Who Discovered Polynesia. French Polynesia - the pearl of the Pacific

Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central Pacific Ocean. Stretches north to south from Hawaiian Islands to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- the general name of the islands in the center, parts of the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu Tuna and ... Geographical encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- "mnogosstrovye", another name. Oceania, islands of the Great Ocean lying north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

POLYNESIA- French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885 1958 it was called the French possession in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in ... ...

POLYNESIA- one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific approx. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to the New. Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km & sup2. Main groups ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- I is one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. The area (excluding New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- noun, number of synonyms: 1 Australia (8) ASIS Synonym Dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

POLYNESIA- (French). Territory 4.2 thousand square kilometers, population, 150 thousand people. The economy is based on Agriculture, fishing and mining of nacreous shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand ... World sheep breeding

Polynesia- I Polynesia (from Poly ... and Greek. Nesos island) Oceania islands (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23 ° 30 N. NS. 28 ° S NS. and 176 ° east. d. 109 ° 20 W d.P. includes: islands of Tonga ( independent state with… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- French Polynesia Official name The territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, concealing Pōrinetia farāni) Located in the extreme east of Oceania. ... ... Encyclopedia of the countries of the world

Books

• Board game "Polynesia" (8783), Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean rustles, and houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skillful hunters and artisans, but also agile traders. You - ... Buy for 2192 rubles
• In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. Genuine, not fictional, adventures of the best of the authors of English historical-adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia - through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who committed ...

The three main regions of Oceania: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia

Polynesia Map

Polynesia(from ancient Greek. πολύς and νῆσος - many islands) is a sub-region of more than 1000 islands scattered across the Central and South Pacific Ocean between 23 ° 30'N. NS. - 28 ° S NS. and 176 ° east. - 109 ° 20'W e. The indigenous peoples inhabiting the islands of Polynesia are called Polynesians. They share many similarities, including language, culture, and beliefs. Historically, they are skilled seafarers, able to sail at night and navigate by the stars.

The term "Polynesia" was first used by the French writer Charles Bross in 1756, and was initially applied to all the islands in the Pacific Ocean. In 1831, during a lecture at the Paris Geographical Society, the French traveler, navigator, oceanographer Jules Dumont-Durville proposed a limitation on the use of the term.

It forms a triangle, the tops of which are: Hawaiian Islands in the north, southeast and southwest, but on these islands now the Polynesians make up only a small part of the population, even fewer people speak Polynesian languages.

In modern Polynesia, widespread English(on most of the islands), French (in French Polynesia, as well as in, along with English - in). Spanish is the predominant language on Easter Island.

Geography of Polynesia

"Polynesian Triangle"

Geology

The islands are mainly of volcanic and coral origin. Volcanic islands are mountainous (altitude over 4000 m; on the Hawaiian Islands 4202 m), coral - flat, low-lying. The islands of Hawaii and Samoa have active volcanoes. Most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs.

Territory

The area of ​​Polynesia (excluding New Zealand) is 26 thousand km².

Population

The population of Polynesia is 1.2 million (1969).

History of Polynesia

Main article: History of Polynesia

Island groups

Cook Bay on Moorea Island, French Polynesia

Border territories

History of the peoples of Polynesia

Main article: Polynesians

The culture of the peoples of Polynesia

Languages ​​of Polynesia

The main languages ​​of Polynesia are the Polynesian languages. English and French are also common as external languages.

Economy of the states of Polynesia

Polynesian states policy

Sailing of the peoples of Polynesia

These peoples, being the "peoples of the sea", perfectly mastered the art of navigation, which was vital. They knew the maps of the starry sky, guided themselves by them, knew the directions of the winds, nearby islands and much more. Polynesian ships (proa) can be considered full-fledged conquerors of the Pacific Ocean.

