French Polynesia

French Polynesia is made up of a group of islands in the Polynesian part of the Pacific. The main island is Tahiti. France annexed the territory in the 19th century. It has the status of an overseas territory, with a government, assembly and administration. The original inhabitants of the islands constitute 80 percent of the population. In 2005, they obtained the majority in the assembly and the presidency of the government. The economy of French Polynesia is based on agriculture, fishing and pearl-farming, with some local processing industry. The high income per capita is mostly due to transfers from the central government, and activities induced by metropolitan French. France used the territory for its nuclear testing from 1966 to 1992, and again in 1995-96. The presence of military personnel was an important economic asset for the population. However, protest against the nuclear tests has been vigourous, and has had significant international support. Independent research has brought to light the damage done to the population and the environment, which France has always denied. The tests have stopped, but actions continue to obtain recognition, reparations, truth and justice. Protestant missions were present in the area before French colonization. The former Evangelical Church of French Polynesia, which now calls itself Maohi Protestant Church, is the largest church. Maohi is the name of the people. The church has been in the forefront of the anti-nuclear struggle.