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.

This is an incredible place for scubadiving. Best dive sites are located on the Tuamotu archipelago (Rangiroa, Fakarava), but any other place is fine for diving (Moorea, Raïatea, Bora Bora, etc.).

Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from South America to Australia.
Geographic coordinates: 15° 0' S, 140° 0' W
Coastline km: 2,525 km km
Climate: Tropical, but moderate
Terrain: Includes five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru.
Elevation: Highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m.
Natural hazards: Occasional cyclonic storms in January
Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
Population: 266,339 (July 2004 est.)
Languages: French & Tahitian
Capital: Papeete
Divisions: None (overseas territory of France), but there are 5 archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent note: Clipperton Island is administered by France from French Polynesia.

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