Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part Pacific Ocean. It stretches from north to south from the Hawaiian Islands to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- the general name of the islands in the center, the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu tuna and ... Geographic Encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- "multi-island", otherwise called. Oceania, the islands of the Great Ocean, lying to the north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

POLYNESIA- French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885 1958 it was called the French possessions in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in… …

POLYNESIA- one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to Nov. Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km². The main groups ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- I is one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. The area (without New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- noun, number of synonyms: 1 australia (8) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

POLYNESIA- (French). The territory is 4.2 thousand square kilometers, the population is 150 thousand people. The basis of the economy is agriculture, fishing and the extraction of mother-of-pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand ... World sheep breeding

Polynesia- I Polynesia (from Poly... and Greek. nesos island) islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23 ° 30 s. sh. 28°S sh. and 176° E. 109°20 W d.p. includes: the islands of Tonga (an independent state with ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- French Polynesia Official name Territory of French Polynesia Located in the extreme east of Oceania. ... ... Encyclopedia of the countries of the world

Books

• Board game "Polynesia" (8783) , Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean roars, and the houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skilled hunters and artisans, but also nimble traders. You - ... Buy for 2192 rubles
• In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. Genuine, not fictitious adventures of the best of the authors of English historical-adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia - through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who made…

French Polynesia is an overseas representation of France. This cluster of small islands is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The place is represented by several archipelagos, such as the Gambier, Tubuai, Marxist, Tuamotu Islands, as well as the community islands. Their origin is usually coral or volcanic.

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French polynesia. Satellite map

The climate in French Polynesia is trade wind, tropical. However, there are differences between winter and summer, although the temperature certainly does not fall below zero. The vegetation of the island depends on the origin of the island itself. On the volcanic islands you will find dense, evergreen forests among which there are plantations of bananas and coconut palms. Also on the islands you will find many rivers enclosed in deep narrow valleys, and, of course, a huge number of tropical waterfalls.

The population is about 300 thousand. The basis is made up of Polynesians, much less than the Chinese. The French are only 6%. The cuisine is mainly represented by fish. You will be happy to offer crustaceans and other seafood. French Polynesia is a paradise for lovers, spouses and honeymooners. Also, people who are not indifferent to the beauty of the underwater world and marine fauna tend to come here. Also, many people are attracted by the wedding under the mysterious ceremony of the Polynesian rite.

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Getting to a real paradise on earth is not so easy: you have to overcome a long flight. However, amazing beauty fabulous place and the peace that prevails on the islands of French Polynesia are worth seeing with your own eyes. It has everything that a person who decides to get rid of problems needs. Situated on the very edge of the world, this unspoiled magical place attracts travelers who can afford a luxurious vacation.

Some facts about distant islands

French Polynesia, which has been an overseas community of France since 2004, is made up of 118 islands. 25 of them are uninhabited, while the rest receive guests all year round. The islands of French Polynesia, occupying five million km 2 of water, are located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Australia and South America.

The word "Polynesia", which comes from the Greek language, is translated as "many islands", and this name was assigned to the territory taken under the protection of the French Republic in the 19th century. The overseas community of France has customs autonomy and its own government, which signs international treaties with other countries. However, it is not part of the EU.

The list of islands of French Polynesia consists of 118 names, but they include only five archipelagos: Tuamo, the Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands, Gambier and Tubuai with a total area of ​​​​4 thousand km 2.

Island population

For more than one and a half thousand years, the territory, admiring the exotic brightness of colors, was inhabited by the Maori tribes, who left the ruins of ancient sanctuaries and stone pyramids, on the walls of which bizarre drawings are applied. And most of them have not yet been deciphered by scientists.

About 80% of the population are Polynesians. The most populated are the Aborigines do not live in the mountains, but prefer to live near the ocean.

Coral and volcanic islands

The islands of French Polynesia, which have different origins (volcanic and coral), are located far from civilization, which is an advantage for many tourists. The archipelago is inhabited by about 280 thousand people, and the main activity that brings income to the indigenous people is tourism.

The islands that arose after the eruption of volcanoes are special places. Incomparable corners that survived the invasion of burning lava several million years ago have changed forever. Mysterious canyons and deep gorges have retained in their appearance the seal of formidable processes that took place even before our era, and this is precisely their gloomy charm.

As scientists have recently established, volcanoes on the islands, along with tectonic plates, are shifting by several centimeters, and many even go under water. It is quite possible that soon they will disappear from the surface of the earth and only atolls will remain, which increase in length and height every year.

