Background of French Polynesia

Population: 278,963 (July 2007 est.)
Area: 4,167 sq km
Density: 62 /km&sup2; (130th)
GDP (total): $4.58 billion (not ranked)
GDP (per capita): $17,500&sup1; (not ranked)
Literacy: 98%

French Polynesia Background Information

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.