Tahiti [French Polynesia] Overview Country Overview French Polynesia comprises 120 islands divided into five archipelagos. The Windward and Leeward Islands, collectively called the Society Archipelago, are mountainous with coastal plains. Tahiti, the largest of the Windward group, is dominated by Mount Orohena at 2236m (7337ft) and Mount Aorai at 2068m (6786ft). Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, has in recent years been transformed into a bustling city. It is still an attractive and colourful port set in magnificent scenery. The surrounding area is characterised by its spectacular tropical scenery, banana groves, plantations and flowers. The Lagoonarium de Tahiti offers four fish parks (including a shark pen). Bora Bora is 45 minutes from Tahiti by plane. Excursions include visits to the small villages outside the main town of Vaitape and climbs up the two mountains of Otemanu and Pahia. There are many opportunities for watersports, such as deep-sea fishing and trips by glass-bottomed boat around the lagoons. Popular dishes include smoked breadfruit or poe (starchy pudding made of papaya, mango and banana). Papeete is full of life in the evenings. Most hotels feature Tahitian dance shows, bands and other traditional entertainment. General Information Area: 4167 sq km (1609 sq miles). Population: 231,500 (2000). Population Density: 55.6 per sq km. Capital: Papeete (Tahiti Island). Population: 25,553 (1996). GEOGRAPHY: French Polynesia comprises 120 islands divided into five archipelagos: the Society Archipelago, Tuamotu Archipelago, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands and Mangreva Islands. The Windward and Leeward Islands, collectively called the Society Archipelago, are mountainous with coastal plains. Tahiti, the largest of the Windward group, is dominated by Mount Orohena at 2236m (7337ft) and Mount Aorai at 2068m (6786ft). Moorea lies next to Tahiti, a picturesque volcanic island with white sand beaches. The Leeward Islands to the west are generally lower in altitude. The largest islands are Raiatea and Bora Bora. Tuamotu Archipelago comprises 80 coral atolls, located 298km (185 miles) east of Tahiti. The Marquesas Islands lie 1497km (930 miles) northeast of Tahiti and are made up of two clusters of volcanic islands divided into a southern and northern group. The grass-covered Austral Islands south of Tahiti are scattered in a chain from east to west over a distance of 499km (310 miles). Government: French Overseas Territory since 1946. Head of State: President Jacques Chirac since 1995, represented locally by High Commissioner Jean Aribaud since 1997. Head of Government: Gaston Flosse, President of the Council of Ministers since 1991. Language: The official languages are French and Tahitian. Other Polynesian languages are spoken by the indigenous population. English is widely understood, mainly by islanders accustomed to dealing with foreign visitors. Religion: Approximately 55 per cent Protestant and 34 per cent Catholic. Time: Gambier Islands: GMT - 9. Marquesas Islands: GMT - 9.5. Society Archipelago, Tubuai Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago (except Gambier Islands), Tahiti: GMT - 10. Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 689. Outgoing international code: 00. Operator assistance may be required for international calls. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network. Network operators include Vini (website: www.vini.pf). Fax Post offices and some hotels have facilities. Internet There are Internet cafes in Papeete and Moorea. Telegram Facilities are limited to Papeete and Uturoa (Raiatea). Telegrams can be sent from the post office on boulevard Pomare, Papeete. Post Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks. Post office hours: In Papeete, Mon-Fri 0700-1800, Sat-Sun 0800-1000 (outside Papeete, there is a restricted service in the afternoons and at weekends). Press There is an English-language weekly, the Tahiti Beach Press. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.36 9.740 6.195 3.915 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 17.74 11.71 9.645 6.110 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No/2 No Australian Yes No/2 Yes Canadian Yes No/3 Yes USA Yes No/3 Yes OtherEU Yes/1 No/2 No/4 Japanese Yes No/3 Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except: 1. nationals of France who possess a valid national identity card. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) 2. nationals of Australia, the UK and other EU nationals, and nationals of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, St Maarten, Switzerland and the Vatican for stays of up to three months; (b) 3. nationals of Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Japan, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Uruguay and the USA; Types of visa and cost: Short-stay: (1-30 days) £15-20. Transit: £5-8. Validity: Short-stay visas are valid for six months from date of issue. Transit visas are valid for single or multiple entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Application to: French Consulate General (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section for France. All applications must be made in person. Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) One completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee to be paid in cash only. (e) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay. (f) Letter from employer, or proof of stay in country of residence. (g) Proof of address. For all those nationals whose visa is issued on the same day: (a)-(g) and (h) Medical insurance. (i) Return ticket. (j) Proof of accommodation during stay. Note: 4. For spouses and children (under 21 years of age) of EU nationals: (a)-(g) and (h) Original marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (child) with a translation by a consular officer if not in English or French. Spouses and children of French nationals must also provide the Livret de Famille. Working days required: One day for the following countries: Anguilla, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Congo (Rep), Former Rep of Yugoslavia*, Israel, Mali, Mauritania, Montserrat, Morocco, Niger, South Africa*, St Helena, Turks & Caicos Islands and Venezuela. (These nationals should also note the additional requirements for obtaining a visa on the same day.) Two weeks for all other nationals. Note: * Visas will only be processed on the same day if the stay does not exceed one month. Temporary residence: If intending to work or stay for longer than three months, nationals should contact the Long Stay visa section of the Consulate General or Embassy. Money Currency: French Pacific Franc (CFPFr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFPFr10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFPFr100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The French Pacific Franc is tied to the Euro. (€1 is worth CFPFr119.331.) Currency exchange: Exchange facilities are available at the airport, major banks (which may charge up to five per cent) and at authorised hotels and shops in Papeete. Credit & debit cards: American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard are all accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. ATMs are common on Tahiti, with a few on the smaller islands. Travellers cheques: The recommended means of importing foreign currency. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is unlimited; amounts over €7622 must be declared. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the French Pacific Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 189.64 183.45 188.09 175.37 $1.00= 130.13 120.62 118.94 110.14 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1530. Duty Free The following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers 17 years and over without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco; 2l of still wine and 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 2l of spirits up to 22 per cent; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; goods up to a value of CFPFr5000 (CFPFr2500 for passengers up to 15 years of age). Prohibited items: All food products of animal origin. Note: (a) Plants, fruit, weapons, ammunition and drugs may not be imported. (b) All baggage coming from Samoa and Fiji is collected for compulsory fumigation on arrival in Papeete; allow two hours. Public Holidays Nov 11 2002 Armistice Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 5 Missionary Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 Victory Day. May 29 Ascension. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Jun 29 Anniversary of Internal Autonomy. Jul 14 Fall of the Bastille*. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Internal Autonomy Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 11 Armistice Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 5 Missionary Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 8 Victory Day. May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 29 Anniversary of Internal Autonomy. Jul 14 Fall of the Bastille*. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Internal Autonomy Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 11 Armistice Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Note: *Celebrations continue for up to ten days. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 2 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. 2: Vaccination against typhoid is advised. