receipts in the budget. In Polynesia large deposits of phosphate and cobalt are open. Industrial enterprises are occupied by rehash of agricultural raw materials, Polynesia exports a copra and vanilla. The basic port of islands - Papeete, the international airport is in 6 km from an administrative centre. Basic foreign trade partners of Polynesia: France (half of volume from export and import) and the USA. In the capacity of monetary unit the franc of the French offices in Pacific ocean (franc KFP) is used.