A scatter of 130 South Pacific islands and coral atolls, over an area the size of Europe, combine to form French Polynesia. The average annual temperature varies between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F), with rainfall of over 150 cm (58 in). Nearly 75% of the population live on the main island of Tahiti. The French administration has developed the islands with little regard for local wishes, and the 70% West Polynesian (Mahoi) majority have seen their simple, self-sufficient economy transformed into one dependent on the French military and tourism. Nuclear testing on Mururoa atoll created many jobs, but there was growing opposition, and a final series of tests, held in 1995–1996 despite widespread international protests, provoked local demonstrations and riots in Papeete.

The Polynesian majority has called increasingly for more autonomy, reduced tourism, and the rebuilding of indigenous trade. Future hopes rest largely on new tuna fishing ventures.