The beauty of Tahiti

Landforms

Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of the French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. Tahiti, as well as the other Islands of French Polynesia are the peaks of an underwater mountain range. Due to Tahiti being the peak of a mountain, their is only 0.75 % ariable land, and they have very little natural resources.

Climate

Tahiti has a tropical wet climate. This is primarily due to its location near the equator. The warm ocean currents contribute to the warm temperatures that tahiti expirences yearly.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem for Tahiti and the whole French Polyneisean is tropical rainforest. The warm weather and heavy rain fall are perfect for tropical rain forests to thrive.

Natural Resources

Since Tahiti is the peak of a mountain and is a very small island, it has limited natural resources. Fish are one of Tahit's most abundant resources ( considering it is surrounded by ocean) and timber, which comes from the tropical rain forest that cover Tahiti.

Human Enviornment Interact

Tahiti's location in the southern Pacific Ocean puts its people at risk of a tropical cyclone. ( like a hurricane) When these cyclones do hit the inhabitants of Tahiti have had trouble preparing for them, due to their poor communication. Tahiti's vast forest make it hard to communicate from one part of the island to the other. These factors can lead to devestation when one does hit.

Political Borders

Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, which is still a semi-autonomous territory of France. The Tahitians are also french citizens. Tahit is bordered by the other islands of French Polynesia.

Culture

The Tahitian indigenous people had a rich culture even before the french colonized them. Their religion based on their gods dominated their life. The Tahitian dance called the Ote'a, is one of the most famous worldwide dances. It consist of grass skirts and quick swift hip shaking, it is often confused as the Hawaiian hula dance, the Hula dance is much slower.. Once the French people colonized the Tahitian people, things quickly changed. Now Protestant (54%) and Roman Catholicism (31%) are the dominate religions. 61% of the population is french with the remaining 31% are French Polynesian. Thanks to the native Tahitians and the colonization by France, Tahiti has a very vast and unique culture.

Demographics

Tahiti has a current population of 178,133, which is the largest population of any of the French Polynesian Islands. However, the population can fluctuate depending on the time of the year due to Tahiti's tourism industry. Tahiti is divided into 12 communes, the largest being Faaa with 29,781 people. The Capital of Tahiti is Papeete.

Government System

French Polynesia has its own President, assembly, budget and laws, and has a parliamentary Representative democratic overseas government. However, Polynesians can't have their own military and are still controlled by France. French Polynesia's current president, Oscar Temaru, is strongly for independence from France, or at least more freedoms. The president is the head of the government, and of a multi-party system. The legislative power is not only held in the government but also the assembly of French Polynesia. ( all the islands meeting, and France)

Economic Activities

Tahiti's economy depends on its strong tourism industry, which accounts for about 1/4 of economic activities. They are one of the leading places for newly wed couples to go on their honeymoon! Many people are attracted to Tahiti from around the world due to its extreme beauty, it is known as " Earth's paradise". Even though Tahiti's economy is highly dependent on imports, Tahiti still has a high standard of living, with its GDP being $20,000. France has played a big role in this,being Tahiti's main trading partner. France has accounted for 40% of Tahiti's imports and 25% of Tahiti's exports.

Current and Future Issues

The hot topic in the Polynesian islands is their future with France। Current leader Oscar Temaru is discussing complete independence from France. However, if France was to give in to freedom, how will Tahiti and the other islands deal without the support of France? How will Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia's Standard of living fluctuate? Furthermore due to Tahiti's as well as the rest of French Polynesia's lack of natural resources, their economy is unsteady, Because of its dependence on imports. Tahiti's booming tourism industry is great for he economic activity, however, pollution can be an environmental issue. The bays water has been polluted from so many boats, and people. Though the pollution is cleaned up easily and consistently. But it is a hazard to wildlife, and needs to be watched.