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Immunisation against hepatitis A and B is recommended. Dengue fever and filariasis occur. Health care: Medical facilites are good on the major islands. Private medical insurance is recommended. Travel - International AIR: Air Tahiti Nui (TN), the first Tahiti-based international carrier, began operation in November 1998. Tahiti is served by AOM French Airlines, Aircalin (Air Calédonie International), Air France, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines for long-haul international flights. The Polypass (offered by Polynesian Airlines) allows the holder to fly between the Southern Pacific destinations of American Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga; Honolulu (Hawaii) and Los Angeles in the USA; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; and Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand. The pass is valid for one year. Once a reservation has been made and travel begun, all travel must be completed within a maximum of 45 days. Tickets will be issued against the Polypass by any Polynesian Airlines office (a valid passport is also required). For further information, contact Polynesian Airlines (website: www.polynesianairlines.com). The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for many airlines operating in the South Pacific, including most of the larger ones, such as Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 40 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Chirstchurch, Wellington, Auckland). It is only available for people resident outside of the South Pacific. The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two sectors must be bought before departure (extra sectors can be purchased en route). There is a maximum of one pass per person, and passes must be used within six months of the first day of travel. Children under 12 years of age pay 75 per cent of the adult fare. For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Approximate flight times: From Papeete to Auckland is 5 hours, to Honolulu is 5 hours, to London is 19 hours 20 minutes, to Los Angeles is 7 hours 30 minutes, to New York is 16 hours and to Sydney is 8 hours. International airports: Papeete (PPT) (Faaa), on Tahiti, is 6km (4 miles) from the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Buses run regularly. Metered taxis are also available. Airport facilities include bank/bureau de change, post office, duty-free shop, left luggage, newsstand, restaurant, bar, light refreshments, car hire (Avis and Hertz) and 24-hour tourist information. Departure tax: None. SEA: The international port is Papeete, on Tahiti, which is served by Cunard, Holland America, P&O and Radisson Seven Seas. Other cruise lines serving Tahiti include Fred Olsen, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Windstar. Travel - Internal AIR: Domestic flights run by Air Tahiti (VT) connect Tahiti with neighbouring islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea and Raiatea) and remote archipelagos (Tuamotu East and North with Manihi, Rangiroa, Takapoto and Tikehau; Austral Islands of Rurutu and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva and Ua Pou). SEA: There are inter-island connections on the many ferries, catamarans, copra boats and schooners that make regular trips throughout the islands. Daily connections exist between Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea. ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Basic buses, known as trucks, offer an inexpensive method of travel. They leave from the central market in Papeete town centre travelling to all destinations. No schedule is operated. Bus stops along the way are indicated by blue signs illustrating the truck, from where a wave of the hand will prompt them to stop. Taxi: Available in Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea and Tahiti. Car hire: Major and local agencies, including Avis, Daniel, Europcar, Hertz and Tahiti Rent-A-Car, hire out cars on the main islands. Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient. Accommodation Accommodation varies from air-conditioned, carpeted, deluxe rooms with telephones and room service, to thatched-roofed bungalows (Tahitian pensions where the bathroom is shared and may be outdoors with cold showers). In the outer islands, resort hotels normally have individual gardens and over-water bungalows and rooms, many built of bamboo; shows and dance bands are often laid on in the evening. A tax of seven per cent is added to the cost of all hotel rooms, but this does not apply to pensions or family lodgings. There is a youth hostel in Papeete with 14 rooms; a youth hostel or student card is required. It is possible to rent a room in a family home through GIE Tahiti Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section) for a more genuine experience. There are also two campsites on Tahiti. Introduction TAHITI: The capital, Papeete, is located on the island of Tahiti and has in recent years been transformed into a bustling city, very much at variance with the traditional haere maru (‘take it easy’) attitude of the rest of the country. It is, however, still an attractive and colourful port set in magnificent scenery. To the west of the capital is Venus Point, where the first Europeans set foot on the island in 1767. It is overlooked by Mount Orohena, the highest point on the island. The Papeete public market, Le Marché, is open all week, but really comes to life on Sunday mornings when out-of-town merchants come to sell their wares. Flowers, spices, fabrics and fresh produce are on offer. The