Wonderful postcard incoming from - Tahiti (French Polynesia)!
Tahiti (previously also known as Otaheite (obsolete) is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia; this overseas collectivity of the French Republic is sometimes referred to as a French overseas country. It is located 4,400 kilometres south of Hawaii, 7,900 km from Chile and 5,700 km from Australia.The island is located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the central Southern Pacific Ocean, and is divided into two parts: the bigger, northwestern part Tahiti Nui and the smaller, southeastern part Tahiti Iti. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous with surrounding coral reefs. The population is 183,645 inhabitants (2012 census), making it the most populous island of French Polynesia and accounting for 68.5 percent of its total population.
Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. The capital, Papeete, is located on the northwest coast with the only international airport in the region, Fa'a'ā International Airport, situated 5 km from the town centre.
Tahiti was originally settled by Polynesians between 300 and 800 CE. They represent about 70 percent 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 only official language, although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti) is widely spoken.
I am very grateful to sender!
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