French Polynesia

French Polynesia, French territory in the South Pacific that includes Tahiti, one of the Society Islands. The island groups in the territory include the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society, and the Tuamotu. The capital city in the territory is Papeete, Tahiti. The peoples of these islands, which lie 2,800 mi (4,500 k) south of Hawaii, are mainly Polynesian. The economy of the islands is based on farming, fishing, and tourism. The official language is French. In 1995 France carried out some nuclear tests in the area.