State structure

Notes (edit)

1. Hiroa, Te Rangi (Sir Peter Henry Buck). Vikings of the Sunrise. - Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd, reprinted 1964. - P. 67.
2. Don Macnaughtan - Lane Community College Library - Bibliography of Prehistoric Settlement on Norfolk Island, the Kermadecs, Lord Howe, and the Auckland islands (unspecified) ... Lanecc.edu. Retrieved September 11, 2011. Archived August 5, 2012.
3. O'Connor, Tom Polynesians in the Southern Ocean: Occupation of the Auckland Islands in Prehistory in New Zealand Geographic 69 (September-October 2004): 6-8)
4. To the Final Shore: Prehistoric Colonization of the Subantarctic Islands in South Polynesia in Australian Archaeologist: Collected Papers in Honor of Jim Allen Canberra: Australian National University, 2000.440-454.
5. Anderson, Atholl J., & Gerard R. O'Regan The Polynesian Archeology of the Subantarctic Islands: An Initial Report on Enderby Island Southern Margins Project Report. Dunedin: Ngai Tahu Development Report, 1999
6. Anderson, Atholl J. Subpolar Settlement in South Polynesia Antiquity 79.306 (2005): 791-800
7. Unincorporated and unorganized territory.
8. Independent state, freely associated with New Zealand
9. Dependent territory New Zealand

In no other place on our planet is there such a beautiful, black and perfect-looking pearl as on the islands of French Polynesia. And this is not surprising: it is the black pearls that are the first flashes of light presented by the Creator to Tanya, the ruler of the ten highest levels of the holy Heavens.

Tane made stars out of them and presented them to Ruahat, the sovereign of the ocean, so that he would illuminate his possessions with them. And then the unique light was in the hands of Oro, the god of war, who, having fallen in love with a princess from the island of Bora Bora, decided to give her something beautiful - and created a pearl, enclosing it in a beautiful shell. And when he went down the rainbow, the light of its darkest tones fell directly on the unique case, and the oyster inside it became completely black in color.

So, the most beautiful pearls of our world were created, and the oyster Margarita settled in warm waters Polynesian islands and has been living here for several millennia (and she liked the local habitats so much that she would never agree to live in any other place).

The name "Polynesia" is translated from Greek as "many islands", and the modern name was fixed already at the end of the 19th century, when the French Republic took the islands under its protectorate.

Thus, at the moment, French Polynesia is an overseas community of France, i.e. has broader rights when compared with the usual departments of this state. It has customs and fiscal autonomy, a separate security system and its own government, which can independently sign international treaties.

Despite the fact that it officially belongs to France, it is not part of the EU and is not automatically included in international treaties signed by the French Republic.

Where are the Polynesian islands

If you look closely at the world map, you will notice that the islands of French Polynesia are located in the Pacific Ocean, between Australia (5.2 thousand km to the west) and South America(6 thousand km eastward). It consists of five archipelagos, the total area of ​​which exceeds 4 thousand km² on land and 2.5 million km² on water, and they unite about one hundred and eighteen islands:

• Societies in the west;
• Tuamo - in the center;
• Marquesas - in the north;
• Tubuai - in the south;
• Gambier is in the east.

Due to the strong remoteness from the continent, despite the fact that the Polynesian Islands are extremely beautiful, there are few endemic animals here: there are almost no mammals, only lizards, insects and birds.

How the islands were formed

Almost all the islands of French Polynesia appeared about 50-60 million years ago and, despite the fact that most of them are of volcanic origin, there are many coral islands, they are easy to distinguish by their appearance.

Coral islands (primarily this refers to the Tuamotu archipelago) have an oval, round shape or resemble half rings. They rise only a few meters above the sea, the lagoons are surrounded by coral reefs, and the land consists mainly of sandy plains covered with thickets of coconut palms.

At the same time, the Volcanic Polynesian Islands are characterized by the presence of a volcano and mountainous relief(the most high point French Polynesia is located in Tahiti, Mount Orohena, whose height is 2241 m), dense tropical vegetation, a huge number of palm and coconut trees and the presence of valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lagoons.

Recently, geologists have established that these volcanoes are moving. Together with tectonic plates, they move several centimeters to the northwest every year. Many of them go under water - therefore geologists put forward the assumption that after a few million years the islands of volcanic origin will disappear completely and only atolls will remain, which, on the contrary, every year increase their area (both in height and in length).

