This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@French Polynesia
Introduction French Polynesia
Background:
The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th
century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by
resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year
moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.
Geography French Polynesia
Location:
Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of
the way from South America to Australia
Geographic coordinates:
15 00 S, 140 00 W
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)
water: 507 sq km
land: 3,660 sq km