French Polynesia - Geography

Geography

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
  • 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: Ahē, Bora Bora, Hiva 'Oa, Huahine, Mai'ao, Maupiti, Meheti'a, Mo'orea, Nuku Hiva, Raiatea, Taha'a, Tetiaroa, Tupua'i, and Tūpai.

Top 3 largest communes
Commune Island Population
Faaa Tahiti 29,900
Papeete Tahiti 26,300
Mahina Tahiti 14,500

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