Other coral patches are golden sandy flats that contrast with the turquoise of the ocean. Towering several meters above the water surface, they differ in appearance from the islands of volcanic origin. The most beautiful lagoons are surrounded by huge coral reefs, and majestic coconut palms grow on the ground.

Climate and weather

The islands have a tropical climate with cool sea breezes. November marks the beginning of the hot and humid season, which lasts until March. Tropical showers, severe hurricanes and storms are possible at this time, and destructive cyclones are observed in January.

But most often tourists come here from April to October, when there is no exhausting heat and precipitation. However, you must be prepared for gusts of wind with an unpredictable temper, because the elements very often show their character. The daily air temperature throughout the year does not fall below 20 ° C, and the humidity is 92%.

Iles de la Societe

In the Society Islands, to which he gave his name famous traveler D. Cook, most of the Aborigines live. The archipelago, bearing traces of volcanic origin, looks mysterious, and tourists enthusiastically gaze at the dark outlines of the peaks of extinct giants that once spat fire. Opened in the 18th century, it consists of several administrative divisions, including two groups - Windward and Leeward Islands.

Main island of the archipelago

The most popular and largest island is sunny Tahiti. On the world map, it can be found in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. Since it is located near the equator, there is no usual change of seasons. A paradise place, which is part of the Windward Islands, attracts all lovers of the exotic. Densely populated Tahiti, formed over three million years ago, is covered in high mountain peaks and emerald forests.

The cultural and economic center of French Polynesia is of great interest to tourists. According to researchers, the highest standard of living is observed here. Cozy restaurants, trendy shops and the famous Black Pearl Museum attract thousands of guests. Most vacationers who have no idea on the world map dream of relaxing on the chic beaches of the island. However, it is worth warning that there are not so many of them as it might seem at first glance. Pointe Venus is considered the most convenient place for swimming and sunbathing. The guests of this charming corner are delighted with the beaches with rich black sand, which they acquired due to their volcanic origin.

Administrative center

On the main island of the archipelago is the capital of French Polynesia - Papeete. In the administrative center with modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, a large number of fashionable shops, beautiful villas built international Airport. The compact city is ideal for walking and cycling.

Here you can buy real black pearls, buy mother-of-pearl, various souvenirs from shells, fruit liqueurs. The capital is adored by shopaholics all over the world, who buy high-quality products from popular French manufacturers.

The picturesque island of Bora Bora

Nestled in a beautiful lagoon that protects against the strongest hurricanes and violent waters, Bora Bora (French Polynesia) is a huge mountain range with three high peaks. Consisting of several islands, it is famous for luxurious resorts that are located in colorful local villages. Rest on it is chosen by world celebrities and aristocrats staying in luxury hotels. Tourists who dream of a secluded vacation and do not want to give up all the delights of civilization will be able to fulfill their dream and settle in a bungalow over the water.

Lost at the end of the world, northwest of Tahiti and part of the Leeward Islands, is one giant beach, and tourists can enter the water from anywhere.

Favorite island among honeymooners

Not far from Tahiti, you can find the wonderful island of Moorea, famous for its snow-white beaches and pineapple plantations. Created by mother nature in the shape of a heart, it attracts lovers from all over the world. Such a curious appearance is given to it by two symmetrically located bays - Cook and Opunohu, which appeared as a result of a natural disaster millions of years ago.

Those who can afford to marry in a fabulously beautiful corner rush here to join their lives. True, it is worth knowing that local documents have no legal force, so it is best to get married in your own country, and come to the island of Moorea to get aesthetic pleasure from beautiful wedding ceremonies.

Attractions of an amazing place

A fabulous place, to which the jagged spiers of a dilapidated volcano give color, attracts not only lovers. Tourists climb to the Belvedere observation deck, which offers fantastic views of the bays and mountains. Moorea is adored by historians who study the ruins ancient temple Titiroa Marae, and all vacationers will be interested in visiting the cultural center of Tiki Theater Village.

It will allow you to see what a Polynesian village looked like at the moment when a European foot first set foot on the island. In French-built thatched huts, guests will learn about various crafts. The center's employees are engaged in tattooing and woodcarving, making fabrics and musical instruments, weaving wreaths of exotic flowers. And those who got into the house floating on the waves will see how black pearls are artificially grown. The staff, dressed in traditional costumes, will demonstrate colorful wedding ceremonies, and a cheerful dance show, where guests are treated to delicious punch, leaves no one indifferent.