Population

Seventy-eight percent of the local population is Polynesian (78%). They began to settle here since the first century AD. Scientists suggest that, most likely, these were settlers from Samoa (if you look at the map, it is located 3.5 thousand km to the west, closer to Australia). First, the natives settled the Marquesas Islands, then the Communities.

Despite the considerable remoteness from the continent, the population of the French community exceeds 28 thousand people. The most populated archipelago are the Society Islands (about 87% of the population lives here), and more than 26 thousand people live in the main city of Polynesia, Papeete (this is 7.5% of the total population). Settle locals prefer near the coast, and almost no one lives in the mountains.

Climate

Despite the fact that locals are convinced that there are two seasons here - warm (from November to May) and cool (from June to October), in fact, the difference between them is noticeable only in the south.

The Polynesian Islands are found mainly in the tropical zone, and only the Marquesas are in the subequatorial. So it is not surprising that the weather is almost always good here (the average annual temperature is approximately + 26 ° C), the sun shines brightly, and there is little rainfall (although tropical hurricanes and powerful storms are not uncommon here, and in January quite -so destructive cyclones).

Thanks to such great weather, plants in the Polynesian Islands bloom throughout all year round, and during the cool season, flowering is gaining maximum size.

The most famous islands of Polynesia

The largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti, the island of lovers of Moorea and Bora Bora, with magnificent resorts where the most famous people planets are considered the most famous islands in the world.

Tahiti

Magnificent nature - waterfalls, rivers, streams, dense forests, Mountain peaks, glades with tropical flowers, magnificent beaches, coral reefs that separate the lagoon from the ocean - volcanic island Tahiti is rightfully considered one of the most famous islands in the world (if you look at the map, it is located in the east of the Society archipelago).

To date, there is the most high level life throughout Oceania. Since the area of ​​Tahiti is 1 thousand km², it is the largest island in French Polynesia. Here on the northwest coast is The largest city French community and its political and administrative center - Papeete.

Moorea island

The amazingly beautiful heart-shaped island attracts the attention of newlyweds from all over the planet - and those who can afford it come here to get married (especially since the wedding ceremonies of Moorea are extremely beautiful and interesting here).

Since local marriage documents are kept on the bark of a palm tree, they have no legal force, therefore, before visiting Moorea, it is better to take this into account and get married in advance in your country (or later, whoever succeeds).

If you look at the map of the Society, you will notice that Moorea is located 17 km from Tahiti in the northwest direction. This island is not very large - its width is 10 km, and two small bays in the north, which are symmetrically located in relation to each other, give it an amazing shape.

They appeared, as geologists explain as a result of a natural cataclysm: before, Moorea was much larger, but after the volcano, located in the northern part of the island, collapsed during strongest eruption, half of Moorea went under water. And the edge of the crater that remained on the surface was eroded, forming jagged peaks and spiers that gave the island an interesting shape. Despite its small size, there are eight mountains on the island.

It will be interesting to visit Moorea not only for lovers, divers or those who like to relax among the magnificent nature, but also for historians and culturologists: here are the ruins of an ancient Polynesian temple - Marae Titioroa, and also located Cultural Center where you can see what the local village looked like when Europeans discovered the island (1521).

A visit to the reconstructed village of Moorea will turn out to be quite informative, since here the center's employees will demonstrate to tourists:

• the art of tattooing by the ancient inhabitants of Moorea;
• show how tapa fabric is made;
• introduce you to wood and stone carving;
• demonstrate how the people of Moorea prepared their own food;
• will hold a master class on making musical instruments;
• will teach how to weave wreaths from tiara - this flower has long become a symbol of French Polynesia.

Bora Bora

On the island of Bora Bora (on the map it is located in the north-west of Tahiti, at a distance of 240 km) celebrities like to rest - here are the most comfortable, luxurious, and therefore the most expensive hotels in French Polynesia. If you wish, you can live here in bungalows located above the water.

The island itself is mountain range with three peaks that were formed in the crater long ago extinct volcano. Bora Bora consists of several islands - one central and motu (small coral islands).

