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Tahiti
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People & Culture of Tahiti
A background of French Polynesia, its people and its culture.
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POPULATION
French Polynesia is home to 220,000 people who are reknowned for their joie de vivre, beauty and elegance.
While 75% of the population is classed as Polynesian, 12% is Chinese, mostly the descendants of plantation labourers, and 10% is local and expatriate French 10% and 3% other Europeans. However, over the centuries of European contact, there has been much genetic mixing, with some authorities saying that only 20% of the people are full Polynesian. The result is a fabulous people mixing the best of all races, and where racism does not exist.
A third of the population is under 15 and people now have a life expectancy of over 70.
LANGUAGE & EDUCATION
French and Tahitian are the official languages and English is widely spoken and understood.
Virtually all children attend school, and the country has a 98% literacy rate.
RELIGION
Religion plays an important part of daily life, and in rural areas, is reserved as a day of worship. Church services are uplifting, with the choirs singing passionately and clearly, the voices reaching for Heaven itself. 'Sunday best' means white for the women, whose flowing white dresses are accessoried by white hats of all shapes and sizes. Almost half the population is Protestant, with 37% being Catholic and the remaining 16% being different Christian religions and other religions such as Buddhists.
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