Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of
France)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory
of France)
Flag description: two narrow red horizontal bands encase a wide white band; centered on the white band is a disk with blue and white wave pattern on the lower half and gold and white ray pattern on the upper half; a stylized red, blue and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the French flag is used for official occasions
Economy
Economy—overview: Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. Tourism accounts for about 20% of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefited from a five-year (1994-98) development agreement with France aimed principally at creating new jobs.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$2.6 billion (1997 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: NA%
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$10,800 (1997 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78% (1997)
Population below poverty line: NA%