French Polynesia Photos

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French Polynesia Info

Capital City: Papeete
French Polynesia (Polynésie française) is a set of islands that is an overseas country attached to France. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between California and Australia.
Tahiti and her islands cover four million square kilometers of ocean which is the same area as the European Union. However the land above sea level accounts for some 7,000 square kilometers consisting of 118 islands, grouped into 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.

Climate

Tropical, but moderate. Natural hazards : occasional cyclonic storms in January. Very humid.
The average ambient temperature is 27°C (80°F) and the waters of the lagoons average 26°C (79°F) in the winter and 29°C (84°F) in the summer. But do not worry, most resorts and hotel rooms are air conditioned or cooled by ceiling fans.
Summer is from November through April, with a warmer and more humid climate and winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier. When you step out of the airplane, you'll immediately notice that the air is warm and humid. Consequently, besides your camera and your extra memory cards, do not forget to pack lightweight cotton clothes, sunscreen lotion and a baseball cap or a wide brimmed hat. Synthetic fabrics can get hot and sticky in the tropics.

Terrain

Mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs.
Highest point : Mont Orohena 2,241 meters (6790 feet)
Diverse landscapes:
 ▪  Valleys cut by rivers and waterfalls
 ▪  Crests leading to summits attaining heights of more than 2,000 meters (6,500 feet)
 ▪  Seashore paths bordering remote creeks overshadowed by cliffs.