An overseas territory of France in the South Pacific; population 283,000 (estimated 2015); capital, Papeete (on Tahiti). French Polynesia comprises the Society Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Tubuai Islands, and the Marquesas. It became an overseas territory of France in 1946, and was granted partial autonomy in 1977.
An overseas territory of France in the South Pacific; population 283,000 (estimated 2015); capital, Papeete (on the island of Tahiti). French Polynesia includes the Society Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Tubuai Islands, and the Marquesas. It was granted partial autonomy in 1977.