French Polynesia

SHORT INFORMATION

Religion in French Polynesia

Christianity is the main religion of the islands: a majority (54%) belong to various Protestant churches and a large minority (30%) are Roman Catholic. Slightly more than 50% of French Polynesia's population belongs to the Maói Protestant Church, the largest Protestant denomination. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had 21,884 members as of 2012.There were about 3,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Tahiti as of 2014.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Culture of French Polynesia

French Polynesia attracted many European painters and continues to support painters of island landscapes and residents. Indigenous graphic arts such as sculpture in wood, stone, and coral; the creation of hats, mats, and baskets; tattooing; the making of patchwork quilts; and decorative shell work continue to thrive. The practice of decorating bark cloth has largely disappeared, but several artists are attempting to revive this ancient art form.

SHORT INFORMATION

Education System in French Polynesia

The French Polynesian school education system is similar to that of France, not only because the medium of instruction is French, and it is compulsory there through to age 16 too. Children begin at primary school as young as age 5, and remain there for 6 years.