Go to:

French Polynesia: background*

*Background: This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.

Map