French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located in the middle
of the Pacific Ocean consisting of five main island groups in an area of 5
million km² between the continents of Australia and South America. The islands
are a selection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn across the eastern South
Pacific. These islands have allured, inspired and enamoured visitors since
the time the islands were first discovered. The largest and most populated
island is Tahiti. The major island groups are the Society, Marquesas and Gambier
Islands.
Severe tropical storms are not very common in the area of French Polynesia. The
last hurricane that caused any significant damage was in December 1989. The most
severe weather heads for the Society Islands during years when the El Nino
occurs. The Marquesas Islands are much closer to the Equator, their weather
tends to be warmer with more rainfall. At the other extreme, the Gambier Islands
are about as far south of the Equator as the northern part of Mexico is north of
the Equator.
The exotic lure of these islands is complimented by the hospitable Polynesian
people. The heavily scented heavily air of tropical flowers and the fiery
romantic sunsets that signalling the end of another Tahitian day have captured
many explorers and artists.