Ideal place for divers

The colorful island of Rangiroa (French Polynesia) is the largest atoll located in the Tuamotu archipelago. The favorite corner of divers, whose name translates as "immense sky", is a picturesque place that makes you fall in love at first sight. All his entertainment is connected with water, famous for its incredible transparency.

From a bird's eye view, the atoll surrounded by corals resembles a huge necklace resting on the water.

The most mystical place

Aborigines consider the island of Hua Hin (French Polynesia), nicknamed "wild", the keeper of the oldest local culture, and this statement is not accidental. The mystical corner, recognized as the main archaeological center, surprises with a huge number of artifacts. Plots found here ancient civilization, dating back to 900 BC, with a large number of objects buried in the ground.

Tourists are also attracted by natural mysteries, and every vacationer dreams of seeing the unique "green ray" phenomenon. When the sun goes below the horizon, emerald highlights flare up, formed due to the refraction of light in the Earth's atmosphere.

uninhabited islands

The vast Tuamoto archipelago, which locals called the "pearl strand of Tahiti", consists of 78 coral atolls. Most of them are uninhabitable, and they gained fame thanks to the extraction of black pearls. Farms for growing the precious mineral of animal origin are considered the backbone of the economy of the islands of French Polynesia. It is here that the most beautiful and perfect pearls of a dark shade are collected. Maori legends say that they are the first flashes of light given to Tane, the god of birds and forests. People come here not only to admire the coral gardens, picturesque lagoons, but also to do water sports sports.

Gambier is a miniature island of volcanic origin, where tourism is not developed. This is a very remote part of the land, the main attraction of which is a pearl plantation.

Austral (Tubuai) is an island that is also unaffected by tourism. Consisting of five islands, it is not popular among vacationers.

Mysterious Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia), located near the equator, are considered the most mysterious. A paradise untouched by man, covered with lush vegetation, fascinates at first sight. It is simply impossible to describe the beauty of the amazing corner, consisting of 12 islands. On the archipelago, whose name translates as "Land of Men", once he was looking for inspiration, and the famous Paul Gauguin found his last refuge. Jacques Brel, a Belgian poet and actor, rests next to the brilliant impressionist. Tourists can bow to the graves or make exciting walking tours along green slopes. In addition, they offer horseback riding tours, and no one refuses the temptation to see stunning panoramas and capture them on video.

French Polynesia, which has preserved its originality and develops its tourist infrastructure, is always glad to see guests. If there is a real paradise on earth, then it is located at the very end of the world, where the virgin nature and civilization are ideally combined. It seems that time has stopped on the islands, and you want to enjoy the beauty of a magical corner forever.

Polynesia refers to the vast territories of the Pacific region, which include more than a thousand large and miniature islands. All of them are distinguished by incredible exotic nature and rich culture of the local population.

Polynesia

Geography of Polynesia

Polynesia, whose countries attract more and more visitors every year, is characterized by a mountainous terrain, which is preserved on almost all the islands of the subregion. Since it is in this area that the convergence of two oceanic lithospheric plates is located, almost all Polynesian states can boast of numerous active and long-dead volcanoes. Moreover, most of the islands were formed precisely due to the eruption of ancient volcanoes.
However, coral reefs are another important factor under the influence of which the flat and low-lying island territories of Polynesia appeared. Thousands of experienced and novice divers come here every year for their unique beauties and rich underwater world. The volcanic islands are characterized by average heights above sea level, but in the Hawaiian Islands there are peaks exceeding 4 thousand meters in height, and the altitude maximum of Polynesia reaches 4202 meters. Another feature of the local island possessions is the abundance of cozy bays, bays and surrounded by luxurious coral reefs.
The Polynesian countries occupy quite impressive territorial possessions with an area of ​​​​about 26 thousand square kilometers, if you do not take into account the lands of New Zealand. According to experts, more than one million people live there, but it is rather difficult to give an exact figure.
As for the local climate of Polynesia, the countries of this region can boast of high temperatures and quite favorable conditions all year round. weather conditions. Of course, climatic conditions each country has its own specific features, but mainly they depend on the remoteness of the islands from the equator and the proximity of powerful ocean currents. Characteristically pretty a large number of annual precipitation is about 2 thousand millimeters. The local population often suffers from lightning storms and typhoons.
Since the islands of Polynesia are very remote from the mainland, local nature and animal world are distinguished by a variety of endemic plant and fauna species. However, if vegetable world here is really rich and tirelessly surprises the guests of the islands, the fauna is not particularly remarkable. However, the influx of tourists to the countries of Polynesia is facilitated by the fact that poisonous snakes and insects do not live here, and it is also impossible to stumble upon large predators. That is why tourists can safely enjoy walks through the rainforests and explore the truly amazing nature of the island nations.

