Is Tahiti a French speaking country?
The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by France in 1880, when it was proclaimed a colony of France, and the inhabitants became French citizens. French is the only official language, although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti) is widely spoken.
Is Tahiti and French Polynesia the same?
The islands were first settled by migrating Polynesians as early as 500BC. They were later discovered by European explorers during the 16th century and eventually colonized by France. Now officially known as French Polynesia, Tahiti is an autonomous overseas country of the French Republic.
What percentage of Tahiti speaks French?
An organic law of 12 April 1996 states that “French is the official language, Tahitian and other Polynesian languages can be used.” At the 2017 census, among the population whose age was 15 and older, 73.9% of people reported that the language they spoke the most at home was French (up from 68.6% at the 2007 census).
Is Tahiti still a French colony?
Tahiti is the most densely-populated island. Tahiti, in the Society islands, became a French colony in 1880. France later annexed other islands to form the French Colony of Oceania. In 1946 the islands became an overseas territory and in 2004 gained “overseas country” status.
Do French Polynesians speak French?
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian, although each island group has its own language. English is spoken in all hotels. On most of the larger islands you will also find English spoken in most shops and restaurants.
Is French Polynesia owned by France?
Overview. French Polynesia is a French overseas territory with a high level of autonomy under the terms of the 2004 Organic Law (2004-192). It comprises five archipelagos (Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier and Australs).
When did Tahiti become French?
1880
The history of the Society Island groups is virtually that of Tahiti, which was made a French protectorate in 1842 and a colony in 1880. French missionaries went to the Gambier group in 1834, and in 1844 a French protectorate was proclaimed, followed by annexation in 1881.
Why is Polynesia French?
French Polynesia is a sprawling possession of France in the Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 volcanic and coral islands and atolls, including Tahiti. Tahiti, in the Society islands, became a French colony in 1880. France later annexed other islands to form the French Colony of Oceania.
What Polynesians speak French?
The archipelagoes of French Polynesia are the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Tubuai Islands.