surrounding area is characterised by its spectacular tropical scenery, banana groves, plantations and flowers. Places to see include the Blowhole of Arahoho, which throws water skywards; the Faarumai and Vaipahi waterfalls; the Paul Gauguin Museum and Botanical Gardens in Papeari; the marae (open-air temple) of Mahaiatea, Papara Marae Grotto and Arahurahu. The Lagoonarium de Tahiti offers four fish parks (including a shark pen) and an amazing underwater display (daily 0900-1700). MOOREA: Some 17km (11 miles) from Tahiti, and connected to it by a 45-minute ferry service or seven-minute flight, is an island with a simpler and more rustic lifestyle and yet offering plenty of entertainment for the tourist, including traditional-style nightlife. Dominated by volcanic peaks, it also has dazzling white sand beaches and clear lagoons ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Excursions include a visit to the beautiful Opunohu Valley, an ancient dwelling place, uninhabited for 150 years, with 500 ancient structures including temples or marae, some of which have been restored. Le Belvédère is a lookout spot from where the best view of the island may be had. The nearby island of Tetiaroa, recently opened to the public and accessible only by air, is an important seabird sanctuary. LEEWARD ISLANDS: The Leeward Islands of the Society Group are ancient and unspoilt islands, all less than an hour from Tahiti by plane or ferry. Huahine, to the northwest of Tahiti, comprises Huahine-Nui (big Huahine) and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine) which are linked by a narrow isthmus. Sheltered by the surrounding coral reef, the coastal waters and lagoons are good for encountering the local aquatic life. The archaeological site near Maeva Village is well worth a visit. Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia, 193km (120 miles) from Tahiti, and is the administrative centre for the Leeward Islands. In former times, the island was known as Havai’i, the royal and cultural centre of the region. The ideal conditions make the island a year-round destination for sailing and fishing enthusiasts. The ‘Vanilla Island’ of Tahaa is surrounded by the same reef as Raiatea, and offers a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle as tourism is only starting here. The breeze constantly carries the aroma of vanilla, from the island’s numerous vanilla plantations. BORA BORA: The most famous of the Leeward Islands is 45 minutes from Tahiti by plane. Excursions include visits to the small villages outside the main town of Vaitape and climbs up the two mountains of Otemanu and Pahia. There are many opportunities for watersports, such as deep-sea fishing, trips by glass-bottomed boat around the lagoons, scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming on a nearby motu (small sandy atoll within the reef of Bora Bora). In common with so many other Polynesian islands, Bora Bora has many ancient temples. There are good hotels on the island. OTHER ISLANDS: The Tuamotu group of islands is largely uninhabited. There are air and ferry links between Tahiti and several of the more popular islands, including Rangiroa, which has facilities for all forms of watersports. The Marquesas Islands are less well known among tourists, and as yet they have no first-class hotels. Both Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel are buried on Hiva Oa, and, on Ua Huka, it is possible to go horseriding between the numerous valleys. The island of Fatu Hiva offers one of Tahiti’s most beautiful locations – the valley of Hanavare, hidden between volcanic rock on the Bay of Virgins – as well as the important archaeological site of Puamau with its intact 2.1m-high (7ft) tiki, the largest on the Marquesas. The islands are four hours from Tahiti by plane. The Austral Islands have a generally cooler climate than the rest of French Polynesia. The mutineers of the ‘Bounty’ attempted to make a settlement on Tubuai in 1789. Accommodation is plentiful in the form of bungalows on or near the beach. Sport & Activities Watersports: The sea around the South Pacific islands offers excellent scuba diving. There are 32 diving clubs in Tahiti which are members of the French Diving Federation and which are open all year round. Equipment can be hired and charter boats can take divers to the best areas. Further details are available from Tahiti Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section). Windsurfing and water-skiing are also well provided for. To supplement the numerous sandy beaches and clear lagoons, there is an olympic-size swimming pool at boulevard Pomare, Papeete, as well as pools at many hotels. The largest yachting organisation is the Yacht Club de Tahiti. Waters around the islands are ideal for small craft, and several clubs and hotels hire out craft. Fully equipped deep-sea fishing boats are available for charter at Tahiti Actinautic. The Haura (Marlin) Club is a member of the International Game Fishing Association. Other holiday villages and hotels can