The main attraction of Bora Bora is a lagoon surrounded by coral reefs with an extremely rich underwater world: in its center there is an open aquarium (lagunarium), behind the glass of which you can see barracuda, huge stingrays and even sharks, which tourists are allowed to feed under the strict supervision of an instructor.

Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central Pacific Ocean. It stretches from north to south from Hawaii to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

The general name of the islands in the center, parts of the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu Tuna and ... Geographical encyclopedia

- "mnogosstrovye", another name. Oceania, islands of the Great Ocean lying north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885 1958 it was called the French possession in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in ... ...

One of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific approx. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to the New. Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km & sup2. Main groups ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

I is one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. The area (excluding New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Noun., Number of synonyms: 1 Australia (8) ASIS Synonym Dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

POLYNESIA- (French). Territory 4.2 thousand square kilometers, population, 150 thousand people. The economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and the extraction of pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand ... World sheep breeding

I Polynesia (from Poly ... and the Greek. Nesos island) Islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23 ° 30 N. NS. 28 ° S NS. and 176 ° east. d. 109 ° 20 W etc. P. includes: the islands of Tonga (an independent state with ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- French Polynesia (French Polynesia) The official name of the Territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, hiding Pōrīnetia farāni). Located in the extreme east of Oceania. ... ... Encyclopedia of the countries of the world

Books

• Board game "Polynesia" (8783), Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean rustles, and houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skillful hunters and artisans, but also agile traders. You -…
• In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. Genuine, not fictional, adventures of the best of the authors of English historical-adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia - through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who committed ...

Since 2004, French Polynesia has the status overseas community France.

During the colonial expansion, 12 powerful empires shared power over the world. One of them - France - even before the start of the First World War, subjugated territories with a total area of ​​10.6 million square kilometers.

In 1842, under the protectorate of the metropolis, which occupied a total of 500 thousand km. sq., also hit the islands of French Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1880 they were given the status of a colony. In 1946, the former colony became an overseas territory.

Small dot in the Pacific Ocean

Islands of French Polynesia

The territory stretching in the south of the Pacific Ocean is formed by archipelagos: Society Islands, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Gambier and Tubuai. Only 76 of the 121 islets of the overseas region are inhabited. With a population of over 260 thousand people.

The numerous islands of the five archipelagos (left - Tahiti and main airport Papeete or Faaa)

How to get there - flight from Moscow

Due to the considerable distance there are no direct flights to French Polynesia from Moscow... The most popular route is the flight from Moscow to Tokyo on Aeroflot or JAL flights and connecting flight Air Tahiti Nui to Tahiti.

Other flight options: Moscow-Paris-Los Angeles-Tahiti flight operated by Air France", And Moscow-New York-Tahiti (companies" Delta Airlines "and" Air Tahiti Nui ").

The duration of any of the flights: 24-26 hours, excluding the time spent on connections (or 35-47 with connections).

On their way to French Polynesia and cruise ships departing from Genoa (Italy) and Santiago (Chile).

Climate

The islands of French Polynesia have a tropical maritime climate. The air temperature throughout the year fluctuates in the range from +20 to +30.

During warm and wet season lasting from November to May, precipitation is possible in the form of tropical showers, hurricanes and storms. Air humidity reaches 92%.

During the dry season, which covers the rest of the year, the rainy Maraamue and Toerau winds blow from the northeast and southeast. In the evenings, the air temperature can drop to +17.

General information

The population of French Polynesia uses French and Tahitian languages ​​in everyday life. English is also common in tourist areas.

The main currency of payment is the French Pacific francs (1000 XPF is approximately equal to 8.30 euros). Credit cards Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and American Express are widely used.

Roaming of large mobile operators is carried out through the local network Tikiphone SA.

• Transport
  Move between 35 largest islands French Polynesia provide Air Tahiti liners and the Paul Gauguin cruise ship. Travel by private jets, helicopters and catamarans is common. Some archipelagos have public transport however, for greater mobility, it is recommended to use a bicycle or rent a car.
• Visa and customs requirements
  For a visit, you must apply for a visa to visit the French overseas possessions (TOM) in the French visa centers or in the relevant departments of the Consulate General. When crossing the border, it is necessary to declare cash exceeding 7500 euros. The import of weapons, drugs and animal products is prohibited.
• Security
  When planning a trip to French Polynesia, do not worry about vaccinations: there is a developed healthcare system and there are no dangerous plants and living creatures. You are allowed to drink tap water. Although there are no restrictions on clothing, it is recommended to swim in rubber slippers for safety reasons.

