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.
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.
There are two levels of administrative divisions of French Polynesia and five administrative subdivisions (French: subdivisions administratives). Each of these is further divided into a total of 48 communes. Many of the communes are further subdivided into communes associées. The breakdown into administrative subdivisions was as a result of decree #72-408 of May 17, 1972, and the communes were thereafter established as a result of law #71-1028, dated December 24, 1971.