arrange trips. Spectator sports: Football is popular throughout the islands and can be seen almost anywhere. Fautaua Stadium near Papeete is a major venue on Sunday afternoons. Tahitian-style horseracing can be seen at the Hippodrome in Pirae. Races are held 12-15 times a year. Other scheduled spectator sports include archery, cycling and canoeing. Other: Club Alpin in Arue provides information and assistance for climbing Mount Aorai, with a shelter at 1798m (5900ft), Mount Orohena and Mount Diademe. Hourly and day-long horseriding tours can be arranged through Club Equestre de Tahiti and Centre de Tourisme Equestre de Tahiti, both at the Hippodrome, Pirae, Tahiti. Tennis courts are available at Fautaua Tennis Club, which offers temporary membership to visitors. Many of the islands’ hotels have courts and some are available to non-residents. There is an 18-hole golf course at Atimaono. Mountain bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles can be hired to explore the interior. Paragliding is available. Social Profile Food & Drink: All the classified hotels have good restaurants. French, Italian, Chinese and Vietnamese food is served, as well as the Polynesian specialities; Papeete is noted for French and Chinese cuisine. Tahitian food can be found in some hotels. Popular dishes include smoked breadfruit, mountain bananas, fafa (spinach) served with young suckling pig, poisson cru (marinated fish, for example raw tuna served with coconut cream and limes), or poe (starchy pudding made of papaya, mango and banana). Trucks or lunch wagons parked on the waterfront sell steak, chips, chicken, poisson cru, brochettes and shish kebabs. A key to how expensive a restaurant will be is often indicated by dollar signs; for instance, $$$$ will indicate an expensive restaurant, whereas $ will indicate a budget restaurant. A full range of alcoholic drinks is widely available. Nightlife: Papeete is full of life in the evenings with many restaurants and nightclubs. Most hotels feature Tahitian dance shows, bands and other traditional entertainment. Shopping: Facilities are concentrated in Papeete. Special purchases include Marquesan woodcarvings, dancing costumes, shell jewellery, Tahitian perfumes, Monoi Tiare Tahiti (coconut oil scented with Tahiti’s national flower), vanilla beans and brightly patterned pareu fabrics that make the traditional Tahitian pareo. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1130 and 1330-1700/1800, Sat 0730-1100. Shops will sometimes close for lunch, anytime between 1100-1400. Some shopping centres in the suburbs of Tahiti are open 0730-2000. Special Events: For a complete list, contact the GIE Tahiti Tourisme (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of major festivals and other special events celebrated in Tahiti in 2003: Jan 1-3 2003 The Tere Ceremony, celebrated on the island of Rurutu. Jan 5 New Year Island Kaina Tour (island tours in flower buses), Tahiti. Feb 1-15 Chinese New Year Celebrations, festivities take place throughout the islands. Feb 15 Tahiti Nui Sunrise Marathon, Moorea. Mar 2-8 Raiatea International Billfish Tournament (a challenging tournament rewarded with trophies and cash prizes). Mar 5 The Coming of the Gospel (a commemorative celebration of the arrival in Tahiti of the first Protestant missionaries); Third Leeward Island Games, Huahine; The Australs Inter-Island Games, Rurutu. Apr 27-May 31 The Me Ceremony (an Evangelical Church charity event where fundraising is done in each parish throughout the whole of French Polynesia). May 1-5 and 6-18 Billabong Pro Surfing Competition, Teahupoo. Jun 29 Hiva Va’eva’e, autonomy celebrations. Jun 21-Jul 27 Heiva Nui 2003, To’ata Square, Papeete. Jun 27-Jul 21 The Crafts Heiva (a big crafts exhibition based around the theme of Polynesian legends that brings together artists from all four corners of French Polynesia). Aug Golf Open International, Mataiea, Tahiti. Oct 4 International Long Distance Triathalon, Moorea. Oct 15-17 Hawaiki Nui Va’a Outrigger Canoe Race, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. Oct 18-25 Tahiti Carnival (annual event), countrywide. Nov 26-29 International Endurance. Dec 20-31 End of Year Festivities, To’ata Square, Papeete, Tahiti. Social Conventions: The basic lifestyle of the islands is represented by the simple Tahitian fares built of bamboo with pandanus roofs. Local women dress in bright pareos and men in the male equivalent, but casual dress is expected of the visitor (except in Papeete, where bathing suits and shorts are not considered suitable dress). Traditional dances are still performed mostly in hotels, with Western dance styles mainly in tourist centres. Normal social courtesies are important. Tipping: In general not practised but tolerated, since it is contrary to the Tahitian idea of hospitality. Business Profile Economy: The traditional Polynesian economy was agricultural, but that sector now accounts for less than five per cent of total output and employment. Coconuts are the principal cash crop and vanilla, coffee