Tahiti – from mountains to jungles to reefs, this island paradise beckons lovers of nature, history and culture alike to come explore.
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, the Oceania archipelago. Shaped like the number eight, the island is divided into Tahiti Nui (the western, larger part) and Tahiti Iti (the eastern peninsula).
With black sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and two extinct volcanoes, Tahiti is a popular vacation destination. Explored by Captain James Cook in the 18th century, it was often immortalized by French artist Paul Gauguin.
Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity and an overseas country of the French Republic.
The capital of French Polynesia, Papeʻete, is located on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The only international airport in the region, Faʻaʻā International Airport, is on Tahiti near Papeʻete.
Tahiti was originally settled by Polynesians between 300 and 800 CE. They represent about 70% of the island’s population, with the rest made up of Europeans, Chinese and those of mixed heritage.
The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by France in 1880, when it was proclaimed a colony of France, and the inhabitants became French citizens.
French is the sole official language, although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti) is also widely spoken.
