French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean, almost 6,000km from the east coast of Australia. It consists of 121 small islands and atolls of which approximately 75 are inhabited. The total population of French Polynesia is 282,000 (2024).  Most people (approximately 178,000) live on the island of Tahiti, home to the capital city Pape'ete and the territory’s only international airport. The islands are renowned for their stunning natural landscapes, including tranquil lagoons, expansive coral reefs, lush vegetation, waterfalls and rugged mountain peaks.

French Polynesia operates under a unique political structure. The government is headed by a President, elected by the Assembly, which consists of 57 members. The elected officials represent various political parties and are elected every five years.  

While the French Polynesian government is responsible for administration of the Territory, France is responsible for the Gendarmerie Nationale (the police) and the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia (FAPF) which includes approximately 1,000 personnel, including military, naval, and air force components. Their roles include territorial defence, maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and support for local law enforcement. In 2019, France released its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which details France’s role as a resident power in the region. The aim is to strengthen partnerships and alliances, particularly with the US, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand and other ASEAN countries, and will endeavour to play a leading role in deterrence and crisis response.