The best beaches

Based on a survey conducted by CNN among Facebook users, best beach in the world - snow-white Matira Beach- located on the island of Bora Bora.

Soft White sand and the azure waters of Matira beach

Its competitors for an unforgettable relaxation on the Pacific coast have become Fakarava beach located on the atoll of the same name,

Fakarava Pink Coast

and black Pointe Venus occupying the east coast of Tahiti.

Black Lava Pointe Venus

Popular are the Sigon rowing center, the Sofitel Beach on the Moorea coral reef, and the White Coast. Nuku Hiva, lying at the feet of the smallest Polynesian Catholic Church.

Deserted, but no less beautiful slopes Wah huka, divided between sandy Manikhina, small Motu-Papa and extended Khatuana.

And the most fantastic beaches, covered with fine pink sand, are located on Tikehau atoll.

Excursions and attractions of the mysterious islands

You should not pay all attention to just one of the Polynesian islands: each one captivates with its unique charm.

Recreation, sports and entertainment

Extreme surfing in Tahiti

A string of islets lost in the Pacific Ocean promises a lot of adventure for lovers active rest... Novice divers set off to explore sunken galleon off the coast of Raiatea sinking into shallow grotto Tetopa, which is not far from Tahiti, and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the lagoon of Huahin Island.

A deep-sea fresh spring awaits their more experienced companions "The Spring" and well Hole in the Lagoon located near Tahiti, passage "Teavapiti Pass", what east of the island Raiatea, and the reefs of Tupitipiti and Muri-Muri, located near Bora Bora.

In May, when the waves reach their maximum strength, Tahiti conducts international surfing competition "Billabong Pro Teahupoo"... June 14th he accepts sailing regatta "Tahiti Nui", and from 21 to 24 June - international golf tournament.

On Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Tahiti, bike rides and jeep safaris, and guests of Maupiti can climb to piku Hotu Parata famous for its excellent views.

Traditional Polynesian cuisine

Polynesian cuisine is based on the ancient way of cooking in an earthen oven - ahimaa... The ingredients of the dish are rolled into banana leaves and slowly baked on hot stones.
Fresh products and seafood are widely used.

The most popular dishes are raw Tahitian fish seasoned in a marinade of coconut milk and lemon juice, Chinese ma'a tinito made with pork and pasta with beans and bok choy, and poe - air pudding from taro roots, bananas and pumpkin, flavored with vanilla and coconut milk sauce.

The best place to experience the island delicacies of French Polynesia is ethnic village Tiki Village located in Moorea.

Authentic Polynesian Village (Flickr / Greg Putrich)

Polynesia hotels - accommodation in panoramic bungalow

The resorts of French Polynesia do not have the traditional "star" classification of hotels.

Most of the hotels here are resort complexes of Polynesian-style bungalows. Elite cottages located above the water are equipped with transparent panoramic floors.

You can swim right from your room

On large islands hotels of extensive international chains operate with their own SPA-complexes and swimming pools: Novotel, Sofitel, Radisson Plaza, InterContinental.

Relatively inexpensive accommodation is offered by guest houses and family boarding houses. Hotels in French Polynesia are charged resort tax: per day 1.5 euros from one guest. Breakfast in all hotels, except chain hotels, is charged separately.

Shopping and souvenirs - extraordinary gifts for friends

Guests of French Polynesia will not leave the hospitable Bounty Islands without monoi oil softening the skin, fruit liqueurs and handicrafts made from fragments of solidified volcanic lava, shells and wood.

In the Pearl Market of Tahiti and Bora Bora, in mall"Vaima" and in the shops along Pomare boulevard you can buy jewelry from black pearls... A wide range of souvenirs is also offered by two-tiered Central market Papeete.