About French Polynesia

French Polynesia is one of those rare exotic countries that only the most seasoned travelers visit. The reason for this is the remoteness of the country from civilization, as well as the high level of prices due to high-quality service and services. French Polynesia is often mistakenly referred to as Tahiti after its largest island. French Polynesia will surprise everyone with its unique wild beauty of tropical nature, combined with developed infrastructure and some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world. Elite rest – that’s what you’ll find here.

Geography of French Polynesia

French Polynesia with an area of ​​only 4167 km² is administered by France, is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean and consists of more than 130 islands. In the north, east and south it borders with neutral Pacific waters, in the northwest with Kiribati, in the west with the maritime zone of the Cook Islands, in the southeast with the maritime zone of Pitcairn. The country includes such archipelagos as the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Society Islands, the Tubuai Islands, and the Gambier Islands. The highest point in French Polynesia is Mount Orohena on the island of Tahiti (the largest island in French Polynesia) with a height of 2241 meters.

Capital

Papeete

Area

The area of French Polynesia is 4167 km. sq.

Population

277 293

Currency

The official currency is the French Pacific franc.

Language

Official language – French

Visa to French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a special visa regime, a standard Schengen visa for a trip to France is not suitable for a trip here. Citizens of the Russian Federation will need to apply for a special visa at the Department of Overseas Territories of France at the French Embassy called “visa for travel to French overseas territories”.

Weather in French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia are characterized by a tropical, trade wind climate, but in the northern part of the country a subequatorial climate prevails, and in the south a subtropical climate. French Polynesia, like other tropical countries, is characterized by the presence of only two seasons: wet and hot, as well as dry and cool. The wet period lasts from November to May, it is characterized by temperatures of 27 – 32 ° C and 92% humidity. At this time, heavy showers, hurricanes and storms are not uncommon on the islands, the peak of which occurs in January. The dry season from June to October brings temperatures down to 18-21°C. The average annual temperature is 22-26 °C. Throughout the year, French Polynesia is perfect for relaxing, the rainfall here is not prolonged and short-lived, and the heat is easily tolerated due to the constant sea breeze.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220V, frequency 50Hz. Most often in hotels there are sockets of the French type E with two round pins in the plug and one in the socket, less often – type A with two flat vertical pins.

Religion

More than half of the local residents of French Polynesia, namely 54% of the population are Protestants, 30% are Catholics, 6% are atheists. The rest adhere to other beliefs, including paganism. Among the Protestants there are supporters of the Protestant Evangelical Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Assemblies of God.

Security

The crime rate on the islands of French Polynesia is very low, the country is safe for foreign travelers. The foreigner here is rather a deity than an object for committing a crime. Be that as it may, observing the simplest security measures will not hurt: leaving large amounts of money, a passport and other valuables in a safe. Theft is rare, but it does happen.

Health

Despite the exotic location, health care in French Polynesia is excellent, there is no need to make special vaccinations before the trip. The tap water here is quite drinkable, high hygiene measures are observed everywhere. To ensure that nothing overshadows your holiday, take care of skin protection products from the sun, and also get shoes with thick soles, as corals and sea urchins tend to injure unskillful foreigners. Be careful when eating raw seafood, which is so popular in French Polynesia. An unprepared body can get an excess of crude protein, resulting in biointoxication.

About French Polynesia