A large group of islands in the central Pacific including Tahiti, Marquesas, Tuamoto and Mururoa, the French nuclear testing center (also Fangataufa). Visited by French explorer Louis de Bougainville 1768, annexed by purchase from the king Pomare in 1888.

There is an independence movement but the French government had no intention of giving up control of these territories as long as the nuclear testing program continued (ended early 1996). No doubt if this comes to an end independence is a possibility but the people will need help to deal with the radioactive consequences. In general France does not leave its small island territories.

Polynesian

French

As an overseas territory of France the people are represented in the French Parliament and European Union.

The traditional economy of agriculture and fishing has been swamped by government spending, partly on the nuclear test program, partly to buy off independence desire. If independence occurs this money would cease. Could the islanders cope with this? Perhaps though many of the settlers would leave.

There is tourism.

There are serious implications for health in the nuclear testing sites. Non-French scientists have claimed that radioactivity has escaped from the test sites into the ocean and has contaminated the fish and other foods of the local people. It is claimed that there are many signs of health and genetic damage among the people and fauna of this area. The French government denies all this but refuses to undertake health checks.

New Zealand is especially concerned about contamination of the ocean in its area. All the Pacific nations have protested about the French activities.

French norm (vigorous riot police).