and citrus fruit are also produced in quantity. There is a substantial fishing industry, based on tuna, most of the income of which is derived from licences granted to foreign fleets. Manufacturing industry is mainly devoted to processing agricultural products; a mining industry has emerged following the recent discovery of phosphate and cobalt deposits. Polynesia was used repeatedly as a nuclear testing zone by the French, and the end of the nuclear programme (and the construction and service jobs which it brought with it) has led, in the short term, to high local unemployment and consequently a heavy dependence on migratory labour. The Government believes that tourism offers the best, and perhaps the only, prospect for a self-supporting economy. Tourist arrivals had been steadily rising during the early 1990s, but fell sharply following the resumption of nuclear testing in 1995 and have yet to recover to their pre-test level. At present, French Polynesia as a whole receives around 200,000 visitors annually. The territory suffers from a serious trade deficit – imports exceed exports by a factor of ten – so that considerable aid is needed from the French to balance the country’s finances. France dominates the islands’ trade; the USA is the other important trade partner. Business: Informal in atmosphere. Literature will be in French, but English is understood in some business circles, particularly those connected with tourism. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1730, Sat 0800-1200. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie, des Services et des Métiers Polynésie Française (CCISM), 41 rue du Docteur Cassiau, BP 118 – 98713, Papeete (tel: 540 700; fax: 540 701; e-mail: cci.tahiti@mail.pf; website: www.ccism.pf). Climate Temperate, but cooled by sea breezes. Two main seasons: humid (hot and wet) from November to March, cool and dry from April to October. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn, with a warm layer for cooler evenings. Rainwear is advisable. History and Government History: The first Europeans to arrive on the island groups were 16th-century Spanish and Portuguese explorers. The British, notably Captain Cook and later Captain Bligh (of ‘HMS Bounty’ notoriety), and then the French, took control of the islands in the 18th century. Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, was made a French protectorate in 1842 and a colony in 1880. The other islands were annexed by the turn of the century. This status quo remained until 1957, when Polynesia was made an Overseas Territory. A revised constitution, introduced in 1977, ceded greater autonomy. For the next 20 years, the islands’ politics were dominated by the French nuclear testing programme. By the time the programme ended in 1996, 150 separate explosions had been detonated, mainly on the atoll of Mururoa. In general, the French government was able to rely on the firm backing of most of French public opinion and an often ambivalent attitude on the part of the inhabitants of French Polynesia, who were well aware of the considerable benefits of the test programme to the otherwise threadbare local economy. The tests had begun in 1966, but it was not until the 1980s that opposition to them began to assume significant proportions, following the terrorist attack by French special forces on the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior. By the time of the final series of tests in 1995/6, Tahiti had become the focus of opposition from throughout the South Pacific, and several riots occurred. Although the protesters failed to stop the tests, their campaign had an important political effect by linking the anti-nuclear movement and the burgeoning pro-independence movement which had so far been largely unrepresented in any political forum, despite the support of a large proportion (possibly the majority) of the population. The politics of the territory had been dominated for the previous decade by the centre-right Tahoeraa Huiratira (TH) party, led by Gaston Flosse, allied to the French Gaullist Rassemblement pour la République (RPR), which backed French rule and nuclear testing. Tahoeraa has won all of the four most recent elections for the Territorial Assembly. At the most recent poll in May 2001, Tahoeraa won 28 seats giving the party an outright majority, and Flosse remains a popular leader despite his conviction for fraud in 1992. The main pro-independence party, Tavini Huiratira, has established itself as the main opposition. Government: The French government is represented by a High Commissioner who controls foreign affairs, defence and justice. In other spheres, the islands have enjoyed internal autonomy since July 1977, which is exercised by an elected government. This comprises a legislature, the 41-member Territorial Assembly which is directly elected for a five-year term, and an Executive President and Council of Ministers, all of whom are chosen from among the membership of the Assembly. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.