What was the most important island in French Polynesia?
It’s impossible to mention islands in French Polynesia without talking about Bora Bora, also in the Society Islands and a 50-minute flight from Papeete.
What are the islands called in Tahiti?
The Society Islands include the country’s main and largest island, Tahiti, her enchanting sister island, Moorea, Marlon Brando’s Tetiaroa paradise atoll, and multiple other world-class islands in between.
What was Tahiti originally called?
In 1767 Tahiti (then usually called Otaheite) was visited by Capt. Samuel Wallis of the British navy, who named it King George III Island. It was subsequently visited by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville (1768), who claimed it for France.
Why did the French take over Tahiti?
The missionaries tried to put a stop to local religious practices, nudity and other aspects of indigenous life. Some forms of Polynesian culture were lost for many years. Tahiti, in the Society islands, became a French colony in 1880. France later annexed other islands to form the French Colony of Oceania.
Is French Polynesia the same as Tahiti?
Tahiti is part of French Polynesia. French Polynesia is a semi-autonomous territory of France with its own assembly, president, budget and laws. France’s influence is limited to subsidies, education and security.
When did Europeans first arrive in Tahiti?
In the 16th century, Magellan, then Mendana respectively, reached the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. However, it was the Englishman, Samuel Wallis who is memorable in the European discovery of Tahiti (1767).
What 3 islands make up the Polynesian Triangle?
In ancient times, voyagers crossing the Pacific Ocean gave shape to the Polynesian Triangle, an area anchored by three groups of islands: Hawaii in the north; Easter Island, whose indigenous name is Rapa Nui, to the southeast; and New Zealand, which is called Aotearoa in the Maori language, to the west.
Was Tahiti a French colony?
Recent History The native Pomare Family ruled until December 29, 1880, when Tahiti finally became a French colony. In 1957, the islands were reconstituted into a French Overseas Territory and given the official name French Polynesia.
How did Polynesians get to Tahiti?
Great Outrigger Canoes between 500 BC and 500 AD. These great expeditions, that ended in about 1000 AD brought about what is known as the “Polynesian Triangle” that is made up of Hawaii (in the north), Easter Island (in the East) and The Islands of Tahiti (to the west) and of New Zealand (in the southwest).
What race is Tahitian?
The Tahitians, (Tahitian: Mā’ohi; French: Tahitiens) are the Polynesian ethnic group indigenous to Tahiti and thirteen other Society Islands in French Polynesia. The numbers may also include the modern population in these islands of mixed Polynesian and French ancestry (French: demis).