Wednesday, January 4, 2012

French Polynesia




Flag of French Polynesia




The islands of French Polynesia have a total land area of 4,167 square kilometres (1,622 sq. mi) scattered over 2,500,000 square kilometres (965,255 sq. mi) of ocean. There are around 130 islands in French Polynesia. The highest point is Mount Orohena on Tahiti.

It is made up of six groups of islands. The largest and most populated island is Tahiti, in the Society Islands.

The island groups are:

    Marquesas Islands
    Society Islands [both the Iles Sous le Vent (Leeward) and Iles du Vent (Windward)]
    Tuamotu Archipelago
    Gambier Islands often considered part of the Tuamotu Archipelago
    Austral Islands
    Bass Islands often considered part of the Austral Islands

Aside from Tahiti, some other important atolls, islands, and island groups in French Polynesia are: Ahe-, Pora Pora, Hiva 'Oa, Huahine, Mai'ao, Maupiti, Meheti'a, Mo'orea, Nuku Hiva, Ra'ia-tea, Taha'a, Te Ti'aroa, Tupua'i, and Tu-pai.