Polynesian culture

Traditions and cultural heritage The peoples of Polynesia have always been interested in humanity and at the same time frightened. How many islands, so many peoples. The inhabitants of each Polynesian state can boast of their own language, or at least a dialect. However, most of them were under the control of European powers for a long time, so the local population is also fluent in English and French. The most surprising fact is that, despite the enormous distances between islands and countries, all Polynesians perfectly understand each other and do not experience any language barrier.
It is known that the first settlements in Polynesia appeared in the first century BC. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds on the island lands, in particular ancient ceramics from New Caledonia. Europeans first arrived here at the beginning of the sixteenth century, along with the explorer and navigator Magellan. A few centuries after that, the ship of the legendary arrived to the shores of Polynesia. In the twentieth century, the islands of the region were divided between France, England, Germany and the United States of America. Some of them are still owned by European powers.
The inhabitants of the islands of Polynesia are mainly engaged in agriculture, because volcanic soils are fertile. Europeans brought here some types of domestic animals, so recently cattle breeding has become no less relevant. Endless ocean expanses also create unique conditions for excellent fishing. The myths about the cannibals that inhabited the islands of Polynesia were greatly exaggerated, although according to one of the beliefs of the Polynesians, in order to increase their vitality, it is necessary to eat the brain or liver of their enemy. However, scary tales about cannibals still attract thousands of curious travelers here.
The national cuisine of the islanders will certainly appeal to lovers of seafood and meat, which are cooked here on an open fire and served with incomparable tropical fruit sauces. Of particular interest are also some of the rites and rituals of the local tribes. There is certainly no place for boredom in the countries of Polynesia!

Touristic Polynesia: countries and islands worth visiting at least once in a lifetime

• 1) - in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, a luxurious tropical country is located, which has long become a favorite place for millions of tourists. Travelers are attracted not only by the rich excursion program of the local lands, but also, which the local population is trying to preserve in the pristine world. Fans of active and extreme recreation will simply be delighted with the abundance of local entertainment: gliding, bungee jumping, zorbing, diving and sailing. Of course, holidays in New Zealand require significant financial costs, but an excursion to Queenstown or Te Anau is definitely worth the money. Although everyone knows this country as a center of extreme tourism, local sandy beaches perfect for a relaxing relaxing holiday.
• 2) New Caledonia is a French possession in Polynesia, where you should definitely come for the sake of domesticated tropical nature. Everything here is made in European style, so even if you find yourself on such a tropical island far from the mainland, you can enjoy the delights of civilization. Especially popular are local deserted beaches and incredible nature.
• 3) Easter Island - a truly legendary place on earth, considered the most remote locality planets. It is here that the centuries-old moai statues are located, over the purpose and date of creation of which historians are still puzzled. Special attention should be paid to the volcanoes of the island with their fabulous craters and amazing stories. By the way, in January-February, on Easter Island, you can watch the fabulous Tapati festival, when local natives arrange a truly incredible action.
• 4) Hawaiian Islands- the famous Polynesian possession of the American state. Who does not dream of where luxurious hotels, endless white sand beaches, powerful volcanoes and friendly natives await you. Along the coast of the island of Maui, experienced and novice divers explore the ocean all year round. In addition, surfers love to conquer. The excursion program of the islands also offers a wide choice of connoisseurs of historical and cultural attractions.
• 5) is one of the most picturesque island nations in Melanesia. Most of all, local resorts are liked by newlyweds, because the atmosphere in Fiji seems to be created for romance and love. natural parks with endemic plant species, valleys of blooming orchids or walks with dolphins can hardly leave a person indifferent. In addition, the ancient architecture of the local cities and ethnic markets will give your trip a special charm and an exceptional atmosphere.
• 6) The Solomon Islands is another flourishing island state of Melanesia. Although the tourism industry is underdeveloped here, local natural resources and amazing fauna never cease to attract curious travelers. It is the naturalness and originality of these islands that is considered their highlight.
• 7) is another French overseas possession. The islands of this country have long been considered among the most wealthy tourists. Here you can plunge headlong into a luxurious vacation. Among the popular entertainments, it is worth mentioning diving, yachting trips and excursions to magnificent national parks.

All Polynesian countries deserve your attention, because each of them has something to surprise its guests with!